It has been a whirlwind week for Flynn Downes.
In just seven days, the West Ham United fan has joined his boyhood Club, trained alongside the Hammers’ international stars and started and won his first game in Claret and Blue against the team where he served his apprenticeship and began his professional career.
For an unassuming Brentwood lad, the experience has been as exciting as it was unexpected, but his sole ambition now is to show he belongs at this level and belongs in a West Ham United shirt.
“It’s surreal,” he beamed, speaking to West Ham TV following Tuesday’s 2-1 pre-season win at Ipswich Road. “I keep saying it but it’s not sunk in yet. It’s sunk in a little more now I’ve played in a Claret and Blue shirt. It was a good game and a tough game and they’re a good team, but we dug in and got the three points, as we say, and it’s all positive.
“I just want to get better and just want to be the best I can be. Like I’ve said, it’s a dream to be here and whatnot but, at the end of the day, I want to help the team achieve big things.
“I just want to get better. I just want to learn from the players from the staff and just kick on, really.”
The new No12 was cheered on by the Claret and Blue Army at Portman Road, where his fellow West Ham supporters sang his name in a chorus of ‘He’s one of our own’.
It was yet another moment to savour for the 23-year-old, who joined the Irons following 15 years with Ipswich and a single impressive season with Swansea City in the EFL Championship last term.
“I can’t thank everyone enough,” he smiled. “I’m trying to get back to everyone, but it’s just been absolutely crazy. The love and support level showed to me is unbelievable, so thank you, I appreciate it.”
Downes also received a warm welcome at Rush Green from the likes of Declan Rice and his new teammates, and was quick to confirm that the spirit in the West Ham camp is as good as advertised.
“It’s unbelievable,” he confirmed. “As a new player, you come in and you don’t know what to expect. Everyone can say ‘Oh, we’ve got a good group here with all the people, blah blah’, but until you actually get in you don’t know that.
“Monday was the first day I’ve had with all the boys and it was unbelievable. Like I’m not just saying that, they were unbelievable. They made me so at home, I feel like I’ve been here ten years! They’re a lovely group of lads and that’s why they’ve done so well.”
