New West Ham United signing Darren Randolph has said that he has a sense of "excitement" after agreeing to join the Premier League side.
The Republic of Ireland goalkeeper turned down the offer of a new contract with Birmingham City in order to have a chance at top flight football next season, resulting in him moving to Upton Park on a free.
The 28-year-old told West Ham's website: "My initial reaction to joining West Ham is excitement. It was a tough decision turning down Birmingham's offer of a new contract because of the second part of the season we had and the team we had built.
"They are a great group of lads and staff but I felt like I couldn't turn down the chance of joining a club like West Ham. Everybody wants to try and get to the top of their profession and I'm no different.
"I've played for the last five seasons so I would like to think I can come in and challenge for a place in the team. Adrian's had a fantastic season so it is going be tough, but it is a challenge I look forward to. It is definitely an exciting time to be part of West Ham with the changes coming up. So, hopefully we will have a memorable last season at Upton Park and then onto the Olympic Stadium to kick on again!"
Randolph started his career with Charlton Athletic before moving to Motherwell in 2010.
Sian Cowper
