Pair all kitted out

Jack Collison and Zavon Hines met West Ham United fans young and old as the new 2010/11 Macron away kit went on sale at the Stadium Store.

The popular Hammers pair attended an exclusive shopping night for season ticket holders and corporate members at the Boleyn Ground, happily signing autographs and posing for photographs with supporters.

The duo, who are currently on the road to recovery from knee injuries, also thanked fans for their continuing support and swapped some banter, with everyone giving the kit a thumbs up.

When Collison asked one supporter what he thought of the kit, the gentleman smiled and pointed to his young son's buggy, which was filled with bags containing new shirts.

Academy members were able to purchase the new away kit from 7am this morning before going on general sale from 9am.

The Wales midfielder was wearing one of the new shirts - which is inspired by the legends who were part of successful West Ham teams of the late 1950s and early 1960s - as he signed autographs and said he was impressed with the shirt the Hammers will wear on the road this season.

"I like it. It's nice to see it properly for the first time. It is a fresh new kit for a new season so it is good. We have a new manager, a new season ahead, I think it looks smart."

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Collison's thoughts were echoed by his team-mate Hines as the young striker inspected the shirt he was also wearing, adding: "The kit is nice, it looks good and I look forward to wearing it to play in. The fans we met seemed to like it a lot."

Both players were in buoyant mood as they spoke about the positive but steady rehab programmes they are both undergoing following surgery.

"I had my operation (at the end of May) and this is the first time I have been off my crutches and can start to drive again, so it is nice to get to this stage," said Collison.

"I know I won't be starting the season but I am doing pool work now as part of my programme, so it's all positive. It's a slow process but at the end of it I will be fitter and stronger than before and I am just looking forward to getting back and playing my part for the team this season."

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For Hines, it is also a case of taking it day by day on the road back to fitness.

"The aim is to be back as soon as I can, but do everything in good time. It is all looking OK. There's a way to go yet but I am working hard, because as I said, I want to play again soon and wear this new shirt."

The new 2010/11 Macron away kit is now on sale at the Stadium Store and Lakeside Store and can also be ordered from the online Megastore by clicking the above link.

The Stadium Store is situated in the West Stand at the Boleyn Ground and is open 9.30am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday.

The Lakeside Store is situated in Unit 71 at Lakeside Shopping Centre in Thurrock. It is open between 10am and 10pm, Monday to Friday, between 9am and 9pm on Saturdays and 11am and 5pm on Sundays. The store is located on the ground floor, next door to Debenhams, and can be contacted by calling 01708 890258.