James Tomkins has welcomed the early return to match action
On the eve of West Ham United’s return to European football, Basildon-born James Tomkins spoke of his excitement at getting the season under way.
The 26-year-old Academy graduate will captain the team as they kick off their Europa League campaign when they face Andorran outfit FC Lusitans on Thursday evening.
Speaking ahead of the Hammers first game of the new 2015/16 season, just 39 days since they last played, Tomkins welcomed the early return to action.
“Ordinarily I would be on holiday at this time of year, getting prepared for the new season, but I’d much rather be back playing.
“I want game time because it’s important for my fitness. To play a competitive game so early is great for me. Obviously I didn’t play much at the end of last season through injury, so to be back out there is great.”
Due to the quick turnaround, the matchday squad named by Academy Terry Westley represents a mixture of experienced first team and Development Squad players.
Lewis Page and Reece Oxford are in line to make their senior debuts while further Dev Squad members could feature from the bench.
Tomkins, a fellow Academy graduate himself, stated his pride at being chosen as captain: “It’s a massive honour to captain the side, let alone captain the side in Europe. I’m delighted, obviously I’m one of the more experienced players in this squad.
“I’m only 26 but I’m still one of the older lads. Lads like Reece are just 16 years old so I’m ten years older and I’ve got that experience. It’s a good role for me to take on in this stage of my career. I’m looking forward to communicating with the younger lads on the pitch and helping them through it.”
The experienced central defender, who had been in superb form for the Hammers before injury limited his game time, is relishing the prospect of playing in front of a sell-out crowd at the Boleyn Ground.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference on Wednesday afternoon, Tomkins seemed genuinely bowled over by the West Ham fans passion for European football.
“The atmosphere is going to be electric tomorrow. There’s been a lot of talk about how important the Europa League is to this Club.
“As this is the last season at the Boleyn Ground, it’s going to be emotional but brilliant. We want to leave this stadium in the best way we can and the Europa league is a good way of doing that.
“We’re entering a new era and it’s a great opportunity for everyone to impress the new manager. We haven’t had too much time to work with him but in the time we have had, he has impressed me.
“We’ve had a few meetings and he seems really friendly. He’s done all he can in a short time to get us ready for the new season and he’ll be about in the dressing room tomorrow.
A popular figure among fans and teammates alike, Tomkins finished by saying that due to the phenomenal demand for tickets, some players had even missed out.
“As captain I’ve made sure I’ve got some tickets for my family and friends but I think some of the other lads have struggled.
“I don’t think anyone was expecting a sell-out but we’re all delighted that it is. We’re all delighted and it’s particularly good for the younger ones making their debut, it’s fantastic.”
The 26-year-old Academy graduate will captain the team as they kick off their Europa League campaign when they face Andorran outfit FC Lusitans on Thursday evening.
Speaking ahead of the Hammers first game of the new 2015/16 season, just 39 days since they last played, Tomkins welcomed the early return to action.
“Ordinarily I would be on holiday at this time of year, getting prepared for the new season, but I’d much rather be back playing.
“I want game time because it’s important for my fitness. To play a competitive game so early is great for me. Obviously I didn’t play much at the end of last season through injury, so to be back out there is great.”
Due to the quick turnaround, the matchday squad named by Academy Terry Westley represents a mixture of experienced first team and Development Squad players.
Lewis Page and Reece Oxford are in line to make their senior debuts while further Dev Squad members could feature from the bench.
Tomkins, a fellow Academy graduate himself, stated his pride at being chosen as captain: “It’s a massive honour to captain the side, let alone captain the side in Europe. I’m delighted, obviously I’m one of the more experienced players in this squad.
“I’m only 26 but I’m still one of the older lads. Lads like Reece are just 16 years old so I’m ten years older and I’ve got that experience. It’s a good role for me to take on in this stage of my career. I’m looking forward to communicating with the younger lads on the pitch and helping them through it.”
The experienced central defender, who had been in superb form for the Hammers before injury limited his game time, is relishing the prospect of playing in front of a sell-out crowd at the Boleyn Ground.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference on Wednesday afternoon, Tomkins seemed genuinely bowled over by the West Ham fans passion for European football.
“The atmosphere is going to be electric tomorrow. There’s been a lot of talk about how important the Europa League is to this Club.
“As this is the last season at the Boleyn Ground, it’s going to be emotional but brilliant. We want to leave this stadium in the best way we can and the Europa league is a good way of doing that.
“We’re entering a new era and it’s a great opportunity for everyone to impress the new manager. We haven’t had too much time to work with him but in the time we have had, he has impressed me.
“We’ve had a few meetings and he seems really friendly. He’s done all he can in a short time to get us ready for the new season and he’ll be about in the dressing room tomorrow.
A popular figure among fans and teammates alike, Tomkins finished by saying that due to the phenomenal demand for tickets, some players had even missed out.
“As captain I’ve made sure I’ve got some tickets for my family and friends but I think some of the other lads have struggled.
“I don’t think anyone was expecting a sell-out but we’re all delighted that it is. We’re all delighted and it’s particularly good for the younger ones making their debut, it’s fantastic.”