Kitson

[RobbieB]

A mate at work has just told me there is a story on the West Ham website confirming we have signed Paul Kitson on a months loan.

[Les Butler]

Paul Kitson is back in the shop window after securing a loan move to Crystal Palace. He is hoping for a happier time than when he last played in south London - with Charlton.
They signed him around deadline day last season, and although he made a contribution to the Addicks' promotion push with a debut goal, he did not score again and ended up on the bench.
http://www.geocities.com/les_butler58/kitson.jpg

Charlton did not take up the option of buying the striker, and, more recently, a proposed permanent move to Birmingham fell through because of personal terms. At the time, Harry Redknapp said another club would be in for him soon, and he has been proven correct.

Palace boss Alan Smith asked Neil Ruddock, who left for Palace this summer, about Kitson, and decided to add the Geordie's experience to a young, and indeed injury hit squad. A final check was made on him in the reserve game last night against Southampton, where he played the full 90 minutes.

If he were to eventually leave permanently, it would leave the Hammers fairly short on attacking options, and could mean a striker would have to be signed quickly to replace him. Whether that player is Colchester's exciting teenager Tresor Lua Lua, however, remains to be seen.

Despite claims in some quarters that West Ham have first option on the talent who destroyed QPR with a hat trick recently, amidst suggestions that Newcastle are preparing a bid, Managing Director Paul Aldridge says:

"He has been watched, but it has not gone any further - although we will continue to monitor the situation."

With funds tight at the moment, paying a big fee for a lower league player who - despite his obvious skills - can be prone to inconsistency, would be seen as a gamble. *Grant Mcann's loan deal with Notts. County has come to an end. Mcann has a slight injury but hopes there is a chance of returning when he is fit again. The Irishman will be known to some fans who saw the pre - season friendly at Barnet, in which he scored a spectacular free kick.
http://www.geocities.com/les_butler58/kitson2.jpg


INJURIES have blighted Paul's West Ham career since he made the £2.3m switch from Newcastle.
The striker struck up a good understanding with fellow new signing John Hartson in his first season, only for his injury curse to strike again.

Competition for places at Upton park has never been greater than amongst the current squad Harry Redknapp has put together, and Paul is up against, among others, Paolo Di Canio, Davor Suker and Frederic Kanoute.

Kitson spent a spell on loan at First Division Charlton towards the end of the 1999/00 season in order to gain first team football, but the temporary switch failed to materialise into something more permanent.

Paul will be hoping all his injury worries are behind him as he strives to make a real impact on the Premiership in the new campaign.






PAUL KITSON

Born:
Date of Birth:
Height:
Weight:
Previous Clubs (Lge Apps / Gls):


League Debut:
STRIKER

Murton, Co. Durham
January 9, 1971
5' 10"
10st 12lbs
Leicester City 50 / 6
Derby County 106 / 36
Newcastle United 36 / 10
Leicester City v West Brom 9.9.89

From the West Ham web site.


[This message has been edited by Les Butler (edited 14 September 2000).]

[Les Butler]

Originally posted by RobbieB:
A mate at work has just told me there is a story on the West Ham website confirming we have signed Paul Kitson on a months loan.

Nice one RobbieB