West Ham United is pleased to announce that Hayden
Mullins has today signed a new long-term contract with the
Club.
While prospective new Chairman Eggert Magnusson was enjoying his
first visit to Upton Park following the announcement of a
successful takeover bid, the Hammers midfielder was also at the
stadium, putting pen to paper on a new four-year deal that will
keep him here until at least the summer of 2010.
Now 27, Mullins originally joined the Club from Crystal Palace back
in October 2003 - becoming Alan Pardew's first signing as
Hammers boss just a few days after his own arrival at Upton Park.
Since then, the former England under-21 international has enjoyed a
roller-coaster ride in the claret and blue - suffering heartbreak
in the First Division play-off final against former club Palace at
the end of his debut season with the Hammers, before bouncing back
to enjoy promotion glory a year later against Preston North End and
then playing a key role in our successful first year back in the
Premiership.
However, last season ended in heartbreak for Hayden, as he missed
out on our memorable FA Cup final encounter against Liverpool at
the Millennium Stadium through suspension, following his
sending-off against the Reds in the Premiership just weeks earlier.
After losing his place in the side to Argentinean international
star Javier Mascherano early this season, the reliable midfielder
battled back to earn a recall and has been one of our most
impressive performers in recent weeks.
His involvement against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday
marked Hayden's 135th league and cup appearance for the
Hammers, during which time he has scored four goals for the
Club.
Manager Alan Pardew says: "Hayden has proved over the last 15 months what an outstanding player he is at this level. He deserves his contract for the consistency he has shown.
"He has a very important role to play in this team going
forward, because he is a sound character and a good influence on
the young players coming through."
A full and exclusive interview with Hayden will appear on whufc.com
on Wednesday morning…