BOBBY Zamora was at his lively best to score West Ham United's
equaliser in the 1-1 draw against ADO Den Haag.
The Hammers striker returned after missing the 1-0 win over Crystal
Palace with tendonitis to put in a fine display, which he capped
with an 80th minute strike to protect West Ham's unbeaten run
during this pre-season campaign.
The 24-year-old has now scored four goals during the Premier League
build-up and now can't wait for the big kick-off against
Blackburn Rovers on August 13th.
"Everyone's buzzing about the new season," he said,
"and the closer it gets the more everyone looks forward
to it. Pre-season has been really positive, and although the
results aren't hugely important, it's good to have gone
through unbeaten so far.
"The game in Holland was really competitive, especially in the
second-half when they came into the game a bit more. It was a tough
work-out, but that's what we're looking for at this
stage because we know that's exactly what we're going
to get against Blackburn.
"The squad is looking strong, the gaffer has brought in some
new players who have fitted in really well and now we're just
going to be working over the next week or so to make sure we're
exactly right and on our game for Blackburn."
With a game at Upton Park to kick-off Hammers Premier League
return, Bobby believes that a good start is going to essential
for Alan Pardew's squad.
"The first five or so games are going to be important,"
agreed the former Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton hitman. "We
want to make sure we get some points in the bag early so that
we're not playing catch up.
"We need to get off to a good start, and that means we have to
prepare right over the next week and make sure we're ready for
the first match.
"The fact that it's a home game will make it even more of
a big occasion for the Club. Upton Park will be full, the
atmosphere will be fantastic and it's up to the players to
respond with a performance of Premiership quality.
"It's a very tough League and every game is going to be a
big challenge. But the mood and spirit in the squad is great and
we're going into the season with a lot of confidence after the
way we finished last season.
"Everyone around the Club is on the up at the moment and
that can only help our performances on the pitch."
Bobby's Sharp Start
3rd August 2005