Reid has committed his future to the club until the summer of 2021, and having already spent half-a-decade at West Ham, is ready to play the peak years of his career in east London.
“It’s one of those things that took a bit of time, but we got there in the end and I’m very happy to be here for the next part of my career. I’m looking forward to it.
“At the end of the day, for myself I feel comfortable here. I was speaking with the joint-chairman David Sullivan and everybody and felt like I was valued here. He was clearly very committed to getting the deal done and keeping me at the club, so I’d like to thank him for that and I’m delighted to sign for the next six years.
“My family are happy living here too. We’ve been part of the club living in London, so we weighed all the factors up and I’m delighted to be staying here.”
Reid will form an integral part of the Hammers squad as they move to the new stadium in 2016 and he admitted playing at the 54,000 capacity venue was a factor in extending his stay.
“It’s exciting times for the club with the stadium move too and that was a factor. It’s not just that, in general the people around the club and the way everything works, I’m delighted we got it done,” he continued.
“With the club I’m looking forward to exciting times ahead and hoping to be a big part of it.
“I came here in a sticky period – the first year we got relegated, but since then it’s gradually got better. The team has improved, the organisation as a club has improved as well and we need to do that if we want to go places.
“I’ve grown massively over that time too. Coming here five years ago I was only a young kid, but now I’m kind of a Londoner I guess! It’s a second home for me and I’m delighted.
“This season we’ve worked very hard but to break into the upper level does take a bit of time. Hopefully every single year we will improve and I’m sure we will go in the right direction.”
Reid becomes one of a trio of Hammers players to sign new long-term deals in recent weeks alongside James Tomkins and Mark Noble and the 2013 Hammer of the Year is looking forward to continuing to play alongside them.
“For James Tomkins and Mark Noble they’ve been here all their lives. I’ve not been here quite as long as them, but come the end of this contract I will have been here for a fair bit.
“It’s nice for them to be here and I’m looking forward to the next six years of my life.”
All Whites coach Anthony Hudson added his thoughts on Reid’s commitment to West Ham saying he’s pleased to see the defender agree terms with the London club.
“The club is growing very quickly and Winston is going to be a part of an exciting time in the club’s history,” Hudson says.
“As for New Zealand, he is an incredible role model and inspiration for all the young kids here that want to make it.”
Unfortunately, Reid’s involvement against Chelsea ended early due to a hamstring problem, but he is hoping it won’t keep him out for long.
“It’s just one of those things with the injury,” he said. “I had it a little after Crystal Palace and unfortunately it flared up again. It’s just part of the game I guess.
“We’ve got some time to recover now, which is much needed.”
Story courtesy of www.whufc.com.
For more on New Zealand football visit www.nzfootball.co.nz.

Share