GEORGE MCCARTNEY HAS signed a two-year contract at West Ham United after leaving Sunderland.
The Northern Ireland international spent last season on loan at Upton Park and was voted as the players’ Player of the Year for his performances, which helped the club secure promotion to the English Premier League via the play-offs.
And West Ham have confirmed McCartney has now joined on a permanent basis for the second time, after previously spending two years in east London between 2006 and 2008.
“I am delighted to be coming back to West Ham and this time on a permanent basis,” the 31-year-old told the club’s official website.
“It was great to be part of the side that won promotion for the club last season. It was a fantastic way to end the campaign last year and I am really looking forward to being back in the Premier League with West Ham.”
McCartney began his career at Sunderland but joined the Hammers in 2006 and went on to make more than 70 appearances in his first spell at the club.
He returned to the Stadium of Light two years later ans was a regular feature in Roy Keane’s side, but fell out of favour under Steve Bruce and was allowed to go out on loan.
Meanwhile, West Ham have announced striker Elliot Lee, midfielders Kieran Sadlier and Jack Powell, and goalkeeper Jake Larkins have been awarded professional contracts by the club, but Czech shot-stopper Marek Stech has left by mutual consent.
