After completing his first full week as a West Ham United
player, Club record signing Dean Ashton was still waiting for his
Hammers debut, but revealed exclusively to whufc.com that he is
certainly in a positive mood...
Q: How have you settled in at West Ham United Dean?
A: It's been great, I feel like I've settled in quite quickly and everyone here has made me feel very welcome. It gets better every day - obviously I'm getting to know the lads more and I'm really excited about the rest of the season.
Q: It must have been frustrating to miss out on a debut in the FA Cup on Saturday because of a troublesome injury?
A: Of course, the main thing is to play matches and to be involved, so it has been a little frustrating, and I'm just desperate to get out there now. The groin injury has fully healed, so I'm in full training and available for selection.
I suppose the one good thing is that I've already got to know all of the medical staff - although that's probably not the best way to introduce yourself to a new club!
Q: Were you surprised by the overwhelming reaction to your arrival at Upton Park prior to the match against Fulham?
A: That was certainly a bit different to anything I had been used to, but it was an amazing night and the reception I got from the supporters was fantastic. Everybody I've spoken to has been really nice, but I know that I will be judged by what I do on the pitch, and that is really all I am concentrating on now.
I just want to work hard on the training pitch, force my way into the team, and be a success for West Ham United.
Q: How have you found things off the field - are you familiar with London yet?
A: I've had a look around and tried to get my bearings - it just takes a bit of time to settle into a new area. I had the same thing at Norwich last year, though, so I'm used to it and it hasn't been a problem for me.
My girlfriend is still up in Norwich as she works there, so I'm on my own for the time being, but all the lads have been great and I'm beginning to get used to the new surroundings.
Q: Presumably you are now just eager to start scoring goals for West Ham United?
A: Of course, I can't wait. I'm fit for selection, but the lads up front have been doing a great job and deserve to be in the team. I've just got to keep working hard and hope that my chance arrives soon. I already feel a part of the club, but I'm just desperate to get out there and play.
Q: How have you settled in at West Ham United Dean?
A: It's been great, I feel like I've settled in quite quickly and everyone here has made me feel very welcome. It gets better every day - obviously I'm getting to know the lads more and I'm really excited about the rest of the season.
Q: It must have been frustrating to miss out on a debut in the FA Cup on Saturday because of a troublesome injury?
A: Of course, the main thing is to play matches and to be involved, so it has been a little frustrating, and I'm just desperate to get out there now. The groin injury has fully healed, so I'm in full training and available for selection.
I suppose the one good thing is that I've already got to know all of the medical staff - although that's probably not the best way to introduce yourself to a new club!
Q: Were you surprised by the overwhelming reaction to your arrival at Upton Park prior to the match against Fulham?
A: That was certainly a bit different to anything I had been used to, but it was an amazing night and the reception I got from the supporters was fantastic. Everybody I've spoken to has been really nice, but I know that I will be judged by what I do on the pitch, and that is really all I am concentrating on now.
I just want to work hard on the training pitch, force my way into the team, and be a success for West Ham United.
Q: How have you found things off the field - are you familiar with London yet?
A: I've had a look around and tried to get my bearings - it just takes a bit of time to settle into a new area. I had the same thing at Norwich last year, though, so I'm used to it and it hasn't been a problem for me.
My girlfriend is still up in Norwich as she works there, so I'm on my own for the time being, but all the lads have been great and I'm beginning to get used to the new surroundings.
Q: Presumably you are now just eager to start scoring goals for West Ham United?
A: Of course, I can't wait. I'm fit for selection, but the lads up front have been doing a great job and deserve to be in the team. I've just got to keep working hard and hope that my chance arrives soon. I already feel a part of the club, but I'm just desperate to get out there and play.