Teddy Signs New Hammers Contract

WEST Ham United are pleased to confirm that Teddy Sheringham has agreed a new one-year contract with the Club.

The former England star, who arrived at Upton Park on a free transfer last August, was an integral part of Alan Pardew's promotion-winning squad last season.

Sheringham scored 20 Championship goals to fire the Hammers into the Play-offs, and recovered from a hamstring injury to take his place on the bench at the Millennium Stadium, his experience proving invaluable to the young West Ham United squad.

Now Sheringham is looking forward to taking on the Premier League again, after explaining his delight at signing for another year at Upton Park.

"It's fantastic to have signed for another season at West Ham United," he said. "It was a dream of mine when I arrived to help the Club get back into the Premier League and achieving that in my first season was just amazing.

"The celebrations at the end of the season were incredible and I felt lucky to be a part of that. Now I'm looking forward to playing back in the top-flight with West Ham.

"It's a great opportunity for me to be playing Premiership football again and now we'll just have to see how things progress next season."

Teddy has a wealth of top level experience to his name. The 39-year-old has won the Premiership, Champions League and FA Cup in a distinguished career that has spanned more than 20 years. He also has 51 England caps to his name and is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished players of his generation.

Now he is determined to do whatever he can to help West Ham United make an impression on English football's elite.

"I don't know what role I'll be playing next season," he admitted, "that's entirely down to the manager.

"All I know is that I'm fit and I just want to do whatever I can to help the Club succeed in the Premier League.

"I think it's important that we get off to a good start, and keep the momentum from the Play-offs going.

"That means a lot of hard work in pre-season and hopefully some good fixtures to start off with.

"There are a lot of good, confident young players in the squad and although for many of them it'll be their first time in the Premier League I'm sure they'll handle the step up.

"I'll obviously do whatever I can to help them along as well."

Teddy is in the twilight of his glittering career, but the former England great is not viewing the coming campaign as a chance to say goodbye to the game with one last season at the top level.

"It's fantastic to be back in the Premier League again," he agreed, "but as far as the future goes we'll just have to wait and see.

"I'm not looking any further than the start of next season and what is a very exciting time for everyone connected with West Ham United."