From the Boardroom - David Gold

Joint-Chairman David Gold reflects on another busy week and has exciting news surrounding new signings

I am delighted that we were able to secure the long-term contracts of Michail Antonio and Aaron Cresswell and getting our best young players to pledge their long-term futures to the Club.


They are both proven at the highest level and could be England players in the near future.


I remember the Antonio deal very well and what a signing he has proved to be for us.


He worked so hard when he first arrived and had to be patient for his breakthrough into the team.


But when his chance came against Manchester United he took it and has never looked back.


I thought to myself we have got a player on our hands and he will be with us for many years to come.


I remember saying to him that his time would come and to score the winning goal against Tottenham will endear him to the fans forever!


We all remember his goal celebrations and that shows the character he has. We hope to see many more celebrations whether it be as a winger or an attacking right back.


He is always a threat and is capable of scoring the winning goal. Slaven has said to me that he is one of the best right backs in the country as he gives you that extra scoring option.


There are not many full-backs in the Premier League who can score the goals that Michail is capable of and that makes him an exceptional player.


I am sure a lot of clubs would love to have that option of seeing a full-back score the goals that Michail produced last season and it adds a new dimension to any team.


Aaron has also shown why he is rated one of the best young left backs in the top flight.


He has the qualities to play for England and it is easy to see why people are talking about him breaking into the squad.


He can score a great goal and is a great provider for our forward players. He showed that last season with some outstanding crosses which led to Andy Carroll getting on the scoresheet.


Andy must thrive when he sees Aaron deliver the ball into the box like that.


We are delighted that he has also secured his long-term future with the Club and we hope both players can enjoy a lot of success over that time.


I want to say a big thank-you to James Tomkins who left the Club to join Crystal Palace last week.


James spent nearly 20-years at West Ham United and is a classic story of a player joining the Club at a young age and going through the Academy to become a first-team player at the highest level.


He has been a great servant to West Ham and I am sure he will become a big favourite at Crystal Palace. He wants to be a first-team player and play every week.


Unfortunately he has not had for that a while and wanted a new challenge. I pay tribute to him and want to wish him the best of luck for the future.


I know the fans are keen to know which new players will be arriving at the Club this summer.


There is definitely a new signing who will be announced in the near future and I know there is one more who we will hopefully get over the line.