Carl Jenkinson joined West Ham United for a second loan spell this week and immediately laid out his plans to build on the first.
Having experienced a full season of first team football for the first time in his career last term, the England international is thrilled to have the chance to show what he can do again in a claret and blue shirt.
Carl, how happy are you to be back?
CJ: "I'm really happy to be back after last year," he said. "It was a good season for the Club and a good season for myself.
"To be honest I just wanted to come back here and I'm happy everything's been sorted out. I've got another season here and I can't wait.
Having been here for a year already, you know exactly what you’re coming back into…
CJ: "I'm a young player and I haven't had too many experiences of different clubs, but I loved every minute of it here. Everything about it is fantastic - it's a real family Club, the lads are great and the fans are great, so it ticks all the boxes you want when you join a football Club.”
We’ve got a new manager in place now. How much do you know about him?
CJ: "I've seen what the manager has done in the past and he's done great things with the Croatia national team and the other clubs he's been, so he's a proven manager.
"I've got to come in, show what I can do and prove myself to a new manager. That keeps you on your toes and I've got to go and do that in pre-season. I'm looking forward to it.
"I know from speaking to the boss on the phone about the style of football, how he wants to play and his philosophy. That was an attractive thing for me and that's one of the reasons I signed here as well - he sounds like a guy who's going to be a great manager and I’m glad to be a part of that.”
You started over 30 games last season. Presumably the aim is to nail down that right back slot again?
CJ: "I just want to play as much football as I can. To be honest, last season was the first I played every week and I'm a different person on and off the pitch. I found my love for the game again and you forget how much that means to you.
"I want to do that again - I want to play as much football as I can and develop as much as I can as a player.
"Confidence, everything grows when you're playing and you find out more about yourself as a player and a person. I really enjoyed it and of course it's something I want to continue to do.”
You talked about feeling at home here from day one. How important is that for a player?
CJ: "There's a lot of English lads here, so it's very easy to settle in and the lads are a good laugh here. I look forward to coming into training every day - of course everyone works hard and wants to do the right things on the football pitch, but it's nice to come into environment where you can enjoy yourself and are amongst friends. That's important in any job, you want to look forward to coming into work and I certainly do that at West Ham.”
The Club have been busy in the transfer market this summer. How impressed have you been by the signings?
CJ: “I know this club is going in the right direction, I think everyone can see that from within the club and outside. The Board signed a lot of good players last year and have obviously done the same this summer, making a few real statements of intent.
West Ham are back in Europe this year. Having experienced Champions League football yourself, what will European football do for West Ham?
CJ: “It's a Club going in the right direction, I can really see West Ham becoming a big force in the next two or three years. We're in that process now and I'm looking forward to being a part of it.
“It takes the Club to the next level being in Europe. Everyone wants to play a part in European football - the fans and players love European nights. I know the fans are excited about being in the Europa League and I certainly am as well. It will be a good thing for West Ham.”
Buy your tickets for Birkirkara in advance of matchday to make use of the best prices - £10 Adults and £5 U16s when you buy now at whufcboxoffice.com!