Dons swoop for Hammer McCallum

Birmingham City have bolstered their striking options with the signing of West Ham's Robert Hall.

The 19-year-old striker has agreed a loan deal which will see him remain at St Andrews until January 12th, with an option for that to be extended.

The England Under 19 international has previously enjoyed loan stints at Milton Keynes Dons and Oxford United.

Birmingham boss Lee Clark was delighted, saying: "Rob is a very quick-footed attacker who has got great ability to go past defenders and creates great opportunities for himself and others.

"He's also got a great strike of the ball so I'm looking forward to working with him and he's excited about the challenge.

"It was quite a coup getting Rob because he's been doing really well in the development squad at West Ham which has got him on the bench for most of the season in the Premier League.

"I have got to thank Sam Allardyce for allowing this one to happen. In all honesty, I didn't think he'd allow Rob to come as he's been a big part of their squad but thankfully he has. We're now looking forward to working with him."

The 25-year-old is reunited with Michael Appleton, who managed the former Dagenham man at Portsmouth earlier this season.

Thomas scored three times for Pompey in six games before returning to Bournemouth, but has found his first-team opportunities limited at the Goldsands Stadium, making just one substitute appearance.

And with the Cherries re-signing Brett Pitman from Bristol City on loan, Thomas has made the move to the Seasiders until the New Year.

The England Under-19 winger, who has yet to make a first-team appearance, will stay at Valley Parade for two months and will go straight into the squad for the weekend game at Bristol Rovers.

Turgott, a regular this season for the Hammers development squad, has played for England Under-16's and 17's and has made five appearances for John Peacock's Under-19's, scoring three goals.

The 19-year-old has joined on a short-term deal which will keep him at the Dons until January 1. He is eligible to face MK Dons in the FA Cup.

Ardley has also brought in former Kettering Town midfielder Ryan Hervel, who has signed on a short-term deal as he has been without a club.

"We have a busy period coming up and we are in a dogfight. Good players like this do not become available too often so we have to utilise them," Ardley told the club's official website.

"We have had rave reviews about Paul. I have had contacts ringing me up and telling me how good a player he is and I have spoken to Ian Hendon, his U21s manager at West Ham, and he believes Paul will be ideal for us. He is a big, strong lad, who links the play up well.

"Ryan was at Kettering at the start of the season, but he had to leave due to financial problems at the club. With us having so many loan players, it was a good opportunity to sign Ryan, who was without a club.

"I watched Ryan at the Bailey Elite Academy and he has very good qualities, which can help us out. It is also a chance for Ryan to prove himself before January."