DONE DEAL: Darren Randolph is off to Middlesbrough

It’s been real. It’s been fun. Can’t say it’s been real fun, though. We have loved having among the ranks of West Ham United. Now the last two goalies standing are Joe Hart and Adrian.

After Randolph made what was probably his final appearance for the claret and blue today

The 2015/2016 campaign saw a flurry of goal keeper changes in West Ham United’s starting XI. You never really knew for sure who would be making the first team sheet week to week. Fans and the media were so frustrated with West Ham United’s play throughout the year that blame was shifted from player to player, position to position, and Slaven could only watch and react in a feeble attempt to assuage those concerns.

Who was the better keeper last season? Most of you already know Adrian far exceeded his Irish counterpart with more clean sheets (6), more saves per goal (2), and way less goals conceded (25 compared to 39).

With the signing of Joe Hart on loan, it isn’t difficult to understand why one of these two goalkeepers had to go. The question became, which one? Most already understood there were offers floating around for Darren Randolph, from various clubs. However, it was the newly demoted side, Middlesbrough, that would win out the day.

Darren had the opportunity to nab first team matches during the course of the year due to Adrian’s continued declining form. However, the results with Randolph between the sticks didn’t change anything for the Hammers and Adrian was slotted back in as the campaign came to a close.

Garry Monk is certainly fortunate to be grabbing up the 30 year old international. Darren has over 20 caps for his country and played the entirety of the Euros 2016, with some memorable moments and saves.

Fun fact about Darren you may not have known. His father is actually American and after playing basketball in college, moved to Ireland to play for Sporting Belfast. At one point in his life, Darren had to make the choice between basketball and football.

West Ham fans everywhere are grateful you chose football. Thank you for everything!

My Dad has played basketball all his life and first came to Ireland in 1982 to play for Sporting Belfast in the Irish basketball league. I loved the sport; I had a big passion for basketball and I watched all the tapes of Michael Jordan my Dad had. My plan was to try and get a basketball scholarship to America, but it never quite worked out.

Darren Randolph interview with ESPN, Feb 9 2016