Hammers fans ‘will love new signing’

West Ham United supporters will adore new signing Enner Valencia, according to the club’s co-chairman David Gold.

The Ecuador international finally completed his switch from Mexican outfit Pachuca for a fee in the region of £12million after being granted a work permit.

It brought down the curtain on an anxious week for the London club as they awaited approval from the Home Office for the hitman to join the ranks.

Their nervousness was exacerbated by the news that club record signing Andy Carroll would be sidelined for four months courtesy of ankle ligament damage sustained in pre-season training.

It was hoped that Carroll would be fit and ready to lead the line in the new season after missing half of last term through injury, but all eyes will be on Valencia in his absence.

Gold said on Twitter: “I’m delighted that Enner Valencia has been granted his work permit. He will be the kind of player fans will love.”

The signing is a timely piece of positive news for Hammers supporters who have witnessed their side suffer successive defeats in the tour of New Zealand.

Their surprise 3-1 loss to Sydney FC came hot on the heels of a 2-1 reverse against Wellington Phoenix.