For January arrival Verena Hanshaw, West Ham United women’s team already feels like home.
The defender was the first of two signings to enter Chadwell Heath during the winter transfer window, bolstering Rehanne Skinner’s defence with an abundance of high-level international and Champions League experience.
The 31-year-old joined from Serie A side AS Roma having won silverware with her former team just two weeks prior, as they clinched the Supercoppa Italiana with a 3-1 victory over Fiorentina at the beginning of January.
And she continued that winning streak in her debut in Claret and Blue, which came just five days after signing for the Club. Skinner was undoubtedly impressed by what she had seen from her new No29 in only a handful of training sessions, and the Austria international slotted straight into the starting XI for the Hammers’ Barclays Women’s Super League clash at home to Everton.
It was as if Hanshaw had been a Hammer for years as she helped the women’s team keep their third clean sheet in all competitions with a 2-0 success over the Toffees.
“I already feel at home at the Club and within the team,” smiled Hanshaw. “Everyone’s made it so easy for me to settle in, everything’s been great and I feel good already.
“I had only completed a few training sessions, but it felt like I had been at the Club for much longer. The girls made it super easy for me to settle in.
“I really enjoyed my first game. It was cool to see what the atmosphere is like in England, and also how we, as a team, are going to play together. I really liked the roughness of the game, the physical side of it.
“I was a little bit surprised that I was in the starting XI, but I really appreciated the chance I got, and I’m glad it worked out well during the game. I’m super thankful for the start I’ve had.”
On the scoresheet that afternoon was Shekiera Martinez, a player that Hanshaw knows extremely well, having played with her at Eintracht Frankfurt for six years.
The duo had reason to be smiling after the three points against Everton, as while Hanshaw was victorious on her debut, Martinez’s header was also her first goal for the Club after returning from her loan at SC Freiburg in January. To say the duo were delighted to be reunited again is an understatement.
Hanshaw beamed: “It was so much fun to play with Shekiera [Martinez] again, I just like the way she plays.
“I know what she likes, what she prefers and how she wants to get the ball. It's cool!”
Verena Hanshaw's favourites...
Box Set or TV Series
I watch a lot of TV and to choose a favourite one is difficult. I’d say Vikings, I watched it on Netflix.
Phone App
I’d say WhatsApp.
Computer Game
We recently played on the Nintendo Switch - we played Super Mario and Mario Party. I did play FIFA when I was younger, but since then, not as much.
Holiday Destination
That’s a tough one. I went to Iceland a few years ago and it was really nice because you can do and see so much. That’s probably my favourite place I’ve been to so far.
Other Sport to Watch
I love to watch skiing, because Austria is very good at it, and darts! I’m really into darts now, I loved watching the World Championships!
Sports Star
When I was young, I looked up to Ronaldinho and David Beckham.
Teammate
It would have to be Shekiera [Martinez]. We played together in Frankfurt.
Ground to Play At
I loved it when I played at Old Trafford in the opening game of UEFA Euro 2022. It was the opening game of the tournament, and the stadium and atmosphere were both amazing.
Match You’ve Been to Watch
It was about two years ago and it was Frankfurt versus Chelsea. It was such a good game because the fans were just amazing.
Match You’ve Played In
Again, it would have to be the first game of Euro 2022 at Old Trafford, against England.
Meal
I love pizza, and potato dumplings. In Rome, the pizza was really good!
Karaoke Song
I think I have to do one, but I haven’t done it yet! I’d maybe pick Barbie Girl - I could maybe do a duet with Shekiera!
