Bowyer back at West Ham

FA Cup finalists West Ham United FC have re-signed midfield player Lee Bowyer on a free transfer as they prepare for a return to European football.

'Desperate'
The 29-year-old previously spent six months with the club in the first part of 2003 but left for Newcastle United FC after their relegation from the English Premiership. West Ham returned to the top flight last season and just missed out on winning the FA Cup with a penalty shootout defeat against Liverpool FC. However, they have at least qualified for the UEFA Cup where they will start in the first round. After agreeing a three-year contract Bowyer, a boyhood West Ham fan, said: "I am desperate to do well for West Ham. I loved my time at Newcastle but this is my club. I didn't play well last time. I had a bad ankle injury and kept playing on it which was to nobody's benefit. I see this as unfinished business - I want to show the Hammers fans what I can do.” As part of the deal, Newcastle will receive a share of any sell-on fee.