Pearce joins Keegan at Maine Road

Ken Dyer13 April 2012

West Ham have lost the services of defender Stuart Pearce and are keen to sign Metz's Sebastien Schemmel.

New manager Glenn Roeder wants to make 25-year-old full-back Schemmel his first signing since taking over at Upton Park.

Schemmel enjoyed a successful loan period at West Ham last season, acting as an effective replacement for the injured Trevor Sinclair.

Roeder is keen to finalise a £500,000 deal for the Frenchman, who was resigned to continuing his career elsewhere after former manager Harry Redknapp failed to offer him a permanent contract.

Roeder said today: "I believe he can hold his own in the Premeriship. He had a magnificent debut playing right wing-back against Charlton and probably felt hard done by when he kept getting taken off during games.

"We have spoken to Metz but I only have a certain amount of money to spend and don't want to spread it too thin. But if the deal can be done cheaply enough, he is certainly someone I will consider bringing in."

Pearce, meanwhile, has joined Kevin Keegan's Manchester City in a player-coach capacity. The 39-year-old has given a two-year deal worth £750,000 a year.

Keegan said: "I'm confident Stuart's qualities will be a great addition to the club on and off the pitch. He is a natural athlete and a great professional."

Meanwhile, West Ham striker Paolo di Canio has criticised the club's board for appointing Roeder.

"I've repeatedly voiced my concerns to them," the Italian said.

"In fact, they kept telling me how much they valued my input and experience. Well, I told them what I thought and they did the exact opposite. They listened to some of the young players at the club instead.

"Naturally I'm not too happy about this and, judging from the reaction from the fans, neither are they."

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