Hamilton defender Stephen Hendrie plays his last game for the club this weekend.
Hamilton Academical defender Stephen Hendrie has told Eurosport that his exit from the club this weekend will be emotional – but he can’t wait to join West Ham.
The Scottish left back, 20, has made his name with Hamilton but Sunday’s game against St. Mirren will be his final one for the club before his move to West Ham.
The Hammers confirmed in January that the Scotland Under-21 international had signed a pre-contract agreement to make a summer move to Upton Park with his contract at Hamilton expiring.
Hendrie is no doubt seen as cover for Aaron Cresswell at left back initially, but he’s also highly-rated and could become a starting player in the coming years for West Ham.
This weekend though, Hendrie’s focus is on playing his final game for Hamilton, having played over 100 games for the club since making his debut as a 16-year-old back in 2011.
After such a long association with the club, Hendrie’s farewell to the Accies is bound to be an emotional affair – and he told Eurosport that having met with the West Ham staff recently, he can’t wait to join the club despite the emotions that come with leaving Hamilton.
“It will be an emotional day for me,” Hendrie said. “I have been here since I was 12 and leaving the boys is going to be hard for me. It will be a sad day, I can tell you that.”
“I was down there last week having a look and getting to know the place. I met the coaching staff and they were telling me what my standards need to be for pre-season. When I came back up, it sunk in that I’m leaving soon. I’m excited for it and can’t wait to go down and get started. As soon as I came back up, I couldn’t wait to go back down,” he added.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
