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Wednesday, 29 November 2006, 07:33 GMT

Magnusson reveals hands-on role

By John Sinnott

Eggert Magnusson Eggert Magnusson has promised he will adopt a hands-on approach as West Ham's new owner and has confirmed he has moved to London from Iceland.

"I aim to be here all the time," West Ham chairman Magnusson told BBC Sport.

"I might have to go to meetings abroad, but I've moved permanently to London. This is my club, my baby.

"I'm here to care about this club and see that it moves in the direction I want it to move. There's no other way to do that than to be here myself."

Magnusson has been living in London for the last seven weeks since he launched his takeover bid for West Ham.

The Icelandic businessman added: "It must have been some guidance from above but I bought an apartment earlier this year - a beautiful place in South Kensington - for investment reasons, but it has come in very handy."

Americans Malcolm Glazer and Randy Lerner have adopted a different management style in their respective takeovers of Manchester United and Aston Villa

"I'm not going to let these people down"
West ham chairman
Eggert Magnusson


Florida tycoon Glazer has not watched a game at Old Trafford, and board meetings with the club's other directors are conducted by video conference.

Glazer's sons Joel and Bryan did watch Sunday's 1-1 draw with Chelsea, but this was the first time a member of the family had watched United this season.

Lerner, who is based in Cleveland, has provided money and appointed experts to run Villa on a day-to-day basis.

Magnusson described his reception at Upton Park on Saturday before West Ham went on to defeat Sheffield United as "unbelievable".

"I don't know whether you saw my reactions, but that is me and football. I cannot behave otherwise," said Magnusson.

"I wanted to buy this club as I thought this was the right time in my life to take on a new challenge.

"I need to get this club for the next stage. I wanted to be close to the people who love this club and I need them to help me to get it to the next stage.

"I'm not going to let these people down."




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Related to this story:

Comment: The Ice Man cometh (21 Nov 06 |  Football )
Magnusson 'to succeed' at Hammers (20 Nov 06 |  West Ham Utd )
Pardew keen for takeover decision (16 Nov 06 |  West Ham Utd )
Hammers 'takeover decision close' (30 Oct 06 |  West Ham Utd )

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