Parker cites fan appreciation as a reason for signing West Ham deal
Published:Scott Parker has ended any speculation that he will leave West Ham in the near future by signing a new contract that will keep him at the club until 2014.
Rumours were rife ahead of the transfer window closing that the midfielder was a chief target of Tottenham, with Harry Redknapp having an offer turned down for the 29-year-old.
However, he has now signed a four-year deal and is likely to be one of West Ham’s most influential players as they face a possible battle from relegation in the Premier League this season.
Parker said: “Everyone knows I enjoy playing more football here. I really want to stay here, give it a shot and see what can happen. I just want to do the best for West Ham.
“I think if you asked any player, the most important thing is feeling welcome and being appreciated by the fans. I must say that for me personally as a player that is one thing I do feel. The fans show that every Saturday.”
Meanwhile, injury-prone midfielder Kieron Dyer could also be offered a new deal to stay at the Hammers, assuming he can prove his fitness over the course of the season.
Dyer has recently started successive league games for West Ham for the first time in three years.
West Ham currently sit bottom of the Premier League on no points from their opening three games and this has seen them shorten to 7/4 to be relegated to the Championship this season.
After playing Manchester United in their last game, things do not get any easier for West Ham as they host leaders Chelsea next and they are 8/1 to take the three points.
Chelsea are 1/3 to maintain their 100 per cent start to the campaign, with the draw at 4/1. See the whole West Ham vs Chelsea match betting market.
