Why Paintsil is not Paintsil

Following a number of reports and stories in many sections of the media, West Ham United would like to clear up the apparent confusion surrounding our Ghanaian international John Pantsil over the correct spelling of his surname.

Despite John's admittance that he has spelt his surname as Paintsil in the past - including while playing for Ghana in the World Cup finals this summer - the fact remains that the spelling on his official documentation is PANTSIL.

Therefore, his work permit was issued under the name of Pantsil, he is registered with the Premier League as Pantsil, and his contract of employment at the Club is in the name of Pantsil.

For this reason, the Club have no other option but to use that spelling of John's name and, as supporters will have noticed on Saturday, that includes the official spelling on the back of his playing shirt.

Having agreed with the spelling of his name when he signed his playing contract at Upton Park last month, John has insisted he is happy for this to be the case and is now looking forward to continuing his Hammers career now that the situation has been clarified.

We hope this will put an end to the confusion!