The Big Interview - Reece Oxford

Reece Oxford has burst onto the first-team scene in recent weeks and is already showing what a major talent he could be for West Ham United.


The 16-year-old became the youngest player in the Club's history when he made his debut against FC Lusitans in the Europa League at the start of July, breaking Billy Williams' 93-year record.


Despite his young age, Oxford has already shown he has the ability to compete at the highest level and is hoping to cement his place in the first-team squad.

 

Reece, how pleased are you to have made your breakthrough into the first-team?


“I was really happy to start the game against Werder Bremen. They were a very strong side and probably the best team we played against during the pre-season.


“It was a good test for us and even though we lost we can learn from it going into the Arsenal game on Sunday and the Europa League tie on Thursday.”



How much will you take from the experience of playing in the Europa League and performing in front of sell-out crowds at the Boleyn Ground?


“I have had a lot of games and am just trying to take it step-by-step each time I go out there.


“I am trying to learn from every game but it is great for me to get the experience.


“It really helps me when I am playing at the Boleyn Ground because the fans are always on your side and with experienced players like Noble and Kouyate around me, they can only help me how to play."

 

The Club are back in Europa League action this week when we travel to Romania. After drawing the first game 2-2 against AFC Astra Giurgiu, what are your thoughts on the return leg?


“We are going to go there and have the mind-set to win the game. Hopefully we can get through to the next round.


“It is great for us to play against different teams overseas and experience the different kind of atmospheres.”

 

How ready are you for the start of the Premier League campaign and what have been your early impressions of Slaven Bilic as the Club's new manager?


“The start of the new season has come around really quickly but I have played in a lot of games and hopefully I will be fit and ready.


“I think the new manager is very good and likes to get things done properly.


“This is a big season for me for both club and country and hopefully I will do well.”

 

Finally, the first-team squad went for screening tests at the Spire Roding Hospital this week. How important is it for the players to have a full medical check going into the new season?


“I think it is very important for us to have these tests. We need to check our blood levels, our eye sight and other important areas and make sure that nothing shows up.


“If we all have these checks now it can only be a good thing. We all remember what happened to Fabrice Muamba and we don't want that happening to any other player. It was a warning sign.”