Happy Zamora reveals Spurs pain

The England Under-21 star made the switch to Upton Park during the transfer window as part of the deal that took Jermain Defoe to White Hart Lane, and made an instant impression on Hammers fans by scoring on his debut at Bradford.

However, the ex-Brighton hit-man has conceded that while he is delighted to have moved back to his home patch of East London, he still bears a grudge towards Spurs chief David Pleat.

"It's not easy to forget what happened there (Spurs)," Zamora stated.

"Pleat came in and never gave me the opportunity. It's all about if your face fits.

"The gaffer (Alan Pardew) here is putting together a good young side, and we're all gagging to play in The Premiership.

"Hopefully that's where we'll be next season.

"I feel tremendous. This move feels like coming home because West Ham are my local club. I grew up supporting them.

"Coming on as a sub when we were 1-0 down, notching a goal and then going home with three points - that has got to be a dream debut."

Hammers boss Pardew was quick to lavish praise on his recent acquisition, and insisted that he would never have let Defoe depart Upton Park if he could not have secured Zamora as part of the deal.

"I'd never have let Defoe go if I could not have got Bobby as part of the deal," declared the former Reading coach.

"There is no way I would sell a future England striker without getting a big fee and a top drawer replacement in return."