Pardew: Carroll is first of new faces

West Ham boss Alan Pardew has promised more new faces will arrive at Upton Park this summer following the signing of Northern Ireland international goalkeeper Roy Carroll.

The 27-year-old completed his free transfer to the newly-promoted Barclays Premiership club after being released by Manchester United in the summer following his decision not to seek a new contract at Old Trafford.

Pardew has made no secret of his desire to strengthen the Hammers’ squad in the wake of their play-off final victory over Preston, which brought to an end a two-year exile from the top flight.

Defender Christian Dailly and striker Teddy Sheringham, who will be 40 next April, have both already signed new, one-year deals, while left-back Chris Powell and midfielder Shaun Newton are also close to agreeing new contracts.

Pardew – who has been linked with a £1.2m move for Watford striker Heidar Helguson – had to secure goalkeeping cover quickly following a serious knee injury to Jimmy Walker during the win over North End at the Millennium Stadium last month.

And the West Ham manager revealed he would continue his search for more talent in the weeks leading up to the start of the new Premiership season on August 13.

“Roy brings all the qualities we need for the coming campaign and we’re delighted to have him as part of our squad,” commented Pardew.

“This will be the first of what I hope will be three or four more signings to strengthen the team for the challenge ahead.”

Carroll started his career at Hull, breaking into the first team at the age of just 19.

In 1997, he moved to Wigan for £350,000 and made 135 league appearances for the Latics before United came in with a £2.5m deal to take him to Old Trafford, originally as understudy to Fabien Barthez.

Carroll then found himself battling it out with American Tim Howard for the number one jersey, and he decided against looking to agree another deal with the Red Devils, who subsequently moved for Fulham’s Dutch international Edwin van der Sar.

The Ulsterman’s last appearance for United came in the FA Cup final, where Arsenal won a penalty shoot-out at the Millennium Stadium, and had been linked with a return to Wigan, who secured automatic promotion last season, before putting pen to paper with the Hammers.

Despite some solid performances for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side, Carroll also made a number of high-profile errors – most notably last season when he dropped Pedro Mendes’ long-range lob behind the goalline against Tottenham in January, which, although clearly highlighted through television replays, was not spotted on the night by match officials.

Then his fumble allowed Hernan Crespo to grab a crucial winner for AC Milan in the Champions League first leg at Old Trafford.

Pardew, however, has every confidence in the Northern Ireland international and believes Carroll has not yet reached his peak.

“Roy comes to West Ham United in his prime and because of his association with Manchester United will not be fazed by the size of this club,” the Hammers boss said on the club’s official website, www.whufc.com.

“I believe Roy’s best years are ahead of him and when a club is re-introduced to the Premier League, as we are, goalkeeper is an essential position.”