CRAIG DAWSON is a permanent West Ham player as a huge bonus from Monday’s thrilling win at Wolves.
The defender completed the required 15 Premier League appearances of 45 minutes or more in the terms of his loan deal from Watford in the 3-2 victory that put The Irons fourth.
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It means Dawson’s one year temporary contract now automatically becomes a two year fixed contract for a knockdown fee of £2.2 million.
Dawson, 30, said: “Coming to West Ham has been a great move for myself, and it is a privilege to play for a Club with such rooted traditions.
“The squad has a real togetherness, team spirit and great quality. I’m excited for what my future at the Club may hold and the potential for what we as a Club can go on to achieve.”
Dawson signed on the eve of last summer’s transfer deadline and had to wait until late December to make his Premier League debut. He has been a key figure in the defence ever since.
West Ham boss David Moyes said: “Craig’s performances, attitude and the impact he’s demonstrated why he deserves a permanent deal. He arrived with a wealth of Premier League experience and that’s been really important to us.
“He had to be patient but he’s come in and grabbed his opportunity with both hands. We are always looking to improve the squad and Craig joining us permanently certainly does that.”
In Dawson’s 15 Premier League starts, West Ham have won nine, lost three and kept five clean sheets to maintain their challenge for a top-four finish.
In more good news, forward Jesse Lingard has overcome an injury scare and will be available for Sunday’s home game against top four rivals Leicester.
Lingard appeared to pull a hamstring in the second half of the game in which he scored a stunning solo goal – but it has turned out to be just cramp.
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