Waking the Giant

Last updated : 30 July 2007 By Barney French
"There were a lot of clubs after me in the summer, but after speaking to Mr Magnusson I know West Ham are a sleeping giant.

"Magnusson really wants to go for it. You can see it in his eyes - he wants to make West Ham a top club in England and he's not scared to buy players. He wanted me to help him build this team and I wanted to be part of it.

"For me to leave Arsenal it had to be something really special. But the way he approached me and told me what he wants to do with this club made up my mind. It is going to be great."