Hammers Should Be OK For Keepers As 3rd Back Up Signs

Manuel Pellegrini and Mario Husillos's proposed wholesale changes to the Hammers squad included a goal keeper, a right back/left back, a 'robust' midfielder and a couple of strikers. With regards to the back up keeper role, a bit like London Buses, not one but two have arrived in a very short space of time.

West Ham have signed David Martin, son of Hammers legend Alvin, from Millwall, the 33-year-old joins on a free transfer. Martin rejected a new contract offer from Millwall and has instead agreed a two-year deal with the Hammers.

Martin's career had a setback in March when his mistake in the 95th minute against Brighton cost Millwall a place in the FA Cup semi-finals. He allowed a harmless free-kick from Solly March to float beyond his grasp into the net. But he otherwise had a strong finish to the season with Millwall as they stayed up in the Championship.

West Ham signed 33-year-old Spanish goalkeeper Roberto from Espanyol last week and Martin will also provide back-up for Lukasz Fabianski, Martin said: “Signing for West Ham United is a dream, both for me and my family. I have grown up around West Ham and to come to my boyhood club is a dream. “I came to games as a kid as one of the supporters in the stands at the Boleyn Ground. I loved watching my dad play, and I have continued coming to games throughout my career. I will go into training every day with an attitude to compete with Lukasz and Roberto.”

Martin's arrival guarantees Nathan Trott will go out on loan, there are a host of clubs interested in taking the Hammers young england player on loan, and careful consideration will be given to his final loan destination as Trott is eyed as a potential 'jewel in the crown' player. - Ed