• Player’s contract due to end in the summer
• West Ham’s new owners looking to cut costs

Calum Davenport has had his West Ham contract terminated by mutual consent. The 27-year-old has not played since sustaining leg injuries in a stabbing last October, although he had recently returned to training.

“After what has been a traumatic period of time for Calum,” a West Ham spokesman said, “we feel that it would be in his best interests to allow him an opportunity to put what has been a difficult few months behind him and restart his career afresh.”

Davenport’s contract was due to expire in the summer and the two parties today reached agreement on the terms of its cancellation. “I would like to thank everyone at West Ham for their incredible support over the last six months,” said Davenport, “especially the manager and the excellent medical staff who have helped me through my recovery.

“I would like to also thank the fans for all their messages of support. I understand that there is no longer a place for me in the team and wish the team every success for the future. I am fully focused on returning to fitness and aim to be back playing football for a new club by the start of next season.”

Davenport was left with a 15in scar on his leg after allegedly being attacked by his sister’s boyfriend and required surgery. In January, the player pleaded not guilty to assaulting his pregnant sister, Cara, in the same incident. He is due to stand trial at Luton Crown Court on 2 August and is out on bail.

West Ham are three points off the relegation zone and have been looking to cut costs since the arrival of new owners David Sullivan and David Gold in January.

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• West Ham defender required life-saving surgery on legs
• ‘I am shocked and disappointed at the decision’

The West Ham United defender Calum Davenport has today been charged with assaulting his sister during an incident in which he was stabbed in both legs six times. The 26-year-old had to undergo life-saving surgery following the incident outside his home in Bedford in August.

“I am deeply shocked and disappointed at the decision,” said Davenport in a statement. “I deny any wrongdoing and will plead not guilty. For legal reasons I am unable to discuss the matter further at this time.”

He has been charged with assault causing actual bodily harm on 28-year-old Cara Davenport. A statement from Bedfordshire police read: “Mr Davenport is currently on bail to appear at Bedford magistrates’ court on 10 November.”

There had been fears after the incident that he would not play again but the centre-back, who has been left with a 15-inch scar on his leg, has been able to resume light training with West Ham. Writing on the club website recently, Davenport insisted he was feeling upbeat.

“At the moment I am still in hospital and have quite a long way to go on the road to recovery but I am feeling positive,” he said. “Thanks to the club, my team-mates and fans, to the club doctors and the amazing staff at Bedford Hospital who have looked after me so well.”

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