Fri Jul 4 21:37:51 2008

Comment | Email | Print

West Ham signs Icelandic teen defender

---

London, England (Sports Network) - West Ham United manager Alan Curbishley has made Icelandic teenager Holmar Orn Eyjolfsson his first capture of the summer.

The 17-year-old defender moves to Upton Park on a long term contract from HK Kopavogur after impressing on a trial with the Premier League side in February.

"I am really happy to sign for West Ham," he told the club's official website. "I have heard of many good players that have come from the club's academy.

"When I was on trial in February I really enjoyed the tempo and style of training and it helped me take my talent to the next level."

"It is obviously very scary to move away from my family, but it is my dream to play in England and what I have always wanted to do, so that outweighs any apprehension I had about moving here.

"Playing for the Iceland Under-21s has been the best experience for me and I am so grateful to the coach for giving me that opportunity as it has helped me develop my game so much quicker. I am sure that is part of the reason West Ham signed me."

Meanwhile, young Czech goalkeeper Marek Stech has signed a new five-year contract with the Hammers.

(Courtesy of sportbox.tv)