West Ham United boss David Moyes told reporters today that his squad is settling well into Western Australia after recovering from the mammoth journey across the globe.
The Hammers touched down on Wednesday night to begin preparations for the games against Perth Glory and Tottenham Hotspur at Optus Stadium.
“We’re just getting over the jet lag, but we’re very much enjoying it and looking forward to seeing around,” he said.
“I’ve been to Australia before and it’s been great, but this is my first time in Perth, though and we’re all looking forward to seeing around in the next few days as well.
“We’ve done a little bit of training in the last day or so and are just getting over the jet lag, as I said.”
Moyes did admit that it wasn’t ideal to wrack up so many airmiles in preseason, but he understands the importance of such a trip for the club and its supporters.
“Let’s be fair, I don’t think travelling halfway around the world is the best way to prepare for a preseason,” he said.
“I don’t think anybody would admit to that, but I think it’s important for Premier League football clubs who are viewed all over the world now, it’s such a global league to watch.
“Everybody watches it, everybody wants to see the players, and when you come away, you’re trying to make yourself a little bit more available to the supporters.”
Meanwhile, England international Jarrod Bowen proved to be a very popular figure amongst supporters at Thursday’s open training session and he admitted to being a bit surprised by the fanfare.
“I’ve been on preseason tours before, but I’ve never met fans, or had fans halfway across the world,” he said.
“It puts it into perspective how big it is to play for this club, and what it means just for a two-minute conversation with the fans.
“I love seeing that reaction and people wanting to sign hats, different tops. It puts it into perspective and gives me a moment of pride.”
Bowen recently became a father for the first time and joked that he was eager for a break on the other side of the world but won’t be getting too involved with the local wildlife.
“I hate snakes and spiders, I’m just scared of seeing one,” he said.
“I went to see the stadium yesterday and they said you can walk along the top platform, but I said, ‘I’m not doing that’.
“I’ve been told there’s loads to do but it all does involve scary animals. I’ve seen kangaroos jump at people…”
As far as Aussie traditions go, Bowen said he would keep a promise made previously to do shoey should he score against Perth Glory.
Some of the West Ham players and officials are expected to attend Sunday’s AFL clash between West Coast Eagles and Richmond Tigers at Optus Stadium.
Both manager and player are still buzzing from the club’s recent UEFA Conference League title but focus now turns to getting ready for another Premier League season, one they will have to navigate without skipper Declan Rice who set to join Arsenal.
“Until it’s done, we can’t plan anything, really, so we’ll wait and see what happens,” said Moyes.
“Everybody knows the situation. We’re expecting something to happen, but I think you were saying it was done two weeks ago and it’s still not done, so…
“I don’t think we can replace Declan like for like, but we’ll add to the squad as time goes on. We won’t be giving you any names or any thoughts on what we’re going to do.”
An estimated 75,000 football fans are expected to attend West Ham’s two games in Perth – up to 25,000 against Perth Glory on Saturday night, followed by 50,000 for the London Derby against Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday.
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