Gary O’Neil has vowed to fight to keep West Ham in the Barclays Premier League after completing his £2million switch from Middlesbrough.
The midfielder has signed a two-and-a-half year deal at Upton Park as they battle to retain their top-flight status.
The former Hammers academy player, who has worked with coaches Avram Grant, Paul Groves and David Coles at Portsmouth, said: ‘I am really pleased to sign.
'It all happened very quickly. I played for Middlesbrough at the weekend and didn’t know anything was going to happen. It has all gathered pace since then. There was also a big rush to do it quickly when they realised I wasn’t cup-tied.
‘I enjoyed my time at Middlesbrough, the fans and staff were really good but it has been difficult time on the pitch. It is nice to be back in the Premier League and play at the top level, which everyone wants to do. I am London born so it is good to come home.
‘It is great that the club have such a massive game to look forward to. I haven’t trained yet with the team so it is up to the manager of course if he wants to use me. I will take it one step at a time but it is a big game and it could be a case of straight in at the deep end if involved.
‘I’ve watched the team a lot this season. I know Avram, Grovesy and Colesy from Portsmouth. It is a great side with top players but they just suffered from a tough start. I know we have enough quality to get out of it. I have been in a couple of relegation battles, including at Portsmouth, so hopefully that experience will help.
O’Neil, who follows Wayne Bridge through the door at Upton Park, will bolster a West Ham midfield alongside Scott Parker, Mark Noble and Jonathan Spector, while Germany international Thomas Hitzlsperger is close to finally making his debut after an injury-plaugued start to his spell at east London.