Mullins is first in for Pardew
Alan Pardew today made his first signing as West Ham manager by landing Crystal Palace defender Hayden Mullins on a month's loan.
The 24-year-old Reading-born Mullins, who has been at Selhurst Park since 1996, has joined the Hammers with a view to a permanent £600,000 move.
The loan deal means Mullins, a former England under-21 international, can play in tonight's game against Nottingham Forest at Upton Park.
With midfielder Niclas Alexandersson having returned to Everton after rejecting a further loan spell at West Ham and central defender Ian Pearce struggling to overcome injury, Pardew is short of players.
Pardew said: "I thought it was important that we boosted the squad quickly and I made sure he is available tonight.
"The beauty of Hayden is that he can play in various positions and give us cover in a number of those.
"He is 24 and has played 250-odd First Division or Premier League games - and in my opinion this boy is a Premier League player."
