- Goalkeeper Sam Howes opens new Stadium Store on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
- The Hammer was alongside skipper Mark Noble and midfielder Josh Cullen for the event
- England U19s stopper also ready for European Championship in Germany this summer
The 18-year-old, along with fellow youngster Josh Cullen and club captain Mark Noble, was there to cut the ribbon and officially unveil the new Store, which is three times the size of its Boleyn Ground equivalent.
A host of supporters were there to be a part of the launch, and with the first 16 to join the queue being presented with the new Mark Noble away shirts, many took their place in the at the gates in the early hours of the morning.
Howes, having checked out his new strip, was impressed with Store and everything inside.
He said: “The shop looks unreal and looks the part, which is obviously in keeping with the Stadium. We’ve obviously looked at it while having a look around, and to be fair everyone looks like they’re really enjoying it. It’s got a great layout to it.
“I love [the new goalkeeper kit]. I’m a big, passionate fan of really bright colours, so this one’s bright enough for me, so I can’t really complain there!
“Everything is taking shape on the Park now. It’s an exciting time for the Club. Moving away from the Boleyn Ground, we’ve left a legacy and obviously we’re taking that legacy to this ground, where we can become more successful.”
While many of the Hammers squad enjoy their off-season breaks away, Howes has been preparing for a potential call-up to England U19s’ European Championship squad for this summer’s tournament in Germany.
The Young Lions will face France, the Netherlands and Croatia in their tough Group B, but Howes is confident his side can perform against Europe’s elite.
“It’s a busy time this summer, but it keeps me going. Obviously we have three big games out [at the Euros] in the group stages, and now we’re leading up to it, getting the fitness up and getting ready to go again.
“The hopes are to win the tournament. We have already won it as an U17 group, so we have a great squad of players, a really talented bunch of boys.
“We gel together as a team and there’s no reason why we can’t go on to win this European Championships in Germany, and what a place to win it as well.”