Paul's Hammers Homecoming

WEST Ham United's latest summer capture, England international full-back Paul Konchesky, is no stranger to the Hammers.

Despite spending the majority of his career at London neighbours Charlton Athletic the 24-year-old in fact began his career as a youth team player at West Ham United and confessed his joy at finally arriving back at Upton Park.

"It's a dream come true, absolutely fantastic," he beamed after signing a long-term deal with Alan Pardew's men. "As a young lad I was a mad West Ham fan and in fact I played for the Club when I was younger.

"There are a few familiar faces about. I played with Bobby Zamora in the youth team and also for our club side Senrab before we went our separate ways, so it's great to see him again.

"To play for the team you've always supported is a big dream for any player and to come back to West Ham United and get the chance to play for them in the Premiership is unbelievable.

"I actually don't think it's sunk in yet and it probably won't until I get back into pre-season training and meet all the boys.

"But this is a great club and I think I'll settle in pretty quick."

Konchesky has played his entire career in the Premiership and made close to 200 first-team appearances for Charlton and Tottenham, where he spent three months on loan in 2003.

It's that top-flight experience that the Barking-born defender is hoping to bring to Alan Pardew's side.

"Hopefully I can help a few of the young players with my experience," he said. "But the squad is full of experienced players with the likes of Teddy Sheringham and I just want to work hard and hopefully impress the fans at Upton Park.

"There are a lot of young, enthusiastic players in the squad as well and I think we've got a good blend of youth and experience.

"It's going to be tough, and I think the manager is looking to add one or two more new faces before the start of the season.

"But this is a real strong group of players and if we play well as a team then we'll have a great chance of not only surviving in the Premier League, but also taking the Club forward over the new few seasons."

Having been part of the Charlton set-up since his debut for the Addicks back in 1997, it was a big decision for Paul to swap the Valley for Upton Park. And it was a meeting with manager Alan Pardew which convinced Konchesky to return home to East London.

"I had a good meeting with Alan," he revealed. "To be honest he boosted me up and gave me confidence in myself that maybe I haven't had recently.

"I was definitely impressed with the way he set out his plans for the Club and the way he saw me as a part of that.

Paul also has fond memories of playing at Upton Park, for it was at the Boleyn Ground in February 2003 that he won his only full England cap to date against Australia. It's a tally he's hoping to increase with the Hammers.

"Obviously it's a dream for me to get back into the England set-up," he said, "and this is a great chance for me to do that if I play well.

"But first and foremost, I've come here to play and do my best for West Ham United and that's the aim at the moment.

"Right now I just can't wait to get started and show what I can do."