Sarge's Battle Cry

Paul Goddard has revealed his delight at returning to Upton Park as First Team Coach and says he can't wait to play his part in Glenn Roeder's new and exciting regime.

 The former Hammers striker has left his post as Under-19 Youth coach at Ipswich Town to team up with his former QPR and Newcastle United team-mate Roeder, and admits that the opportunity presented to him was just too good to turn down.

 Speaking to the official website at the end of his first day's training with the players, Paul admits: "I'm ecstatic, over the moon to be here and I'm loving it already. I've thoroughly enjoyed my first day back at the Club and I can't wait to really get going with Glenn and the rest of the lads."

 Goddard, nicknamed Sarge throughout his career following his involvement with the Boys Brigade, admits he found it difficult to turn his back on the tremendous youth system that he had helped to build at Portman Road in the last few years, but finally decided that his old friend's offer was one that he couldn't refuse.

 "I was proud to be part of the coaching revolution that occurred at Ipswich in recent years and I absolutely loved the club. Ipswich are very similar to West Ham in that they are a family club with strong values and traditions who try to do things the right way.

 "We had built a tremendous set-up there, some excellent young players were coming through the system and my job was very enjoyable.

 "However, when Glenn approached me about coming to West Ham in this capacity, I was very excited. I went over to his house one evening and we had a long chat - I got there at around 7pm and I think I left at about 1.30 in the morning!

 "At the end of the day, you don't get opportunities like these very often - the chance to coach at this level, at a club that I have such strong feelings for.

 "It is a fantastic chance for me and I am full of enthusiasm about the whole thing. I just can't wait to get going."

 Goddard returns to West Ham United almost 15 years after he left, when he joined Newcastle United after being frustrated at his lack of first team opportunities due to the prolific Frank McAvennie and Tony Cottee partnership.

 Up at St. James' Park, he renewed his friendship with Roeder that had blossomed at Loftus Road and the two have stayed in touch ever since.

 Says Paul: "Glenn and I used to stay in a house together up at Newcastle because both our wives stayed in London for most of the time and we have always shared the same type of values and principles about the game.

 "It's a long time since I left, but it's great to be back and the memories came flooding back when I walked into the training ground this morning. I saw some old faces - people like Stan Burke, Jimmy Frith, Tony Carr and Shirley, the cook - people who are West Ham through and through.

 "I am so happy to be here again and, although there is a lot of work to be done, I am looking forward to the task ahead."

 Roeder also revealed his delight at the appointment of Goddard and insists he has secured the services of one of the best young coaches in the English game.

 Says Glenn: "Paul has a fantastic reputation as a coach and rightly so after what he has achieved in the youth set-up at Ipswich Town over the last few years.

 "He has got the confidence and the knowledge to deal with players at this level and he will have a big part to play at the Club.

 "I obviously know him from our time together at QPR and Newcastle, so I know what kind of a person he is and that is important to me. He is a family man who is very stable and settled in life, and I know that he will be extremely focused on the job in hand.

 "Jim Smith said to me that it is a fantastic appointment and I am delighted that I have managed to secure the services of Paul. I'm sure he will be a huge success for us."

 After the appointments of Ludek Miklosko as Goalkeeping Coach and John McCarthy as Fitness Coach, Glenn says he is satisfied with his current coaching staff, although admits that it is possible someone else may be brought in, depending on how things progress.

 "Everything is fine for now, but we still have one coach less than we did last season, so if I did want to bring someone in, I could.

 "It's not a definite yes or no, we will see how things go and summarise it again during the season."