David Gold believes the signing of Winston Reid has sent a signal to the big boys that West Ham are solidly on their way to the next level.

Whilst results since Christmas have been disappointing, the co chairman believes the New Zealander’s decision to pledge himself to the club for six and a half years is a potent declaration of intent from the club.

Speaking exclusively to ClarentandHugh: “There’s no smoke without fire and I’m sure the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Spurs were interested – that he chose to stay with us was a massive boost to us.

“We have always said we will shed the image of being a selling club and this is a perfect example of that coming to fruition.

“His side negotiated hard down to the very last detain and we would have expected that but it became clear over the last two to three weeks that a deal was on. It was exciting and a big relief.

“Winston is a top player and an icon in New Zealand so to have sorted him out for six years is brilliant and along with the signings of mark Noble and James Tomkins shows this is a club that is displaying it’s ambition ahead of our move to the Olympic Stadium.”