Van der Gouw joins West Ham

Raimond van der Gouw has joined West Ham from Manchester United.

The 39-year-old, whose contract was up at the end of the month, has chosen the Hammers ahead of Coventry City.

He has signed a one year deal, with a further year's option.

Van der Gouw says he accepts he will be understudy to David James, but thanked James for recommending him to Glenn Roeder.

Van der Gouw told West Ham's official website: "I'd like to work together with David James; he recommended me to the boss as the number two - and I am very glad that he helped me.''

As for Coventry, van der Gouw said: "I feel sorry for Coventry because they tried to do everything for me to give me a good contract, and I hope they will find the right man.

"But I'm very happy to be coming here; West Ham are playing in the Premiership and that was very important for me. That was one of the biggest reasons for my choice, and the whole package they offered me was very interesting."

West Ham decided to sign van der Gouw, as Craig Forrest, Shaka Hislop, and Sven Andersson left in the summer.