Thursday 5 March 2015 20:02, UK
Ryan Nelsen believes West Ham have issued a statement of intent by tying Winston Reid to a new six-and-a-half year deal.
Nelsen insists Reid is proven quality in the Premier League and told Sky Sports News HQ that he expects the defender to see his career out with Sam Allardyce’s side.
"I think West Ham have had a fantastic year this season for Sam and the ownership have got a new stadium to come and their fans are amazing," said the former New Zealand international on Reid, who was linked with a move to London rivals Tottenham and Arsenal but opted to stay with West Ham.
It’s an absolutely fantastic signing, especially since I think in the market it’s very hard to find proven quality centre-backs.
"There is a huge history at the club and they want to go places and this is a real statement to sign an absolute quality defender, proven in the Premier League and he will there obviously for his career now. It’s exciting for both parties.
"Obviously there is no hiding place in this league and it takes a bit of time. For Winston, what was great about him is that year they had in the Championship, I think he’s learned his trade there and every year he has gone up and up. He's only 26 and he’s still probably not as his prime.
"It’s an absolutely fantastic signing, especially since I think in the market it’s very hard to find proven quality centre-backs, for relatively low cost and in terms of not having to pay for a transfer and getting him on a six and-a-half year deal."
Sky Sports have won the rights to broadcast exclusively live Major League Soccer (MLS) from the US for the first time, and Nelsen, who coached Toronto for the 2013 season before being sacked, praised the league’s recent developments.
The Kiwi added: “It is a growing league. It has got some really exciting young talent, most of the clubs have got the academies sorted out and their infrastructure sorted out. It is not about publicity or anything like that it is just about winning football games and producing good players.
“They are producing a good product on the field and the fans, buying into this and the crowds are fantastic over there. The majority of clubs sell out and they are soccer specific stadiums. There is an underlying belief that this is just going to grow and grow."
Nelsen worked with John Carver in Toronto and believes Newcastle will benefit from his expertise as they look to secure a top 10 Premier League finish.
"John is a fantastic football man and Newcastle is in really good hands. He was an absolute pleasure to speak to and a really knowledgeable guy. I see him on the sidelines and I can only imagine the pressure guys like him are under."
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