Kieron Dyer has expressed his delight at finally clinching a move to West Ham.
The Ipswich-born midfielder had previously expressed a wish to return south in order to be closer to his young children - comments which left some Hammers fans questioning his desire to play for the club.But 28-year-old Dyer - who cost the Hammers around £7m - told today how he was happy to move to East London as he was joining a club 'going places'.
Speaking to whufc.com this afternoon, he said:
"I think it was well documented that I wanted to be nearer to my family, but I also see West Ham as a Club that is really going places. They have shown great ambition with the players they have brought in.
"A lot of the players that have signed have a bit of a point to prove - as have the players who came so close to relegation last season. Everyone shares that hunger - which can only be a good thing.
"A couple of weeks ago I thought it was the end of the move and I was devastated. But thankfully the two clubs have come to an agreement and I am finally a West Ham player."
Dyer is likely to be thrust straight into the side to face Birmingham on Saturday afternoon, just 48 hours after his capture was confirmed.
However that is not a situation that phases him.
"One of my strengths is my ability to hit the ground running, so even though I have had a bit of a stop start pre-season if the manager asks me to play at Birmingham on Saturday I would be totally up for the challenge," he added.
"I think the gaffer sees me as quite a versatile player who can play through the centre. But if I am required to step in to cover for any of the wide players that would be okay because I am comfortable on the left or the right - and happy at full-back as well."
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