West Ham United came up against a familiar face at Peterborough United on Saturday when Jack Collison came off the bench to make his home debut for his new club.
Collison played 121 games for the Hammers after making his way through the Academy, but is now looking to rebuild his career with the Posh having spent the last six months building himself up for a return to the game.
The large contingent of Hammers fans at the ABAX Stadium showed they had not forgotten the 26-year-old, who was afforded a fine reception when he entered the pitch.
He said: “It was a really nice feeling to get back out on the pitch, and a great day in all areas. The reception was fantastic, and obviously I’ve got really fond memories of West Ham and had a great relationship with the fans, so it was nice to be in front of them again on Saturday.
“The West Ham fans love seeing their youngsters come through and have an impact on the first team, while enjoying wearing the shirt and playing for the Club. I did that over the years and have a very special relationship with them.
“I was itching to get on from the sidelines and I couldn’t wait. I think you could tell from the way I was running about like a bit of a nutter when I did get on.
“It’s been a long time out and I’ve taken my time. To be fair to Peterborough the staff have been fantastic with me, easing me in slowly, so come the first game I should be fit, firing and ready to go.”
Collison was impressed by the Hammers’ performance in an entertaining 3-3 draw and believes Slaven Bilic’s men are in for a successful season. He thinks the same is true of his new team, too.
He added: “It’s exciting times for West Ham, and it’s going to be one hell of a season, the last at the Boleyn. That will be emotional, and there’s a new manager in, a couple of new signings and it looks like there’s more on the way.
“The boys were fantastic today, they had a great attitude as always and Mark Noble was just different gear in there. Speaking to our boys in the changing room, they were saying ‘what a player’ and it’s great for our boys that they can test themselves against good opposition, and the same for West Ham. I think they’re going to have a good season.
“The aim for Peterborough is a promotion push. That’s how the manager sold it to me, he said he feels he’s got a good enough squad and from what I’ve seen since I’ve been here we definitely do.”