Konchesky in Fulham deal

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COTTAGERS SNAP UP KONCHESKY

New Fulham signing Paul Konchesky has revealed manager Lawrie Sanchez's plans for the Craven Cottage club convinced him to leave West Ham.

Sanchez made his fifth signing of the summer by paying £2million for former England defender Konchesky.

The 26-year-old, who has been given a four-year contract, was an ever-present last season until Christmas when Alan Curbishley took over following the departure of Alan Pardew.

Left-back Konchesky, who had his differences with Curbishley at Charlton, played only two more West Ham games.

Now he will get the chance to revive his career in London and told Fulham's official website: "When I knew that Fulham were interested in me I was really pleased.

"And when I met Lawrie (Sanchez) and talked about his plans for the future here I was really impressed with what he had to say.

"It wasn't a difficult decision to make the switch across London. Obviously the club has made a few signings this window and so it's a case of us all settling in. I'm really looking forward to it."

Sanchez said: "I'm delighted Paul Konchesky has joined the influx of players that we have managed to bring here.

"His calibre as a defender has been recognised on the international stage with England and he brings a wealth of Premiership experience to our side.

"At 26, Paul's best footballing years will be spent at Craven Cottage and I am looking forward to him becoming an integral member of our side next season."

As a youngster Konchesky had trained at West Ham's academy before joining Charlton as a trainee in 1997. He became the youngest player to appear in the Addicks first team aged just 16 years and 93 days.

His spell at The Valley included a brief loan to Tottenham in 2003 and, having made 169 appearances for Charlton, he moved to West Ham in July 2005 for a fee of around £2.5million.

Konchesky, twice capped by England at full level, reached the FA Cup final in his first season with the Hammers only to lose on penalties after scoring what looked like the winner in normal time.

Im glad he join Fulham than Birmingham. good luck Paul.