By Longsider
January 14 2004

Latest on transfers, news and cup progressions involving Division 1 sides. David Seaman's retirement has meant that another big name player has left West Ham. David James is the latest player to leave Upton Park following David Seaman's recommendation that the England number 1 should replace him at Manchester City. The size of the fee remains a mystery but West Ham manager Alan Pardew had this to say on the club's official website

"While you never like to see a player of David's quality leave your club this is a move which, when you look at the bigger picture, is suitable for all parties. From our point of view, and I feel sure our supporters will understand this, we had to bring in some revenue to reinvest in the playing staff before it was too late. I was not prepared to just shrug my shoulders and let things drift along and positive action had to be taken to move things forward."

"The fact is that the money from this transfer will fund the acquisition of players that I feel will increase our chances of promotion at the first attempt - and that is the sole reasoning behind my agreeing to it. Obviously people will have to wait and see who those players are, but I am confident that in the long run, disappointed as we are to be losing an England international, this move will benefit the club. I am looking to bring in another keeper, and I am also looking to strengthen the outfield to a considerable degree so we can move forward as soon as possible."


James isn't the only big money move with Wigan finally completing the signing of Jason Roberts from West Brom. The Lactics had agreed a fee with West Brom in the Summer but he choose to go to Portsmouth on loan. The move never really worked out for Roberts and he has now agreed to join Wigan for a club record fee in the region of £2 million.

Gillingham who lost Paul Shaw to Sheffield United have replaced him with Patrick Agyemang from Wimbledon with the fee remaining undisclosed.

Daniel Dichio has once again moved after falling out of favour at West Brom. The striker who played for Derby in their win over the Clarets has joined Millwall on loan.

Cardiff signed Paul Parry from Hereford last week for £75,000 whilst Derby captured Rob Edwards on loan from Aston Villa. Kevin Cooper(Wolves) is the one other player who has moved to a club in this Division, this month, with his loan spell at Sunderland confirmed last week.

The FA Cup last night saw Preston knock out Reading, Wimbledon win at Stoke and Rotherham beaten at home by Northampton. The results mean that there are just 13 teams from 1st Division left in the competition and this figure will probably be reduced tonight with Watford travelling to Chelsea.