Lee lauds productive campaign

Elliot Lee has big ambitions after making his Barclays Premier League debut during the 2013/14 season.

The young striker recently capped a productive campaign by signing a new contract with West Ham United at the end of a season that also saw him net his maiden senior goal during a loan spell with League One side Colchester United.

Still only 19, Lee is now targeting a place in Sam Allardyce's first team ahead of a 2014/15 season that will see West Ham play a more expansive, attacking brand of football.

"It was an up and down season like any other season and it didn't end too well with a knee injury, but I will take the positives from it to next season and hopefully push on," said the forward.

"One of the highs was making my Premier League debut against Stoke City in August last year and I was disappointed not to push on and make more first-team appearances, but hopefully they will come next year.

"There have been ups and downs but the highlight of my season was making my Premier League debut and obviously going out on loan to Colchester and scoring my first league goal. There are a lot of positives to take and hopefully there will be a lot more next season.

"The idea is to get more time on the pitch in the Premier League next season. I think I will get regular first-team football here and I think I will play regularly for West Ham one day and hopefully it comes soon. I will push on next season and who knows what could happen?

"I hope I can be the answer and I am given a shot and will show everyone I can score goals and that I can play in the first team."

On a more sombre note, Lee lost a close friend and strike partner when Dylan Tombides sadly passed away following a courageous three-year battle with cancer in April.

The forward paid a heartfelt tribute to the Australian, who he spent endless hours with on the training pitch, in the dressing room, on the pitch and away from the Club socially.

"Dyl was one of the best people I have known and I will ever know. His is a huge loss and I'm gutted he is not around any more. It's a great tribute to him that the Club has named the Academy Player of the Year award in his memory."