As West Ham United women’s team returned for pre-season as a whole group, there was one new face training for the very first time in Claret and Blue.
Mackenzie Arnold became the Hammers’ first new signing ahead of the 2020/21 Barclays FA Women’s Super League campaign last week, moving to the east London side from Brisbane Roar, but the laws around quarantining during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic meant the goalkeeper could not link up with her new teammates immediately.
However, Tuesday marked the first time Arnold was able to train with Matt Beard’s squad and, speaking after her first session as a Hammer, the 26-year-old relished the opportunity.
It’s been a while since the boots and the gloves have been on, but it was good to get out there and meet all the girls and have a kickaround.
Mackenzie Arnold
“It was really fun,” Arnold told whufc.com. “It’s been a while since the boots and the gloves have been on, but it was good to get out there and meet all the girls and have a kickaround. It’s been a lot of fun.
“The other girls are really cool. They were really welcoming and a good time on the pitch. I’m sure it will get serious, but it’s been good! I lived with Courtney [Brosnan] for the first couple of days, so we’ve got to know each other in quarantine, and meeting and working with Billy [Stewart, goalkeeping coach] for the first time was good too.”
In joining the Hammers, Arnold becomes the latest Australian to make the switch to the Barclays FA WSL, following the likes of club teammate Jacynta Galabadaarachchi, Chelsea’s Sam Kerr, and Lydia Williams, Caitlin Foord and Steph Catley at Arsenal.
“I think there’s five or six of us that have made the move now and it’s cool that most of us are in London so it’s good to have them, as friends, around too,” Arnold laughed. “I’m sure the rivalries will kick in soon enough though!”
For now, West Ham’s newest goalkeeper is just enjoying life in England with her new teammates and is anxious to begin her journey in the Barclays FA WSL in Claret and Blue.
She added: “I’m just really excited to be here. I’ve heard a lot about the Club, the history and the incredible fans, so I’m just excited to get into it and among them all and be a part of it.”
