Lee Bowyer was today attempting to leave his controversial
past behind him by starting a ``labour of love'' in his bid to
keep West Ham in the Premiership.
Even by his own standards, Bowyer had an eventful day yesterday,
not only receiving a six-match European ban, but also signing
for the Hammers, whom he supported as a youngster.
The midfielder, who was punished by UEFA for stamping on the
head of Malaga's Gerardo in a UEFA Cup tie in an ``act of
serious assault'', has had a chequered past involving a positive
drugs test while at Charlton and court cases.
However, following his arrival at Upton Park from Leeds for a
cut-price fee of about £300,000, as he was out of contract this
summer, he pleaded to be judged solely on his footballing
ability.
``At the end of the day, I'm a footballer and I am coming here
to play football, so I want to be judged on that,'' he
maintained.
``I just get on with it and let my football do the talking. I
just want to get on with working hard.''
Bowyer will reportedly earn a bonus of up to £1million if he
helps to keep West Ham in the Premiership and then signs a
two-year deal with the club.
However, he insists he will have no problems in motivating
himself as he prepares for his first training session at his new
club ahead of making his debut against Newcastle on Saturday.
``It has dragged on a bit but I am here now and I can't wait to
get going. There were a few clubs that came in but West Ham was
the most appealing to me,'' he declared.
``I said when I was to leave Leeds it was going to take
something special - and there's nothing more special than coming
to the team you have supported as a kid.
``I can't be any happier than I am at the moment. I am back with
family and friends to play with the club I supported as a kid
and I am going to try and help us avoid relegation.
``I think it is a good challenge and I wouldn't like to see the
club go down, so if I have got the chance to come here and help
in any way I can, I am going to do it. I am following my
heart.''
Although West Ham are bottom of the table, Bowyer, who grew up
in East London, insisted there is no problem with their team
spirit.
Indeed, he is relishing the prospect of joining fellow England
internationals Trevor Sinclair, Joe Cole and Michael Carrick in
midfield.
``Michael, Joe, and Trevor are outstanding players and I hope
they could become England regulars - and me as well,'' he said
in an interview released on the club's website last night.
Bowyer, who was not unveiled in public, added: ``Glenn Roeder
said they're a great bunch of lads here, who work hard and whose
heads won't go down.
``They just keep going and going and he said by bringing me in,
it will hopefully give the other boys a lift and help us avoid
relegation.
``I said I was up for it and pleased to be here. It will be like
winning something if we stay up. Hopefully this will put a smile
back on my face because I have been injured and it has been
disappointing.''
Because of his recent Achilles injury, Bowyer is not certain of
actually starting Saturday's game at Upton Park, although he
will surely be involved in the game at some stage.
``My injury is still a bit sore but it'll be fine. I still get
the odd twinge but you just get on with it. Hopefully it is all
behind me now and this is a fresh start,'' he declared. |
