Garcia shocked by Hammer blow

Oscar Garcia is surprised by West Ham’s decision to release him after a short spell on trial with the east London club.

The Espanyol midfielder failed to land a permanent deal at Upton Park after Hammers boss Glenn Roeder felt he would struggle to cope with the rigours of the Barclaycard Premiership.

Garcia travelled back to Spain despite impressing in a pre-season friendly against Leyton Orient.

‘‘It has really surprised me, because after the game I had played against Orient, he told me not to worry and that I would be starting the next game with them on Tuesday,’’ the former Barcelona and Valencia player told Espanyol’s website.

‘‘It’s all a bit strange. The last news I had is that we were negotiating the deal. All I can say is that the decision has surprised me.’’