James Tomkins is delighted with his move to Crystal Palace.

The West Ham defender completed the switch late yesterday.

“I'm really excited to be here," he told the club's official website. “I was at West Ham United for a long time – I was there nearly 20 years since I was eight-years-old so it's a good change for me and I'm really excited to get started here.

"It's a massive club; they're London based and I've worked with Alan Pardew before as a scholar.

“He helped me through by getting me training with the first-team when I was a kid and got my career started which I've always been thankful for, so it's nice to be reunited with him.

"He's been interested in signing me previously so it was an easy decision when I heard Palace were interested.

“I spoke to Danny Gabbidon and he talked about how good the lads were. I've only been here a day and I've already settled in so I'm thankful to the lads for that.

"They're a great bunch and hopefully I'll get to know them more in pre-season.

“It's nice to start now and have a proper pre-season under your belt at a new club and I'm looking forward to getting that fitness in me."