Roy's Ready For Action

WEST Ham United's first summer signing, goalkeeper Roy Carroll, is relishing his move south to join the Hammers.

The Northern Ireland international, who arrives at Upton Park after leaving Manchester United, is moving to London with his family after spending the majority of his career in the North.

And he is certainly looking forward to joining Alan Pardew's squad, particularly after witnessing the incredible celebrations at Upton Park the day after the Play-off Final, scenes which left a lasting impression on the 27-year-old.

"I'm delighted to have signed for the Club," he exclaimed, "and now I'm just looking forward to moving down to London and settling in with my family.

"It's great to have everything sorted out. I'm in the process of moving down and hopefully we can get settled in quickly before the start of pre-season.

"There's a lot to get sorted out, moving house with a young family, but this is a great chance for me and I can't wait to get involved at the Club.

"I watched the Play-off Final and was impressed with the way West Ham played on such a big stage. But what really had an impact on me was seeing the celebrations outside Upton Park the following day.

"I watched it on TV, and the supporters had all turned out to celebrate with the team. It highlighted the fantastic support of the Club and for me it's just great that I'll get to be a part of that.

"Now I want to get out on the training pitch, work hard and hopefully show the West Ham supporters what I can do."

Carroll began his career as a 19-year-old at Hull City, his form catching the eye of Wigan Atheltic who paid £350,000 to sign him in April 1997. It was there, before a £2.5 million move to Manchester United in 2001, that Roy played against Hammers boss Alan Pardew.

"I played against Alan Pardew when I was at Wigan and he was at Reading," explained Roy. "When West Ham approached me I was impressed with the set-up at the Club and the manager's plans.

"It was a tremendous achievement for the Club to win promotion last season and over the final games they showed that there is an excellent squad of players at West Ham.

"Getting promoted from the Championship is very tough and hopefully I can be a positive addition to the squad at West Ham as the Club look to progress in the Premier League."

While many of Alan Pardew's squad will be tasting Premiership football for the first time this August, Roy is as experienced as they come at the top level. He has a League winners medal from 2003, an FA Cup winners medal from 2004 and a CV bursting with high-profile Champions League encounters from his time at Old Trafford.

It's experience that Roy hopes will be of benefit to the Hammers as they establish themselves back in the top-flight.

"I hope my experience can help the Club and the players around me," he said, "while also helping me to play well.

"My aim is just to do my best for West Ham United and hopefully be a part of the Club's continued success.

"But I've come to a new club and there's no way I can just expect to be in the team straight away. I have to earn my place and that means a lot of hard work in training to hopefully show people what I can do.

"I'm looking forward to the start of pre-season when I'll get the chance to meet the rest of the lads for the first-time and start preparing for the new season.

"It's always a new challenge to move clubs and this is one I am really looking forward to.

"At Manchester United I've been lucky enough to play on some very big stages, and hopefully I can use that experience in a positive way to help West Ham do well in the Premier League."

Having bridged the gap between the Football League and the Premiership following his move to Manchester United Roy knows exactly what it takes to survive in the top-flight. And he is confident Alan Pardew's men can hold their own in the Premier League.

"It's a big step up," he admitted, "but having seen the side play in the Play-off Final, and with the incredible resources and support at the Club, I don't see why West Ham could not survive.

"It'll be a big challenge, but one I'm glad to be part of."