Carl's Quick Summer

WELSH international Carl Fletcher is looking forward to a quick, but relaxing, summer break before West Ham United's players return for pre-season training at the start of July.

The midfielder arrived at Upton Park from Bournemouth in August 2004 with aspirations of playing at the highest level. Thanks to a memorable 1-0 win over Preston at the Millennium Stadium those dreams will be realised in little more than two months' time.

And Fletch praised the Hammers squad for sticking together during some tough times this season to put one over on the critics who wrote them off.

"Some of the criticism we took was unfair," he insisted. "It was pretty constant for a while, even when things were going well and it was tough at times for the squad.

"But we stuck together, got our heads down and just worked through it. The win in the Play-offs was a fantastic reward for the way the players, staff and fans applied themselves to the job over the final games of the season.

"We knew that the only way to silence our criticis was to win promotion. The determination and application we showed in achieving that was fantastic, and now we've done it we can look forward to West Ham United returning to the Premier League, where they belong."

Carl, who was one of the most consistent performers in Alan Pardew's squad this season, suffered the pain of the selection process before the Millennium Stadium Final, as Pards preferred the experienced Shaun Newton. But, despite being disappointed to miss out on starting in the showpiece occasion, Carl was no less delighted for the team.

"It was a fantastic effort by the lads in the Final," he agreed. "Everyone out there played well and while of course I wanted to start I was delighted for the Club.

"The fans here deserve to be watching Premier League football. They have been magnificent since I arrived at the Club and the celebrations in the stands at the Millennium Stadium were brilliant.

"We knew that everything that had gone during the season boiled down to one game. We knew that we had to win at all costs and we did a great job. Preston have proved themselves a tough side this season, but we applied ourselves really well.

"When I first arrived at the Club from Bournemouth the whole atmosphere around the place was one of a big club that really did belong in the Premier League. West Ham United is a huge club in terms of support and tradition and I'm delighted to have been part of the squad that got the Club back to the top-flight.

"It's a great achievement for the fans, staff and everyone connected with the Club."

Carl is now away enjoying a summer break, before the players are due to return to Chadwell Heath to begin their pre-season preparations.

"It's important that we all go off now and enjoy a really good summer," he added. "It's been a long, tough season with the Play-offs and it's draining for the lads.

"But when we left after the victory parade everyone was on a high and I think that's how it will stay. The buzz around the place after the Final was incredible and to be honest most of us can't wait to get back in training.

"Playing in the Premiership is a massive challenge, but it's exciting times and we're all looking forward to it. Hopefully we can give a good account of ourselves and it'll be a good year for us."