Darren Randolph: 'West Ham United move is exciting'

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.