HAYDEN Mullins admits that winning the Play-off Final against
Preston at the Millennium Stadium was the highlight of his career,
and now the 26-year-old midfielder is determined to help West Ham
United make their mark on the Premiership.
"I think there are players in this squad that will be really
up for the challenge of the Premiership.
"Obviously a lot of us haven't played in the Premier
League before, and we'll have to adapt to the step up in level.
"But we've got some talented young players in the side who
will be able to handle the step up in class.
"We've also got players who have played in the Premier
League before and no doubt their experience will be vital as we
find our feet at that level."
The former Crystal Palace trainee, who switched to Upton Park in
October 2003, has shown a steely determination to make his move to
East London a success.
Tagged as a utility player and shunted around the side, it's
been an uphill struggle for Hayden to convince Alan Pardew of his
virtues as a centre-midfielder.
But having proved his quality in his preferred position, Hayden is
now aiming to show the Premiership what he can do.
"I came to West Ham United because the whole set-up was
Premier League quality," he admitted. "Now that we've
won back the Club's top-flight status I think we have the
facilities and structure to flourish.
"Obviously it will take a lot of hard work. There is a big
jump up to the Premiership and we've got to prove that we are
good enough to compete.
"But the lads are full of belief and confidence after the
Play-off Final win and everyone is looking forward to getting back
to pre-season and preparing ourselves for our first game.
"It's a dream come true for me to have got to the Premier
League. Every player wants to play at the highest level he can and
it's always been my aim to make it to the top-flight.
"Missing out last season was a really difficult experience,
but it made us stronger this time around. I think this year
we're better prepared to go up anyway, and hopefully we'll
do the Club proud next season."