Matt Taylor is delighted to be up and running as a West Ham United player.
The midfielder played for an hour in the 1-0 win at Dagenham & Redbridge on Tuesday night and looked lively throughout. Playing in wide role on the left, Taylor also gave an early glimpse of his dead-ball prowess with some telling corners and free-kicks.
"It was good to be out there," he said. "Dagenham are a good team, they made us work, it was nice to win.
"My fitness is fine. I think a majority of players don't lose too much fitness in the summer so it is not too bad coming back into it all. I would like to think I am in good condition and it is about match fitness now."
Taylor is already at home at Chadwell Heath and is a popular presence around the training ground.
"I have had no problem settling in with everyone, it is not been a problem for me- You do feel like the new boy at school on your first day, but I feel good here," he added.
"I am very happy, I am a southern lad and it gets me closer to home to my family which is also a big part of my life.
"As I have said, West Ham are a huge club - it is massive and I just want to be part of it all here. There is something special here and hopefully we can give these wonderful fans of ours something to cheer about."
Taylor is confident but not complacent and knows the Hammers will be tested from the off, with the visit of Cardiff City on Sunday week followed by tough match after tough match.
"We are under no illusions that it will be a difficult season. There are some big teams in the Championship all vying for those spots to get into the Premier League. I think if we get a good start and try to keep going from there, then we have a great chance."
What has impressed Taylor is the quality in the ranks and, with one or two more new faces to come in at least, he is confident the club will have a strong season.
"I am confident in the ability in the squad that we can give it a good shot. The manager still wants to add to the team, so that can only be good and I think we can have a good go at it all. I am confident for the season ahead."
