Roeder signs Hutchison

Don Hutchison: He is heading back to West Ham

West Ham have completed the signing of Don Hutchison from Sunderland for a club-record fee of £5m.

Hutchison passed a medical and rejoins the club he left five years ago.

The player, currently on international duty with Scotland, said: "Glenn [Roeder] likes to play football like all West Ham managers have done, and I hope we can turn that into winning football as well."

Hutchison is desperate to improve on his last stint at Upton Park - and he believes he is a more experience and mature player now.

Don's signing underlines our determination to get the very best

Paul Aldridge

"I was only a kid, a bit immature and I've grown up a lot over the years," said the 30-year-old.

"I needed the kick up the backside when I went to Sheffield United - we were bottom of the First Division."

And he is convinced the Hammers will not be dragged into a battle for Premiership survival and could even be challenging for honours.

"I have followed West Ham from a distance since I left and a lot of my mates are West Ham fans," Hutchison said.

"I hope we can win something this year and give the fans something to shout about.

"Hopefully the next few years will be the best of my career. I wouldn't have come if I thought it was going to be a relegation battle."

Hammers managing director Paul Aldridge said: "We are delighted that patience has paid off and that Don is returning to the club.

"Don's signing underlines our determination to get the very best, and hopefully there will be more good news for our supporters in the not too distant future."