Hammers transfer conduct praised

West Ham have signed Boreham Wood youngster Pelly Ruddock on a two-and-a-half year contract.

17-year-old Ruddock, who had spent time on trial at Chadwell Heath in recent weeks turned down interest from elsewhere to put pen to paper on the deal.

According to his former Chairman at Boreham, Danny Hunter, Ruddock chose West Ham having been impressed by the manner in which the club conducted their business. "They were impeccable to deal with," Hunter told borehamwoodfootballclub.co.uk

He was also particularly impressed with Academy Director Tony Carr. "[He's] a sincere football man and when you consider what he’s achieved in the game, to then spend a lot of time with me to ensure the detail worked for all parties in terms of Pelly’s lodgings, education, finances and other smaller details meant a great deal to me," added Hunter.

Carr meanwhile declared himself delighted to have landed the promnsing youngster. "We are pleased to have signed Pelly," he said. "We see a young player with great potential and hope with further training and coaching, we can produce a player ready to play for our first team in the not too distant future."

Ruddock - who plays primarily in midfield - was also delighted at landing his dream move. "I’m so happy to have signed for West Ham," he said. "When I was told that West Ham were interested in signing me I asked the Chairman to turn down any offers for me to trial with other clubs, because I knew where I wanted to be.

“I’m really looking forward to training everyday and pushing myself to be the best I can. Everyone at West Ham and Boreham Wood have been fantastic and now I can’t wait to put a Hammers shirt on".

*Image from borehamwoodfootballclub.co.uk.