Shaaban loaned to West Ham

Shaaban loaned to West Ham

Date: 17-1-2003
Wrote: EP's reporter Islam Issa

In some breaking news, EP can reveal that Rami Shaaban has joined London based 1st Division club West Ham United, on loan. The Egyptian goalkeeper made a good name for himself while he could at Arsenal, and this move will see him in action more.

The Hammers, who were relegated from the Premier League last year despite entertaining the crowds, have signed two players today. Rami Shaaban wasn't the only player signed, as Andy Melville of Fulham was bought in exchange for Ian Pierce and should assist Rami in keeping his sheets clean.

Rami Shaaban's contract is initially for only one month. He will play at West Ham for this month, and should things go well he may renew for another few. This short term loan has been greeted at Upton Park, after their goalkeeper was sold just days ago. West Ham sold the England number one David James to Manchester City, who needed a replacement after the sudden retiring of David Seaman.

Managing Director of West Ham Paul Aldridge said to the official club site, "We are very grateful to David Dein and Arsenal for their assistance in allowing us to take Rami Shaaban this week. He has signed for an initial one month loan."

West Ham's legendary defender who stopped playing in 1994 said regarding Shaaban, "I have seen Rami play for Arsenal; he is not a bad goalie and he has got that vital thing that Stephen (2nd keeper) hasn't, which is experience in case things go wrong." He did however state that Rami could be challenged for a place in the team, as Stephen Bywater could be the right man to stay in goal.

Shaaban is expected to see more action at West Ham than Arsenal, and it has been stated by the club that he will be available this weekend! As well as this, he is eligible to play in the FA Cup with the Hammers, and their Fourth Round game is away to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Rami's thoughts will come next on EgyptianPlayers.com...

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Read Egyptianplayers.com reports on Rami Shaaban in Professionals page 2
Read older reports on Rami in Rami Shaaban's page
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