GEORGE MCCARTNEY has said he made the move back to Sunderland for family reasons.

The Northern Ireland international returns to the Wearsiders following a two-year stay with West Ham, agreeing a five-year contract.

And he admitted his decision to make the switch back to the north-east was influenced by personal reasons.

"I had two great seasons with West Ham and I'd like to thank them for giving me the opportunity to play for a club with the history they have and their fantastic supporters," McCartney told West Ham's official website.

"But for personal reasons alone, this is the right move for me.

"My wife, Elaine, didn't settle in London and Sunderland offered me the chance to return to the north-east, where I spent ten years after joining the club as a youngster.

"I'd like to wish West Ham and Alan Curbishley all the very best of luck."

McCartney was the most consistent outfield performer at Upton Park last season, featuring in every league and cup game and finishing runner-up in the club's player of the year awards behind keeper Robert Green.

He looked to have sealed his long-term future at the club in the summer, after initially rejecting a £4.5million move to Sunderland and penning a new five-year contract.

However, he handed in a written transfer request recently and the Black Cats improved offer - believed to be in the region of £5.5million - was subsequently accepted by the West Ham board.

Hammers chief executive Scott Duxbury said: "We had no intention of selling George McCartney but it became clear in the last couple of days after he handed in a written transfer request that he was desperate to move on for family reasons.

"Once Sunderland came in with an improved offer, we decided the deal was in the best interests of all parties."

McCartney's depature leaves a gaping hole at the east London club, who - having failed to bring in a replacement before the transfer window closed last night - are now without a recognised senior left-back at the club.