Brown: A thank you to West Ham United fans

Terry Brown has spoken for the first time since finalising the takeover deal that will bring his 14-year period as Chairman to an end.

The lifelong Hammers fan, who will remain at Upton Park in an Honorary Vice-President role, revealed his satisfaction at completing the deal with Eggert Magnusson's consortium and insisted he is handing over the reins to people who will take the Club forward in the right direction.

Speaking exclusively to WHUTV, Terry said: "I think it's very exciting. We always promised that, when the right type of investors, those who could take the club forward, came along, we would talk to them and see if a deal could be done.

"I think we've found the right people and we're pleased to conclude the transaction. I'm sure it will be good for the Club.

"I've been very impressed with Mr Magnusson. We first sat down with him after playing Arsenal in early November and since that time he has been through the books and dealt with the legal issues in a very quick period of time.

"His backers are world class businessmen and that was very clear to see. I'm absolutely sure the Club is being passed into good hands. And I'm very pleased he has taken the Club on, I'm sure he will be a tremendous success."

Terry also took time to pass on a message to the West Ham United supporters, after more than a decade of leading the Club through many ups and downs.

"I'd like to thank the fans," he said. "When I first took over as Chairman in 1992, in my first games in charge I think we had gates of 10 and 11,000. We had just been relegated and it looked a very tough job.

"But we've seen it through and now we can fill this stadium with 35,000 people. There are few clubs who would be able to do that after suffering relegation and having to sell their young stars.

"I don't think we could have asked for more from the fans, they have been tremendous and are what the Club is all about. You would have to go a long way to find better ones."

To see the full and exclusive interview with Terry Brown, visit WHUTV now…