Planet Swans ArchivesByrne signed professional terms at West Ham at the start of the 1999/2000 season and made his debut for the club as a substitute at Newcastle at the beginning of 2000. A months loan followed with Bristol Rovers where he made 4 appearances (1 of them as substitute) before returning to London. Since his return he has made two appearances for the Hammers – September 2001 as a sub against Everton in the Premiership and August 2003 in a league cup win over Rushden (again as a sub)
He has won youth honours with the Republic of Ireland and picked up an injury in the 2001/2002 season which kept him out for a period of time. He was given a new contract at Upton Park in 2002 despite his injury problems but expressed at the time a desire to go out on loan.
In much the same way as Leon Britton was unable to force his way into the first team despite many of West Ham’s stars moving on Byrne has found a place impossible to secure although he has featured regularly with the reserves this season. West Ham have also agreed that Byrne will be available if needed for Swansea’s FA Cup tie against Tranmere on 14 February.
I have to question the move for such an inexperienced player at this moment but we can only hope that the move proves to be beneficial for the club. Flynn’s record in the loan market is 50/50 in the main and for every Leon Britton and Alan Tate there has been a Brian Cash and Danny Nardiello. Byrne should want to prove himself at Swansea but with just seven appearances and only three starts under his belt in five years as a pro then the logic does seem questionable?
Byrne will go straight into the squad to face Mansfield at Field Mill on Saturday and will be hopeful of a league debut for the Swans. Lets hope he does a job but its certainly a case of remaining to be convinced
