talkSPORT’s flagship show, The Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast, geared fans up for the new Premier League season this morning live from West Ham United’s training ground.
The popular presenting trio of Alan Brazil, Ally McCoist and Laura Woods hosted the show live from Rush Green from 6am, and were joined by actor, comedian and West Ham fan Tom Davis.
The broadcasting favourites discussed season ahead with a wide range of characters from around the club, including everybody from the club’s Head of Medical, Richard Collinge, to Goalkeeping Coach, Xavi Valero, and first team players Declan Rice and Robert Snodgrass.
talkSPORT is revamping its weekend football coverage this season with a new Saturday programme, GameDay – and the Hammers’ opening fixture, at 12.30pm on Saturday against champions Manchester City, will be the first game featured.
Brazil in particular is looking forward to co-commentating at the match, telling whufc.com: “I live in Canary Wharf, and when I look out my bedroom window, I see the London Stadium.
"It’s very positive at the moment - everybody’s talking about West Ham being close to the top six. Manchester City are a different class, but if West Ham can get in amongst them and interrupt the football they play, and get on top – maybe get an early goal – who knows?”
Co-host McCoist was in agreement: “It’s a tough one for West Ham. They’re playing, in my opinion, the best team in the country – but it’s a great time to play them, the opening game of the season, and certainly at home. The West Ham support will be absolutely buzzing.”
talkSPORT's visit to Rush Green also fell on Transfer Deadline Day, so listeners were treated to news of the latest Premier League transfers as they broke - including the Irons’ acquisition of Swiss striker Albian Ajeti.
Woods, meanwhile, believes that Ajeti will benefit from playing alongside such a talented line-up, saying: “There’s so much talent in this West Ham team. Last season, Declan Rice was one of my favourite players; he’s got so much promise, he’s probably going to be world-class. Felipe Anderson I think is absolutely excellent. Jack Wilshere is coming back in, fit again.
“I just think there’s so much promise in this team," she continued. "Manuel Pellegrini, as well, has won a title here and knows what he’s doing. West Ham could definitely be pushing for top six.”
It was left to Davis, meanwhile, to sum up the Hammers’ new season optimism when he set out his goal for the club this season: “Champions League – we’re having a laugh!”