ALAN Pardew is delighted to have secured the signature of highly-rated attacking midfielder Gavin Williams, who has joined the Hammers from Yeovil Town for £250,000.
The 24-year-old comes with a reputation for attacking flair and scoring goals from midfield, attributes which Alan Pardew is hoping he can bring to the Hammers promotion chasing squad.
"We need to score more goals and Gavin will play an important role in that process," explained Pards. "He's a wide player with tremendous ability and vision, as well as great determination. He can play on either flank and will offer competition for Matty Etherington and Luke Chadwick.
"I'm delighted to have brought a player of his potential to the Club."
Gavin began his career at Hereford United, making 134 appearances and scoring 31 goals, before moving to Yeovil for an undisclosed fee in May 2002. He had an instant impact at Huish Park, firing Yeovil to the Conference Championship in his first season at the Club and becoming a fans favourite for his dynamic midfield play.
"Gavin won every Player of the Year award at Yeovil," added Pards, "which is a measure of his ability. Jumping up two divisions and making an instant impact is difficult for any player, but I'm confident that Gavin has the quality and the right mental approach to do well for West Ham United.
"He's a very likeable lad who is determined to do well, the type of player who just wants to play football. I'm sure he'll be an important member of our squad."
FACTFILE
Born: Merthyr Tydfill
Date of Birth: 20th July, 1980
Position: Midfield
Previous Clubs: Hereford United (Trainee), Yeovil
Town (Undisclosed Fee)
Honours: Conference Championship Winner 2003
AN exciting attacking midfielder, Gavin is full of tricks with the ball at his feet, and has helped fire Yeovil Town into the League Two promotion race this season.The 24-year-old Welshman began his career as a trainee at Hereford United, making his debut an FA Cup tie against Colchester in December 1997, aged only 17.
His attacking flare soon earned Gavin a regular place in the Hereford side, and he went on to make 134 appearances at Edgar Street, scoring an impressive 31 goals from midfield. His form caught the attention of Yeovil Town, who signed the promising youngster for an undisclosed fee in May 2002.
His goals helped fire Yeovil to the Conference Championship in just his first season at the club, and since making the step up to League football Gavin has certainly not looked out of place. The Merthyr Tydfill born midfielder made 104 appearances for the Somerset club, scoring 21 goals, and has helped them up to third place in the League Two table this season.