Allardyce lands fifth signing

West Ham have completed the capture of former Norwegian international John Carew.

The 31-year-old striker - who is understood to have signed an initial 12-month contract - became Sam Allardyce's fifth signing of the summer on Saturday night.

Speaking about his latest move - West Ham being the ninth club of an eventful career - Carew told whufc.com: "I am so pleased to be here. I am looking forward to being part of a good team here that will bring this great club back up to the Premier League again."

Although the transfer was completed too late for the 6'5" forward to be involved against Cardiff City at the Boleyn Ground tomorrow lunchtime, Carew would have been unlikely to feature anyway due to a lack of match fitness.

Chim Chim Carew: career stats

1998-99 Valerenga (Norway) P33 G14
1999-00 Rosenborg (Norway) P29 G23
2000/01 Valencia (Spain) P53 G14
2001/02 Valencia P21 G1
2002/03 Valencia P45 G13
2003/04 Roma (Italy, loan) P26 G7
2004/05 Besiktas (Turkey) P27 G14
2005/06 Lyon (France) P36 G12
2006/07 Lyon P12 G2, Aston Villa P 11 G3
2007/08 Aston Villa P33 G13
2008/09 Aston Villa P34 G15
2009/10 Aston Villa P41 G17
2010/11 Aston Villa P13 G0, Stoke (loan) P13 G2