Lee Bowyer is expecting big things from the West Ham United squad when the new season gets under way.
The midfielder has been working hard at Chadwell Heath this summer in the hope of being available for Alan Curbishley at the start of August and believed there was plenty of other encouraging news to be had. Not least is the likely return to fitness of Kieron Dyer after his double leg-break and the chance for two other ex-Newcastle United colleagues in Scott Parker and Craig Bellamy to really establish themselves at the Boleyn Ground.
Bowyer said: "It is exciting because there are so many good players coming back and they are like new signings in a way, especially someone like Kieron who only played three games last season. Scotty Parker as well - I know he didn't end the season injured but he did have a stop-start campaign and towards the end you were only really getting to see just what he can do and he was getting better and better with every game. There will be a lot more of him to come this season."
Bowyer is "feeling good" about his own recovery from groin troubles that blighted the second half of the 2007/08 campaign and he would relish the chance to show the early season form that saw him get four goals. His eye for a pass could also pay dividends if he gets the chance to team up with Bellamy again - of whom he expects good things next time around. "Bellars as well only played a handful of games but in those he showed his pace and ability. If everyone can stay fit we will have a very strong squad."