West Ham boss Allardyce lands Taylor

Posted Saturday, July 23, 2011 by YAHOO Sport

LONDON (AFP) - West Ham boss Sam Allardyce has made his third signing since arriving at Upton Park as the Championship club landed Bolton midfielder Matt Taylor for an undisclosed fee on Saturday.

Allardyce had already swooped for Newcastle midfielder Kevin Nolan and Stoke defender Abdoulaye Faye as he looks to lead the Hammers back to the Premier League after last season's relegation under Avram Grant.

Although Taylor will be dropping down a division, the 29-year-old expects his stay in the Championship to be a short one.

"There were never any second thoughts about coming here," he told West Ham's website.

"It is a big challenge for me which I am looking forward to, to be part of helping the team get back up to the Premier League and do that as soon as possible.

"I see this as a very positive move for me. I don't expect to be playing Championship football for more than one season if I am being totally honest.

"This is a big club with a lot of heritage. It is a new challenge for me and obviously I want to be part of something special and, from the outset, it looks like I will find that here."

Taylor also admitted Allardyce's presence at Upton Park formed a key part in his decision to move to east London.

"I have had good conversations with the gaffer, he is such a positive person," he added.

"I think you can see already the aura around the place and the quality of players he has brought in to add to the players already here."