Hendrie Set For Emotional Goodby

Stephen Hendrie cannot wait to fully begin his West Ham career - but the left-back admits his final Hamilton appearance will be an emotional and difficult experience.

The 20-year-old was immediately loaned back to Accies after West Ham bought him in January and he will bring the curtain down on his New Douglas Park spell when St Mirren visit in Saturday's Scottish Premiership finale.

"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."

But Hendrie is excited about what lies in store following a recent trip to east London.

"I was down there last week having a look and getting to know the place," he said.

"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 excitted 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."

Hendrie is following in the footsteps of the likes of Crystal Palace midfielder James McArthur and Everton's James McCarthy, who both made a major impact in England after swapping Hamilton for Wigan.

"I spoke to them as soon as I signed," Hendrie said. "They were buzzing for me and told me everything would be fine, the boys will make me feel welcome, just work hard and try your best.

"It's brilliant to have people down there who have gone down there and done it and can give you advice.

"You need to go down there feeling confident about yourself and impress."