The England international was signed from Birmingham City on transfer deadline day in January 2007 for an initial fee of £6m that could rise to a club record-equalling £7.5m depending on appearances.

Upson became Alan Curbishley's sixth capture, when he signed the four-and-a-half year contract that saw him move back to the top flight . Stowmarket-born Upson was spotted by Luton Town as a youngster but he played just two minutes for the club - coming on as a late 17-year-old substitute against Rotherham United in August 1996 - before Arsenal paid £2m the following year to acquire his services.

Although the 6ft 1in central defender won a Premiership title medal in 2001/02, he found his first-team opportunities limited at Highbury, and consequently went out on loan to Nottingham Forest (one appearance), Crystal Palace (seven) and Reading (14).

After making just 20 Premiership starts for the Gunners, he moved to Birmingham City for £1m in January 2003.

The eleven-times capped England Under-21 international, played a key role as Blues successfully retained their newly-acquired Premiership status and he was duly rewarded with a call-up to the full national team, making his debut in a friendly against South Africa in Durban on 22 May 2003.

Upson went on to win seven full caps under Sven-Goran Eriksson, the last of which came in a 1-0 friendly defeat by Spain at the Bernabeu stadium in November 2004. But with the likes of Rio Ferdinand and John Terry making the central defensive berths their own, he found his international chances restricted and his cause was not helped by City's subsequent relegation.

A key performer at St. Andrew's, Upson made 128 league and cup appearances for the Blues. His Hammers debut ended in disappointment, when a calf injury forced him off after just 28 minutes of the club's 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa and he hobbled away again upon his re-appearance against Tottenham Hotspur.

Playing just 41 minutes, it all added up to a disappointing baptism at the Boleyn Ground but following a solid pre-season, Upson returned to the fold on the opening day of the 2007/08 campaign and soon captained the Hammers to victory at former club Birmingham City on his fourth appearance.

His first goal for the Hammers was a crucial one - the winner in a 2-1 victory at home to champions Manchester United on 29 December. He followed that honour up with the captain's armband again for the visit of Fulham a fortnight later in the absence of Lucas Neill.

Upson's progress for club and country continued apace in 2008/09 with the defender having the honour of being the last man to wear the No6 before it was retired in memory of the late great Bobby Moore. At international level, Upson fully established himself under Fabio Capello. His 12th cap away to Germany in November 2008 brought a man of the match display and his first goal.