Franco the brave

Guille Franco has expressed his love for English football after making a strong start to his West Ham United career.

The Mexico striker has impressed in recent weeks, linking play superbly and netting twice in his last four Barclays Premier League matches.

In an entertaining interview with Saturday's official matchday programme for the visit of Burnley, Franco also revealed his family's Scottish ancestry.

The 33-year-old, whose full name is Guillermo Luis Franco Farquarson, told how his grandfather collected kilts and other items relating to the Farquharsons, a historic clan who hailed from the Scottish Highlands. With his British heritage, it should be no surprise that Franco has settled quickly into life at the Boleyn Ground.

"I'm delighted to be here. It is not easy for a player to come to the English league and adapt quickly and win a starting place but I feel happy. I'm feeling physically strong and that's helped me. I'm playing matches, as I'd hoped to do, so things are going well personally. I've scored twice and hopefully there'll be more to come."

Franco also spoke of his admiration for strike partner Carlton Cole and his success with former clubs San Lorenzo, Monterrey and CF Villarreal.

Saturday's matchday programme is packed with exclusive interviews, features and photographs.

Former Hammers midfielder Adam Nowland talks about the day he shot down Burnley, top scorer Cole reveals his ambition to maintain his hot start to the season, while Radoslav Kovac picks his Dream Team and Frank Nouble is Talking Football.

Readers can also catch up with Hammers fan Alex Walkinshaw, better known as Inspector Dale Smith in The Bill, and Siobhan Dillon, the celebrity stylist who shot to fame by designing a West Ham-themed basque for pop star Katy Perry.

For all this and more, pick up a copy of Saturday's matchday programme, which will be on sale in and around the Boleyn Ground, priced £3.50.

Alternatively, order your copy online here.