Řepka ready for Sparta return

High hopes
The 32-year-old will move home for a reported €700,000 after the Premiership club’s fixture against Fulham FC a week on Monday, with West Ham still looking for a suitable replacement. Řepka has been keen to leave London as his family have already returned to Prague. "I don't feel that I will be a saviour, but I want to help Sparta back to the top," said Řepka, who will have a contract until 2009.

Zábavník signing
Czech champions Sparta are keen to strengthen their defence after having the joint-worst defensive record in the first half of the season, conceding 27 goals in 16 games to sit ninth in the table. The club, who are eliminated from European football, have already signed Slovakia defender Radoslav Zábavník, 25, from PFC CSKA Sofia.

Leadership skills
Right-back Řepka's imminent arrival has delighted Sparta coach Stanislav Griga. "He is the cornerstone for our squad and I hope that he will help us not only on the pitch but also in the dressing room." Řepka, capped 46 times by his country but not since 2001, left Sparta for ACF Fiorentina in 1998 and spent three years in Italy before beginning his four-and-a-half year spell with West Ham.