Lee Bowyer cannot wait for the new season to begin after the announcement of the fixtures for the 2008/09 campaign.
The West Ham United midfielder started last season in electric fashion, scoring four goals in his first ten matches, and is looking to do the same again starting with the arrival of Wigan Athletic on 16 August. Bowyer has worked particularly hard in recent weeks to prove his fitness after overcoming a groin injury. He said: "It's always exciting when the fixtures come out because you get to see who you are playing when and when you have got the big teams and also the newly promoted teams.
"I myself have never played against Hull so that is one I am looking forward to and knowing what the first fixture is gives you something to work towards and focus on being part of," he added. "If you look at the first eight games it is a really good chance for a positive start." Bowyer's last appearance came back on 9 February but he is confident he will enjoy better fortunes in the coming campaign. It was against Wigan early last season that he scored his first goal in claret and blue and he would relish a repeat next time around.
"I have been in and working hard all summer to get fit and I am feeling good so I have targeted that Wigan game to make a full return and it would be even better if I could get another against them. After the way I started last season and getting on the scoresheet a few times it was a very frustrating second half to the campaign so I am looking forward to putting that behind me." Click here for all the 2008/09 fixtures.