Pards delighted to capture Cole

Alan Pardew has revealed his delight at adding another talented English forward to his squad following the arrival of Carlton Cole today.

The former Chelsea star joins Marlon Harewood, Dean Ashton, Bobby Zamora and Teddy Sheringham in the striking department at Upton Park and, with a UEFA Cup campaign to look forward to next season, the Hammers boss admits that another option in attack will serve the Club well.

Pards says: "This is a great coup for West Ham United. Several clubs came in for Carlton and it is a great compliment to what we have achieved here, that he has signed for us.

"Carlton is a powerful, skilful striker and brings another option to our forward line as we embark on a new season and a European campaign.

"In my view, despite England Under 21 honours, he has not achieved his full potential yet and that is part of the excitement of signing a player like this. I believe we can bring the best out of him and make him a great asset to West Ham United.

"He will also fit in very quickly with the squad because he knows players like Anton Ferdinand and Nigel Reo Coker from his trips with the young England players.

"I am delighted to have Carlton on board, but our search for new players is not over and I want our supporters to know there will be more signings in the coming weeks."