Anton Ferdinand admits he was surprised to be offered a new contract at Upton Park - but was delighted to pledge his future to the Hammers.
It was only five months ago that the 20-year-old defender agreed a three-year extension to his current deal but such has been his form and rate of progress since our return to the Premiership, that the club moved quickly to secure his long-term future.
Anton is now tied to the club until the summer of 2010 and says: "It's fantastic news for me. To be honest, I couldn't believe it when the gaffer called me in and said that the club wanted to offer me a new deal. I only signed an extension a few months ago, so it was a bit of a surprise, but I was more than happy to sign again.
"I spoke to my brother and the rest of my family about it, and they were all delighted for me. 2005 was a fantastic year, it really couldn't have gone any better, and this is a great way to start 2006 - hopefully it will be another successful year for me."
For Anton, the new contract provides another example of the affinity he shares with the club that invited him along to train as a schoolboy back in 1995, just as his older brother was beginning to make an impact at Upton Park.
"I've been here since the age of nine, so I've grown up at the club and it means a lot to me," he says. "I sat in the stands as a supporter when Rio was playing here and developed a love for the club, and hopefully the fans can see that when I'm on the pitch.
"I enjoy being at the club and that's why I had no fears about signing the new contract. I get on well with all the lads here, we work hard in training but like to have a laugh and a joke at the right times, and it's a great environment.
"We've got a really tight unit here and it's good to be a part of - I'm certainly more than happy to commit my future to the club."
And Anton is now hoping that future will be full of success. Having made great strides to establish himself as a respected Premiership defender in the past six months, the England under-21 defender is now hoping to step up another level and realise his dream of winning trophies at Upton Park.
"That's why I signed another deal, because I believe this club is going places and has a bright future. We've got a young squad, we all stick together, and we're all desperate to do well for the club.
"I'm now looking forward to the rest of the season and hoping to finish as high in the league as we can. Personally, I just want to keep progressing and playing well for the team, and hopefully success will follow from there."