Dutch goalkeeper Raimond Van Der Gouw tonight put an end to weeks of speculation concerning his future when he finally put pen to paper on a 12 month deal with the Hammers.
The former Manchester United man, whose contract with the reds expired this month was all set to join first division Coventry City, until Hammers boss Glenn Roeder intervened at the eleventh hour.For Van Der Gouw there was little choice once the Hammers interest was made apparent; having been set to sign for the first division side yesterday he instead agreed terms with the Hammers earlier today, before a medical this evening confirmed his move.
The 39-year-old Dutch stopper joins the club as back-up to number one choice David James. James is set to take over the England jersey from current incumbent David Seaman, who is thought to be considering his international future following England's exit from the World Cup.
Van Der Gouw joins West Ham after spending 6 years at Manchester United. The former Dutch national keeper made just 26 starts during his career at Old Trafford, where he spent much of the time as understudy to Peter Schmeichel, and more recently, Fabien Barthez.
He becomes the Hammers' second signing of the week, following the capture of 18-year-old French striker Youssef Sofiane.
And with Olivier Bernard expected to join the club within the next seven days, Glenn Roeder's squad for the 2002/03 campaign is beginning to take shape nicely.
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