- Reece Oxford is looking forward to returning to action at London Stadium
- Teenager featured in first-ever fixture at West Ham United's new home in July 2016
- Promising youngster signed a new long-term contract with the Club on his 18th birthday
Reece Oxford cannot wait to walk out at London Stadium again after signing a new long-term contract with West Ham United.
The teenager put pen to paper on a new four-and-a-half-year deal on his 18th birthday on Friday, pledging his future to the Club he joined five years ago.
The highly-rated defender or midfielder featured in the opening game at the Hammers’ new home in July, when 57,000 fans roared the team to victory over NK Domzale in the UEFA Europa League.
Oxford also started the Betway Cup thriller with Italian champions Juventus at the start of August, before his season suffered a setback by way of an ankle injury.
Now, though, the youngster is approaching fitness and is eyeing his next appearance at West Ham’s home, stating that the Club’s move to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park played a part in his decision to remain in Claret and Blue until 2021.
“This is a great Stadium,” said Oxford, who signed his new contract after showing his mother Youmna around the iconic arena. “We want to pack it out every week and get the fans behind us, like they always are.
“I was fortunate enough to play at London Stadium in the opening game and it was sold out and that was one of the best days I have had at this Club.
“The fans really get behind you and hopefully we can continue that, as I have always said the West Ham fans are the best in the country because home and away they are always there for you.”
I was fortunate enough to play at London Stadium in the opening game and it was sold out and that was one of the best days I have had at this Club
Reece Oxford
West Ham return to London Stadium duty on Saturday, when Hull City are the visitors in the Premier League. Victory in that fixture could see the Hammers rise as high as 13th in the table, ahead of Burnley and Leicester City.
Mark Noble will captain the team in their clash with the Tigers – a role Oxford would like to take on himself in future.
“I want to be a part of the squad and help the Club challenge for silverware by winning the FA Cup or Europa League – winning a trophy would be great. My long-term ambitions are to be captain of West Ham United one day,” he confirmed.
“I look up to someone like Mark Noble and he has been fantastic towards me. Every day in training he will be getting into me and telling me the right information.
“He wants to make sure that my head is in the game and I am training well. He also wants to ensure I am doing everything right off the pitch and he is a big influence.”