FORMER Accrington Stanley goalkeeper Darren Randolph has spoken of his excitement at stepping up to the Premier League to join West Ham United.

The Republic of Ireland international goalkeeper has agreed to join the Hammers from July 1 after turning down a new contract at Championship club Birmingham City.

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Randolph, 28, had a loan spell with Stanley from Charlton Athletic in 2005. He later played in Scotland for Motherwell.

The Bray-born keeper said: “My initial reaction to joining West Ham is excitement. It was a tough decision turning down Birmingham’s offer of a new contract because of the second part of the season we had and the team we had built.

“They are a great group of lads and staff but I felt like I couldn’t turn down the chance of joining a club like West Ham. Everybody wants to try and get to the top of their profession and I’m no different.”

Randolph’s move to West Ham completes a long journey back to the Premier League after his time at Charlton.

“I started at Charlton when I was 16 and left when I was 23,” he said.

“It has been a long journey to try get back to the Premier League and a great achievement to be able to do so.

“It is where players all around the world would like to be.

“I’ve played for the last five seasons so I would like to think I can come in and challenge for a place in the team.

“Adrian’s had a fantastic season so it is going be tough, but it is a challenge I look forward to.

“Hopefully we will have a memorable last season at Upton Park and then on to the Olympic Stadium to kick on again.”