Van der Gouw becomes a Hammer
Sunday, June 30, 2002
Article summary
West Ham United FC have signed Dutch keeper Raimond van der Gouw from Manchester United FC.
Article body
West Ham United FC have secured the signing of Dutch goalkeeper Raimond van der Gouw from Manchester United FC on a one-year contract with an additional one-year option.
Time to leave
The 39-year old Van der Gouw said: "Manchester United is a difficult club to leave. Six years is a long time at a club like United but there is a time to come and a time to leave."
Second in line
The keeper had been poised to re-unite with former United goalkeeping coach Alan Hodgkinson at first division Coventry City FC, but instead chose to sign for FA Premiership side West Ham.
Experienced keeper
Van der Gouw, who is likely to be second choice behind English international David James at Upton Park, joined United from SBV Vitesse in 1996 having made his name in the Netherlands with Go Ahead Eagles.
