West Ham United Football Club News

• Nickname:Hammers
• Founded:1895
• Manager:Sam Allardyce

• Ground:Upton Park
• Capacity:35,595

Sears pens Hammers deal

27 Nov 2008 - 07:47:01

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West Ham United have secured the long-term future of one of their brightest talents after handing Freddie Sears a new five-year contract.

Sears, 19, broke into the first team towards the end of last season and has made 12 appearances for the Hammers this term.

The England Under-19 international scored on his Premier League debut last March and is regarded as one of the brightest talents to emerge from the club's famous academy in recent seasons.

The new contract for Sears comes just 48 hours after striker Carlton Cole also pledged his future to the club with a new long-term deal.

"I am obviously delighted to have signed for another five years with West Ham," Sears told the club's official website.

"It's nice to know the club wants you here, for that long as well. I am enjoying my football and all that I have been doing and hopefully I can now show there is more to come."

West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury added: "Freddie Sears signing a new long-term contract is great news for everyone at the club.

"He has more than impressed since scoring on his Premier League debut last season

"Our philosophy is very much about developing homegrown players in the academy and then integrating them into the first team.

"Freddie has achieved that and we are looking forward to him playing his part in a bright future for West Ham United."