Paulista Opts to Stay!

Whilst the main part of the squad, minus the walking wounded, are enjoying a six day warm weather break in Dubai, but still putting in the hard work on the training pitch, one man has opted to stay behind..

Although given the chance to go, Wellington Paulista has volunteered to stay behind in the icy conditions that are currently all around us. It seems the Brazilian would rather hone his match fitness by playing in the development squad game against Southampton this Friday.

Having already scored 3 times for the B-team in three matches, Paulista is settling into life at Upton Park with an insider offering the following quotes to the red-top media,

"Everyone was a bit surprised to hear about Wellington turning down the chance to go."

"He plays for a top-six side in Brazil but has come to West Ham to prove himself. And he is happy to do that in front of 300 fans for the reserves to do so."

"He`s 28 and in his youth scored against Barcelona at the Nou Camp so he knows what the big time is."

"He says staying here will help make him fitter and reckons playing for the reserves will get him fitter than going to Dubai."

"This boy could surprise a few people."

We sincerely hope so because when Carroll and Chamakh`s loan spells are up, and if we don`t decide to purchase either of them, our limitations up front are blatantly obvious.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.