Eggert on Sportsweek

Eggert Magnusson appeared on Radio Five's Sportsweek this morning. You will be able to listen to the podcast of the interview by clicking on 'Football Podcasts' in the grey Grazr box on the right of this page.

Magnusson reveals on the programme that he has ambitious plans for West Ham but also that he has a knowledge of the traditions of the club. He revealed that he will be 'a hand's on' chairman and he called the club, "a sleeping giant. I can take to the next step." European competition seems very much a part of his plans for the club, "Not today, not tomorrow, not the day after. I want West Ham challenging for the European Cup. It is a necessary step."

Magnusson seems certain that Pardew is the man to help take West Ham to the next step, "He is very much part of the future of West Ham. He has ambitions, he wants to do well. I have full belief in him." Magnusson also made clear that Pardew will have full control of the team. He said he will sit down this week to talk about who Pardew would like to bring to the club and confirmed there will be money available in January for transfers.

Magnusson praised Shaun Wright-Phillips, "He is a good player. He has great possibilities to do well," and suggested that if Pardew wants him a deal might be possible, "I know Peter Kenyon well. We will just sit down and try work out the right fee."

Eggert Magnusson also confirmed in the programme that he will be talking to government ministers in the next few weeks about West Ham taking over the Olympic stadium. He says the stadium is, "my dream at the moment. It is definitely where we want to go."