By Chris O'Brien
June 15 2005

Roy Carroll has found a new club, joining West Ham United on a free transfer. The 27-year-old Ulsterman was unable to reach an agreement over a contract extension at Old Trafford and was reluctantly released by Sir Alex Ferguson.

West Ham United have announced the signing of ex-Red Roy Carroll on a free transfer. The Ulsterman, hungry for first-team football, was released last week by Sir Alex Ferguson after contract negotiations between the club and player could not find a conclusion.

Newly-promoted West Ham are thought to have offered Carroll guaranteed first-team football at Upton Park, which is what the 27-year-old craves at this pivotal part of his professional career. The London outfit are looking to dramatically strengthen their squad as they look to recreate memorable seasons of old and establish themselves as a top flight side once again.

“Roy brings all the qualities we need for the coming campaign and we’re delighted to have him as part of our squad. This will be the first of what I hope will be three or four more signings to strengthen the team for the challenge ahead,” said Irons boss Alan Pardew.

Carroll shared goalkeeping duties with Tim Howard last season, but ended the season in the starting line-up and made his final appearance for the club in the F.A Cup final. Statistics showing only 16 goals conceded in 2,340 minutes of football are impressive but most United fans felt the former Wigan Athletic shot stopper simply wasn't quite good enough to be a regular in the Old Trafford team and recent acquisition Edwin Van Der Sar is widely considered a more worthy contender.

Carroll will be hoping the move to Upton Park will improve his international duties. The 6"2 towering 'keeper has been a regular in the Northern Irish squad for 8 years, but fierce competition with Birmingham City's Maik Taylor mean he has only registered a dissappointing 17 caps.

Four seasons at Old Trafford saw Carroll establish himself as a solid number two, before spending the past two seasons in a tussle for the number one jersey. He is undoubtedly a very good 'keeper but unfortunately a lack of consistency meant Sir Alex Ferguson could not offer assured match practice.

ManUtdWeb would like to wish good luck to Carroll for the forthcoming season, except for his return to Old Trafford!