West Ham chairman David Gold instantly took to social media to welcome defender Ryan Fredericks to the club on Tuesday.
The Hammers chief posted a brief message via his own personal Twitter account to wish the 25-year-old right-back all the best for his time at the club and highlighted the fact that he was named in the PFA Championship Team of the Year last season.
I’m pleased to welcome
former Fulham full-back 25 year old Ryan Frederick who was named in the PFA Championship Team of the Year last season, will join us on on a four-year contract. Congratulations Ryan and good luck. dg pic.twitter.com/FJ50bhLZ7x— David Gold (@davidgold) June 5, 2018
The Hammers confirmed just ahead of Gold’s tweet, via an announcement on their official website, that the club had successfully agreed a deal to welcome Fredericks to the club as he had put pen to paper on a four-year contract.
OPINION
It’s interesting that Gold has opted to highlight Frederick’s presence in the Championship Team of the Year rather than the fact he was part of a promotion-winning side. The PFA’s Team of the Year is often debated and isn’t always the best accolade to highlight in order to show off someone’s quality. However the arrival of the 25-year-old to the club is an exciting one that should have fans celebrating from the rooftops as he is exactly what the club need. Pablo Zabaleta was fabulous in his displays last season but the club needed to agree someone with a bit of pace capable of being an option at right-back. After 48 appearances for Fulham last season, Fredericks more than proved that he is a capable pacey right-sided defender who is ready to regularly feature in the Premier League. While he could have stayed at Craven Cottage where he appeared to be happy, it seems the opportunity to play for the Hammers has lured him away from another London club.
