Matthew Upson has revealed his delight at returning to the
Premiership after becoming a deadline day arrival for West Ham
United.
The 27-year-old central defender completed his move from Birmingham City for an initial fee of £6million just hours before the close of the January transfer window and, after a less than comfortable departure from St Andrews, admits that he is just relieved to be looking forward to a future at Upton Park.
"It was a bit unexpected after all that had gone on," says Matthew, "but I'm very pleased that the deal is now done. I feel it is a very positive move for me and I am delighted to be back playing in the Premiership again.
"The situation with Birmingham was a difficult one, but this was a fantastic opportunity for me and I'm delighted to be a West Ham United player. The club may not be in a comfortable position at the moment but I am sure that will change soon.
"I've experienced championship races and relegation battles in my career, so I'm no stranger to this kind of problem. I had a similar situation when I joined Birmingham four years ago, but then I was very much a different player at a different stage in my career, when it was all about trying to prove myself at the top level.
"I like to think that I've done that now. I've come here to get better and better, and hopefully enjoy the best years of my career. Physically and mentally, I am in the best shape of my life and will continue to progress.
"I feel that I'm now coming closer and closer to where I want to be personally. Obviously you can never stop learning or improving, but the experiences I've had in football mean that I feel 100% ready for this challenge.
"A lot of people will look at negative side, with the position the team are currently in, but I like to look at the positive side," he adds. "It is a club with great history and tradition, and clearly has the backing and ambition now to become one of the biggest in the Premiership.
"I believe that is a realistic target over the next two or three years and I am looking forward to the exciting challenge that is in front of me now."
Manager Alan Curbishley says: "I'm delighted that we have brought Matthew to the Club. He is a player I have admired for a long time and someone who, once again, has demonstrated that he wants to be a part of the Club and its future.
"He has got the experience, the personality and, above all, is a very good player. I'm sure our fans will see that, and I am sure he will play a big part between now and the end of the season."
*Look out for more exclusive reaction from Matthew Upson on whufc.com on Thursday morning.
The 27-year-old central defender completed his move from Birmingham City for an initial fee of £6million just hours before the close of the January transfer window and, after a less than comfortable departure from St Andrews, admits that he is just relieved to be looking forward to a future at Upton Park.
"It was a bit unexpected after all that had gone on," says Matthew, "but I'm very pleased that the deal is now done. I feel it is a very positive move for me and I am delighted to be back playing in the Premiership again.
"The situation with Birmingham was a difficult one, but this was a fantastic opportunity for me and I'm delighted to be a West Ham United player. The club may not be in a comfortable position at the moment but I am sure that will change soon.
"I've experienced championship races and relegation battles in my career, so I'm no stranger to this kind of problem. I had a similar situation when I joined Birmingham four years ago, but then I was very much a different player at a different stage in my career, when it was all about trying to prove myself at the top level.
"I like to think that I've done that now. I've come here to get better and better, and hopefully enjoy the best years of my career. Physically and mentally, I am in the best shape of my life and will continue to progress.
"I feel that I'm now coming closer and closer to where I want to be personally. Obviously you can never stop learning or improving, but the experiences I've had in football mean that I feel 100% ready for this challenge.
"A lot of people will look at negative side, with the position the team are currently in, but I like to look at the positive side," he adds. "It is a club with great history and tradition, and clearly has the backing and ambition now to become one of the biggest in the Premiership.
"I believe that is a realistic target over the next two or three years and I am looking forward to the exciting challenge that is in front of me now."
Manager Alan Curbishley says: "I'm delighted that we have brought Matthew to the Club. He is a player I have admired for a long time and someone who, once again, has demonstrated that he wants to be a part of the Club and its future.
"He has got the experience, the personality and, above all, is a very good player. I'm sure our fans will see that, and I am sure he will play a big part between now and the end of the season."
*Look out for more exclusive reaction from Matthew Upson on whufc.com on Thursday morning.