Tony Gale believes that new arrival Craig Bellamy will be a
huge success at Upton Park.
The Welsh striker - signed last week in a £7.5million deal from Liverpool - impressed on his debut against Czech side Sigma Olomouc on Tuesday evening, and the former Hammers defender insists that Alan Curbishley has pulled off a real coup.
"I think it's a great signing for the Club," says Galey. "Craig is the type of player I call a haemorrhoid - a real pain in the backside!
"He is pacy, aggressive, and doesn't stop working - a nightmare for defenders. Back when I was playing, I used to hate playing against David Speedie, and Craig is very similar.
"He is permanently at you, hassling and trying to sniff out a chance, and when he gets in behind he can be very dangerous.
"We've got two strikers in Deano and Bobby who love facing up to the play with their back to the goal, now we've got that other option of a pacy forward who is lethal over 10-15 yards.
"We've got him at the right time, too. Craig has got to the stage of his career where he needs to be playing regular football and perhaps get rid of that reputation that precedes him.
"I think he was frustrated by the lack of opportunities at Liverpool last season, but there can be no doubting the level of his ability, and the chance to be the main man at West Ham will hopefully bring out the best in him.
"I also think the fans will love him," adds Galey. "He plays as though his life depends on it, and that will go down well at Upton Park. If he can add a few more goals to his game, then he will be a huge success.
The Welsh striker - signed last week in a £7.5million deal from Liverpool - impressed on his debut against Czech side Sigma Olomouc on Tuesday evening, and the former Hammers defender insists that Alan Curbishley has pulled off a real coup.
"I think it's a great signing for the Club," says Galey. "Craig is the type of player I call a haemorrhoid - a real pain in the backside!
"He is pacy, aggressive, and doesn't stop working - a nightmare for defenders. Back when I was playing, I used to hate playing against David Speedie, and Craig is very similar.
"He is permanently at you, hassling and trying to sniff out a chance, and when he gets in behind he can be very dangerous.
"We've got two strikers in Deano and Bobby who love facing up to the play with their back to the goal, now we've got that other option of a pacy forward who is lethal over 10-15 yards.
"We've got him at the right time, too. Craig has got to the stage of his career where he needs to be playing regular football and perhaps get rid of that reputation that precedes him.
"I think he was frustrated by the lack of opportunities at Liverpool last season, but there can be no doubting the level of his ability, and the chance to be the main man at West Ham will hopefully bring out the best in him.
"I also think the fans will love him," adds Galey. "He plays as though his life depends on it, and that will go down well at Upton Park. If he can add a few more goals to his game, then he will be a huge success.