Back In Training


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."