Maynard targeting Saints bow

Nicky Maynard has told the official matchday programme he would love nothing more than to make his West Ham United debut in Tuesday's top-of-the-table clash with Southampton at the Boleyn Ground.

The Hammers' new No8 watched the win over Millwall from the substitutes bench before a frozen pitch denied him the opportunity to make his bow at Peterborough United on Saturday.

Two weeks on from his deadline day move from Bristol City and Maynard is eager to pull on a claret and blue shirt for the first time, having already scored in the Robins' 2-0 victory over the Saints at Ashton Gate in November.

"Hopefully I'll be involved - the sooner the better for me because I can get to know the lads and get to play in front of the West Ham faithful," he told the matchday programme, which will be on sale in and around the Boleyn Ground on Tuesday.

"The manager said he's bringing me in to score goals and that I'll get all the chances I need here. That's all I want really - to get chances and I'm sure I'll take them."

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A full-length interview with Maynard is one of a host of exciting and exclusive features to appear in the 17th issue of the 2011/12 season.

Alongside columns from Joint Chairman David Sullivan and manager Sam Allardyce, there are exclusive interviews with midfielder Gary O'Neil, club legend Steve Potts and Southampton greats Matthew Le Tissier and Mick Channon.

Good Beer Guide editor and season ticket holder Roger Protz reveals the best places to drink while following the Hammers, while Evening Standard correspondent Ken Dyer puts his case forward for the next England manager.

With an interview with Under-18s winger Dominic Vose and all the build-up to Wednesday's FA Youth Cup fifth-round tie at Chelsea, plus news of special retail, corporate hospitality and ticketing offers, supporters cannot afford to miss out on Tuesday's action-packed issue.

Grab your copy for just £3.50, or order online here. Don't forget, tickets are still available for the big game here.