Darren Randolph is enjoying a promising start to his West Ham United career after another clean sheet in Saturday’s 0-0 friendly draw at Charlton Athletic.
The Hammers’ latest goalkeeping recruit pulled off a stunning second-half save to thwart the hosts and secure his third shutout in four starts for his new club. Randolph admitted after the game that the team’s overall performance and the warm welcome he has received since arriving at Chadwell Heath in July have left him feeling pleased.
“It was a good performance against Charlton,” Randolph said. “We created quite a few chances and on another day we would have taken them.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time with the club so far. I played in the first round of the Europa League qualifiers and have played again in a few of the friendlies. It’s a great bunch of lads here so I’ve settled in nicely.”
Randolph secured back-to-back clean sheets in his first two competitive appearances for the Hammers by denying Andorran side FC Lusitans over two legs. Although Adrian was selected to step in for the next round, the Ireland international knows he is gaining experience and ability with every minute he spends on the pitch.
“The travelling across Europe just comes with being in the Europa League qualifiers. It’s tough but that’s what we’ve got the squad for.
“The manager hasn’t set us any targets for the season yet; we’re trying to concentrate on the Europa League games as they’re coming thick and fast. We’re trying to take each game as it comes.
“I’m always looking to improve different aspects of my game and anything that comes above that is a bonus.”
Randolph arrived in east London after his contract at Birmingham City, whom he played 45 times for last season, expired. He joined the Blues after impressing at Motherwell but cut his teeth in England by joining Charlton as a 16-year-old in 2005 and he was only too happy to catch up with some former colleagues at The Valley.
“It’s been about seven or eight years since I’ve been here. I’ve been back once or twice with Birmingham and have caught up with the old faces again on Saturday.”