New deal for JT

James Tomkins has signed a new contract with West Ham that keeps him tied to the club until 2016.

The popular central defender, who recently changed agents has committed himself to the club until 2016, with an option for a further year included.

News of Tomkins' new deal, whilst unofficially revealed on the KUMB.com forums on Friday, was announced ahead of this afternoon's 2-1 win against Nottingham Forest in which the 21-year-old played a starring role.

"I'm really pleased that I've signed a new contract at the club," he told whufc.com. "It's nice to end the speculation about what people have been saying in the papers and commit my future to the club and concentrate on my football.

"By signing this deal, I'm showing my commitment to the club as they've been brilliant to me this year with all the support they have given to me and the rest of the players. If they continue doing that then together we can return the club back to the Premier League, where we believe we belong.

"Sam Allardyce has been brilliant this year as well and has shown what he can do on and off the pitch as a motivational manager."

Tomkins, who was formerly represented by football agency Skillequal recently became part of the Mark Curtis stable. Curtis, who also represents Kevin Nolan, has been a close associate of Sam Allardyce's since he was manager of Bolton.