Vic and Lars a hit

Lars Jacobsen and Victor Obinna met with fans at the West Ham United club store at Lakeside Shopping Centre.

Youngsters and their families enjoying the start of half-term week queued up to see the pair who signed autographs and posed for photographs.

From shirts to footballs, mobile phones and autograph books, Jacobsen and Obinna signed them all and had a smile for everyone.

Jacobsen, who is cup-tied for Wednesday's Carling Cup tie with Stoke City, said: "It was good to meet our fans. Everyone seemed pleased to see us and they were wishing us well for the next match, which was good to hear.

"We know that taking the time to do this means a lot and we were only to happy to meet them."

The players were the focus of attention from all who interrupted their shopping to come and see them in the club store. Fans were buying photos and shirts and then waited in line to get them signed.

Obinna was equally happy to say hello. "People were very nice," he said. "They were saying to me we hope you score a goal in the next match, so hopefully I will for them.

"It is important to meet with the fans, I enjoyed it and hopefully they did too."

There is a chance to meet two more players later this week, when Freddie Piquionne and Pablo Barrera will be at the stadium store on Thursday [28 October], with the visit set for approximately 2.45pm.

Anyone planning to attend on Thursday is advised to get there early to avoid missing out. In order to ensure as many fans are catered for as possible and to avoid exploitation by professional autograph dealers, players can only sign items purchased from the shop on the day.

Please note all appearances are subject to change for footballing reasons.