Watford's Craig Dawson completes season-long loan to West Ham with option of permanent deal

[ASFN Admin]

Craig Dawson has completed a season-long loan to West Ham with the option of a permanent deal from Watford. The 30-year-old centre-back was targeted by David Moyes to add Premier League experience to his defence after a deal for Marseille’s Duje Caleta-Car fell through before the deadline for international deals. Moyes is set to include Dawson in his plans for the weekend clash against Tottenham after assessing his fitness in training. “I’m delighted to be here and really looking forward to being back in the Premier League and working with the manager and group of lads,” Dawson said. “I’m really excited and looking ahead to the game at the weekend. “I can’t wait to get started and share my experience. We’ve got a lot of experienced lads here anyway and to be joining this group of players is an exciting prospect, so I can’t wait. “It’s a talented group and I can add competition to that back line, so hopefully I can slot straight in with the lads and help them improve their game as well. “West Ham is obviously a massive club and London Stadium is a great home stadium and hopefully the fans are back in there soon cheering us on.” Dawson was signed during the EFL extension for domestic transfers, having suffered relegation last term. Moyes has wanted to strengthen his defence at centre-back ahead of the deadline to join Vladimir Coufal, boosting competition for Angelo Ogbonna and Issa Diop in the heart of his backline defence despite their season starting to show promise with a 4-0 win against Wolves last weekend. “I know he will be a great addition to the dressing-room – he is a committed and determined character,” Moyes said. “It’s no secret that we have been trying to add more quality to the squad in defensive positions, not only for the longer-term but also to ensure we are well protected right now, and the opportunity to bring in Craig on loan was an addition that will make the group stronger through this period.”

Continue reading...