Shaun "Mr. Reliable" Newton has signed a new two-year contract with the Hammers. The 29-year-old said, "I'm delighted to have my immediate future secured at West Ham United. I've really enjoyed my time with the Club so far, and hopefully that will continue as we all look forward to attacking the Premiership." He added, "The supporters have been absolutely brilliant as well, and the celebrations in Cardiff and again at Upton Park after the promotion are scenes that will stay with me for a long time."

So that's good news. Other good news is that the club have confirmed interest in South African striker Benni McCarthy, who of course currently plays for Porto. Paul Aldridge said, "I can confirm that McCarthy is on a list of possible signings. We have received the information from one of our scouts, but we are still in a very premature phase and we have not officially spoken with anybody." I shudder to think what McCarthy would cost us, but his signature would be a monumental coup. The thought of Benni, Marlon, Bobby and Teddy tearing up Premiership defences is certainly a tantalising one. Who would you bench with a lineup like that?

Now for news which is not so happy. West Ham's longtime servant and close friend Steve Lomas is almost certain to finally leave the club. Looks like he'll be heading to Preston or Hearts. Despite having a year left on his contract, Lomy has apparently been told by Pardew that he is no longer part of his plans. A little sad, yes, but I agree that he would be a bit too far down the pecking order to be fair to him. The Northern Irish battler has been a stalwart since 1997, and has one year left on his contract.

Andy Melville may be leaving, but probably not to Swindon Town. West Ham were going to loan or sell the 36-year-old to Swindon but apparently the League One club can't afford him if we don't subsidise his wages. I remember wondering at the time why Pardew signed him on more than a one year contract, and I'm still wondering...