Benni McCarthy has spoken about his determination to make 2010/11 a season to remember for West Ham United fans.
The striker has been hard at work for the past fortnight at Chadwell Heath to ensure he is ready for the start of pre-season from Monday. The return to training will sharpen minds for the big kick-off on Saturday 14 August, with fans only having until 5pm on Saturday to make sure of their season tickets at a reduced rate.
"I still have loads to prove to the West Ham fans," said the 32-year-old former Blackburn striker. "For me, I am like a new player coming in, because last season I am writing off. I have been training hard for two weeks now and it is all off my own back."
The forward missed out on the South Africa squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup because of fitness issues after injury problems caused him to play just five times for the club following his February move from Blackburn Rovers.
"I am very determined and that is why I decided to come back earlier. I wanted to make a fresh start - what I couldn't do then, I want to be able to do now.
"The injury is completely fine and the weight is back to normal. I have been following my programme since the end of the season. It is the first time that something like this has happened to me and I need to make sure it doesn't happen again."
McCarthy is looking forward to working with new manager Avram Grant. "I have met him a few times and I don't think they would have brought him in if they didn't think he was the right man for the job. His record at Chelsea spoke for itself."
