December 20 2004

Darren Powell

Darren Powell's loan spell at West Ham has ended and the defender has returned to Selhurst Park.

Powell, 28, made five first-team appearances for the Hammers and scored on his debut in the 3-2 win over Watford.

West Ham decided to end the loan as defenders Malky Mackay and Christian Dailly have recovered from injury.

"Darren has done a terrific job and I'd like to thank him for all his hard work since arriving at the club," said boss Alan Pardew.

"He made his debut for us in a very difficult game at Millwall and has done very well, bringing experience and physical presence to the centre of our defence.

"Darren was brought in as cover to take us through until Christian Dailly was ready to come back and Christian is almost there now. With Malky Mackay also back to fitness after his calf injury our options at the back are looking a lot better now."