Etherington, a former winner of the coveted Hammer of the year award, spent five seasons with the Hammers before securing a January transfer north to Stoke.
"It was good to get the reception I did from the West Ham fans," said Etherington.
"I loved my time at West Ham, it was just simply time to move on and try somewhere else, but there will always be a link for me with the club.
"As I said I keep in touch with some of the lads and will always look back on my time there with great memories, without a doubt."