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All change between the sticks

The recent arrival of Swiss youngster Raphael Spiegel makes it three in and one out for West Ham, who have been more active than most in the goalkeeper market of late.

12 time England international Robert Green was the man in goal last term, and despite sticking with the club for their season in the Championship has decided that the time is right to move on following the end of his contract. The 32 year old will make the short move across London, having agreed a two year deal with Queen’s Park Rangers.

Manager Sam Allardyce has wasted no time in replacing Green, moving for long time colleague Jussi Jaaseklainen who served in goal throughout Allardyce’s 8 year reign at Bolton Wanderers. In the latter half of last season the experienced Finn lost his place in the starting line-up to Hungarian Adam Bogdan as Bolton were ultimately relegated, and has similarly moved on a free transfer.

The 37 year old will face competition from 24 year old Irishman Stephen Henderson, who was on loan with the Hammers last term and despite not featuring for the first team has recently completed a permanent transfer for an undisclosed fee from troubled Portsmouth.

The latest addition is Switzerland Under-20 international Spiegel, who joins from Swiss Super League side Grasshopper Zurich. The 6’3” 19 year old has played for his country at every youth level and made 17 league appearances during a loan spell at Swiss second tier side SC Bruhl last term.

Goalkeeping recruits are not the only new arrivals to West Ham, as Allardyce looks to rejuvenate his squad to ensure a successful return to the Premier League. Defender George McCartney and midfielder Mohammed Diame both come with proven records in the top flight, and West Ham will be delighted to have secured Mali international forward Modibo Maiga from Sochaux, who was widely expected to join highflyers Newcastle in January.