Hammers handed contract boost

Jonathan Spector has signed a new three-year contract with West Ham, keeping him with the club until summer 2011.

The 22-year-old, who moved to Upton Park from Manchester United in 2006, has been out of action since April because of a hip injury but has been offered the chance to extend his stay with the club.

The American international has made 55 appearances for the Hammers and was happy to pen a new deal.

Spector, who can play at full-back or centre-half, has yet to feature under Gianfranco Zola but is impressed with how the manager has established himself at Upton Park.

The defender told ESPN: "He's had an impact on the club since he's returned to English football, and I think it's a positive impact.

"I think we're playing much better football, and I think that in the long run it's going to pay off."