Burnley Clear Their Hines and Zavon Signs In!

As widely expected, striker Zavon Hines completed his move from West Ham to Burnley yesterday evening after signing a two year deal on a Bosman. However because the striker is under 24 and came through the Hammers youth system, the London club will be entitled to compensation. This may have to be decided by tribunal but it is thought a figure of about £250,000 could be involved.

Hines had been out of action with a number of injuries though recently and managed just 15 appearances for the Hammers last season. Burnley were clearly aware of this and the deal was delayed whilst they awaited news of a special knee scan to confirm there was no long term potential injury concern. Clearly there wasn`t and Hines was given a clean bill of health following the results of the scan!

Those hoping Hines would be given the number 57 shirt (Beanz mean Heinz, Heinz 57 variety? No? Please yourself) will be disappointed. He will now wear the Number 16 shirt.

Talking about the move, Hines said:

'I need a fresh start and I am looking forward to playing for Burnley. It's all about me playing football now.

'Burnley seems like a good club to me so it wasn't really hard to decide to come here.

'I'm not a person who talks too much. I prefer to do it on the pitch, but I think I can do a lot in the Championship for Burnley.'

Hines was born in Jamaica but has played for England's under-21 team making two appearances. The 5ft 10 tall striker known also for his pace has spent his entire career at the Boleyn Ground but did have a spell out on loan to Coventry City in 2008. He made his debut for the Hammers after returning from the loan spell Hines against Macclesfield Town in a League Cup second round match on 27 August 2008 but then injury kept him sidelined for most of the 2008-9 season. In January 2010 injury struck again and this time he required surgery to his knee. He spent nearly a year out of action before returning to the first team in November 2010. He made just 31 first team appearances for West Ham and seven on loan to Coventry scoring just 4 goals in total. Not therefore on paper a prolific goal scorer but obviously Eddie Howe has seen something that has impressed him about the player so in Eddie we trust!

Welcome aboard, Zavon. You must be pleased playing in a proper Claret & Blue shirt now!!

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