West Ham sign ‘Mad Dog’ Pogatetz on loan

West Ham United completed the capture of Austrian international defender Emanuel Pogatetz on loan until the end of the season.

Pogatetz has the nickname ‘Mad Dog’ after his aggressive defending won over the Middlesbrough fans during his 5-year spell with them and was confirmed a West Ham player by WHUFC.com last night.

Manager Sam Allardyce has not hidden the fact that West Ham are in the market for some defenders, with the club having to play young fullbacks Jordan Spence and Dan Potts in recent weeks, however the signing of Pogatetz will add some much-needed experience to the West Ham back line.

Pogatetz can play at either left back or center back, however considering Dan Potts picked up a head injury against Arsenal and George McCartney is still on the injury table I can see him slotting straight into that lef back position.

Speaking with WHUFC.com Pogatetz said:

I feel very good to be here and I am very excited about playing for West Ham, he told whufc.com. I am looking forward to the opportunity to play for the club and help it get good results. I will be doing my best to play well and hope I can play a part in the club achieving the targets for this season.

First of all when I heard that West Ham wanted me, I thought it was a club I wanted to play for because they are a very traditional club, with passionate supporters. Secondly, it was good for to have the opportunity to come back and play in England. This is the football I want to play and I have missed playing here, I want to show what I am still capable of after five years playing in Middlesbrough.

Pogatetz has over 50 caps for the Austrian national team and currently captains them so has a good pedigree, I am sure you will join me in welcoming Emanuel to the club for the rest of the season and I hope he can add some added grit and desire to our defence.