WEST Ham United's players reported back for pre-season
training on Wednesday and were put through their paces by
Alan Pardew and his staff.
It was a chance for new signings Roy Carroll, Paul Konchesky, Danny
Gabbidon and James Collins to get acquainted with their new
team-mates.
And despite suffering the rigours of the dreaded first day of
pre-season, the Hammers stars appeared in good spirits after their
first work-out of the new campaign.
Goalkeeper Carroll certainly enjoyed his first training session
alongside coach Ludo Miklosko.
"It was a good work-out," he said, "but it was more
important to meet the rest of the lads, get settled in and start to
get accustomed with everything.
"I signed a few weeks ago now and there's been a bit of a
break where I've just been waiting and looking forward to
getting stuck into pre-season.
"I'm actually pleased to be back in pre-season and I'm
aiming for a productive few weeks as the squad prepare for the new
season.
"There's a good bunch of lads here. There's a really
good atmosphere throughout the squad and that's important
because it helps the new players to settle in and concentrate on
their job on the pitch.
"Now that the first session is out of the way we can get into
some good work and get ready for the new season. A good start is
going to be really important and that means a positive
pre-season."
Defender Danny Gabbidon, a new arrival from Cardiff City, had less
time to wait for his first outing at Chadwell Heath, having only
signed for the Club on Tuesday.
"It was good to get out there," he admitted. "I was
really impressed with the facilities at the training ground and it
was a positive, well-organised first session.
"The first day at a new Club is always a bit daunting.
"But it was really enjoyable, all the lads welcomed us to the
squad and now I'm just looking forward to a good pre-season and
hopefully a strong start to the new season."
Back In Training
6th July 2005