Emma Harries is a Hammer!
The England U23 international has completed a move to east London after departing Reading at the end of last season, and is West Ham United’s second signing of the summer ahead of the 2023/24 Barclays Women’s Super League campaign.
The forward has showcased her ability at playing across the front line for the Royals and scored six goals in 51 WSL outings for Kelly Chambers’ outfit.
Harries will now continue her development in Claret and Blue, following Republic of Ireland international Jessie Stapleton in joining the Hammers, and the 21-year-old is excited for the campaign to come at Chigwell Construction Stadium.
Fresh from signing her contract with the Irons, Harries sat down with West Ham TV to discuss her move, her career so far, her excitement at working with Rehanne Skinner, and aspirations for the coming season…
Emma, welcome to West Ham United! How does it feel to be here?
It's amazing to be here. Obviously, this is a huge Club, and I just can't wait to get started.
Why do you feel that West Ham was the right step for you?
I think that West Ham is a great step for me in my career in terms of developing and pushing myself as a player. Obviously, I'm only 21 so I'm still considered a young player, and I think that West Ham have got some brilliantly experienced players, but they're also pushing youth development. For me, that's really exciting to be a part of.
Of course, you were at Reading for many years, since you were eight years old. How does West Ham fit into your journey now?
I think West Ham have been a strong team in the WSL for a very long time. I've looked at West Ham and they definitely fit the philosophy that I like to play.
Obviously, I've been at Reading since I was just a little girl so it's a big change for me, but one that I'm really looking forward to, and one that I'm definitely going to grab with both hands.
I've got a lot to thank Reading for in terms of my development up until now but I believe that West Ham are the team to be able to really push me on to achieve many more things with this great Club.
This is your second professional contract in your career. What steps are you now looking to take in terms of your own development?
I think for me, my targets are just to push and progress on from the two seasons that I've had. I played numerous times for Reading, so I think for me it's just about finding consistency. And like I said, really pushing myself for a really good Club.
I'm really excited for the opportunity and to play with the players here at West Ham.
How much are you looking forward to working with Rehanne Skinner?
I'm really looking forward to working with her. She's a manager that really instils belief in young players. For me, that's a really positive thing.
She used to work at England with the youth age groups so she's worked with some brilliant young talent as well. So I like to think that she would develop me into an even better player for next season.
How would you describe yourself as a player?
I would describe myself as extremely hard working, with a never-give-up attitude. I would say I'm also a powerful player in and out of possession. And I can promise every West Ham fan that I won't leave any stone unturned on that pitch.
You had quite a big injury early last year. Did that change you as a player in any way?
That was my first proper injury and rupturing your PCL was obviously not a nice one to do but I definitely think it's made me more resilient and more tough skinned.
Like I said, every time I step out on the pitch I'm extremely privileged to be in that position to play. Coming back from an injury, it'll be really good to put that in the past and really tackle this season head on.
We're looking towards the start of the season now. How much are you looking forward to being back out on the grass?
I can't wait. Personally, I find training on my own extremely boring so I can't wait to be training with the rest of the girls.
I've only been in for a couple of days and the staff and the players here are lovely people and I just can't wait to play with them and start my journey here at West Ham.
