Defoe departure another Hammer blow

WEST HAM fears were realised yesterday when Jermain Defoe became the first Hammer to seek a transfer, less than 24 hours after the club’s relegation from the Premiership.

The England U-21 striker, who was an ever-present for West Ham during the season and scored 11 goals, feels he must move on in order to further his career. The 20-year-old said: "As much as I love West Ham United, I feel that now is the right time for me to move on in my career.

"This is very much a career decision. I am very ambitious and hungry to achieve at the highest levels of the game for both club and country.