West Ham have confirmed the signing of Northern Ireland international goalkeeper Roy Carroll.
The 27-year-old turned down the offer of a new contract with
Manchester United and was made available on a free transfer.
Following an injury to Jimmy Walker in the Hammers' play-off final victory over Preston, which earned them promotion to the Barclays Premiership, manager Alan Pardew was delighted to have brought in such an experienced player.
"I've moved quickly to rectify that situation by signing Roy Carroll, who is an established Premiership goalkeeper," said Pardew on the club's official website.
"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."
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 £2.5million deal to take him to
Old Trafford.
Carroll found himself battling it out with American Tim Howard for the number one jersey, and he decided against agreeing another deal with the Red Devils this summer.
His last appearance came in the FA Cup final, where
Arsenal defeated United on a penalty shoot-out at the Millennium Stadium.
The Ulsterman made a number of high-profile errors, particularly in Europe, during his time with United, but Pardew believes Carroll has not yet reached his peak.
"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" said Pardew.
"Roy brings all the qualities we need for the coming campaign and we're delighted to have him as part of our squad."
Pardew promised there would be more new faces at Upton Park before the start of the season, adding: "This will be the first of what I hope will be three or four more signings to strengthen the team for the challenge ahead."
