"It is a good move because it is the chance to go out and play first team football - which at my age I need to be doing.
"It has been frustrating with injuries and then just not playing - with the players Alan Pardew is bringing in you don't look like you are going to get a run.
"I just need to get out and play games and this is a good chance to put myself out there because I will be leaving West Ham.
"I have grown up with a lot of players who have progressed and I have learnt so much from them - I have been at the club since I was eight years old and known so many people.
"But when it is time to go you have to go though it will be a big culture shock leaving a place where I have been full time for seven years - but it is the right thing to do.
"I have only ever been out on loan once and to be honest I should have played more league games, definitely, and it is time to do that.
"It is a chance to prove myself and if you do well you can come back up; it has happened to a couple of the boys like Jimmy Bullard and Tommy Williams getting his move to Birmingham.
"Most of all it is a chance to play football and that is all I want to do."
Shaun, who has just turned 23, will be joining up with former Hammers Izzie Iriekpen, who left in the summer, and Leon Britton, and he adds:
"At least I know a couple of the lads here and that is what persuaded me to come; I spoke to Izzie and Leon about it and if it is good enough for them it is good enough for me.
"Izzie said he wouldn't have signed if he didn't like it so much in terms of the team and the people, and if they want me to stay longer then hopefully I can stay longer."
Shaun, whose other loan spell was at Bristol Rovers in 99/00, will make his debut at Mansfield on Saturday.