Paul Kitson

Signed shortly before Andrew Cole's dramatic departure, a succession of injuries made it very difficult for Paul to become the permanent successor. He followed Arthur Cox from Derby County to Tyneside.

Although he featured as a substitute for West Ham in the early season games against Leicester and Manchester United, Paul once again spent much of the 2000-01 season in the reserve team. He had a month on loan at Crystal Palace last autumn, but failed to score in four games before returning to the Hammers second string where he netted three times in ten outings. It was a similair story in 2001-2002 but paul fell further behind in the pecking order when a young Jermaine Defoe emerged from the academy. Still a useful striker, he is capable of holding the ball up well and creating chances with his pace and persistence he was released by West Ham in the summer of 2002. He was snapped up by Brighton and Hove Albion on a years deal in August.

Paul joined Rushden & Diamonds on non-contract terms in September 2003.