Walker one of four to leave West Ham on loan

Four West Ham players left the club on loan today as a trio of youngsters, as well as Jimmy Walker, have headed out to respective new clubs.

Prosperous young Hammers centre back James Tomkins, 19, has joined Derby County on a one month loan in attempt to gain first team football with the form of James Collins and Matthew Upson keeping the teenager out.

Also departing is 21-year-old left winger Kyel Reid, who teams up with Blackpool, having recently had loan spells with Barnsley and Crystal Palace, on the verges of the Hammers first team when at the club.

Veteran goalkeeper Jimmy Walker, 35, heads out to Colchester where the former Walsall stalwart will remain until the start of the New Year. Walker has been limited to just 13 league appearances since signing for a free for the Hammers in 2004 and is unlikely to play again with Robert Green in form and Jan Lustuvka in back up.

Finally, the last to leave is youngster Junior Stanislas, 19, who joins League One side Southend on loan for a period lasting six weeks. The attacking midfielder is yet to play for the Hammers first team but looks a good prospect for the future.