Stephen Kenny has hailed the enthusiasm shown by former loan star Joseph Anang ahead of his return to St Patrick’s Athletic.
Anang will officially complete his move on July 1 on a two-and-a-half-year deal, when his contract with West Ham expires.
The Ghana-born net-minder spent seven years on the Hammers’ books and had a spell on loan at Stevenage, where he played 18 times, before moving to Pat’s in January 2022.
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He made 30 appearances for the Saints, keeping 12 clean sheets, before he was re-called in July and sent out to Derby County.
Kenny hailed his first signing since taking over at Richmond Park, saying: “Joseph is a goalkeeper with quite a high ceiling.
“He had a successful spell here two years ago and subsequently has had two years day in day out with West Ham's first-team, training at a very high level alongside two senior international goalkeepers.
“The level he's been training at will really have helped his development.
“I feel he's coming back to St Pat's a better goalkeeper, at 24 years of age, his best years are all ahead of him.
“The thing that struck me about Joseph from speaking to him on zoom when he was visiting Ghana, was his sheer enthusiasm and determination to re-join St Pat's, to play games and continue to improve.
“He has a passion for the club and he is an excellent signing.
“Joe is my first signing since I joined the club as Manager and I feel he'll be an excellent addition to St Patrick's Athletic over the next few seasons and we're looking forward to him joining up with the group next week.”
Anang can’t wait to get started again with the Premier Division side.
“St Pat's is where I played most of my senior games (in my career so far), I feel I played my best football at Pat's during my loan in 2022, I really enjoyed my time here so I'm very excited,” he said.
“The move came about very naturally to be fair, I always kept in touch with Pat Jennings (goalkeeper coach) after I left, having chats back and forth.
“So as soon as he heard that I was available, he got back in touch, and we had a conversation with (director of football) Ger O'Brien and my agents about what a move back here could mean for me.
“I also had a zoom call with PJ and The Gaffer (Stephen Kenny) and that put the icing on the cake. Stephen told me about his plans for me and the style of play he wants to implement, I feel I'll fit into that and I really bought into what his plans are.
“I also want to speak about the St Patrick's Athletic supporters, they showed me a lot of love when I first came to the club two years ago, so with that factored into my decision too, coming back was a no brainer really.
“I'm delighted to get the ball rolling again and to get the deal done."
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