Irish international striker David Connolly has completed his move from Wimbledon to Division 1 new-comers West Ham for a cut-price £285,000.
Connolly, who has been capped 36 times by the Republic, has signed a three-year contract and becomes manager Glen Roeder's first signing of the summer as he seeks to rebuild his squad after several high-profile exits following the Hammers' relegation from the Premiership.
The former Feyenoord player joined Wimbledon on a free transfer from the Dutch side and claimed an impressive 42 goals in 63 league starts for the Dons over the last two seasons, and he will now once again hook up with Roeder with whom he played for while at Watford.
The player said, "I could have gone to other clubs but, because of the quality of players at West Ham, with the name and the tradition it has, all the good players that have been here over the years - and obviously the good players that are here at the moment - I chose West Ham."
Connolly is also unconcerned about the competition for places at Upton Park and said "I am a striker and I know there are very good strikers here; I know it will be a battle to get into the team but I am confident in my ability as well and whoever is playing the best and scoring goals, making goals, or working hardest for the team will play. That is fine with me; I am just there, another striker competing for a place."
Filed by Rob Wright
