A new Hammers star was born during this afternoon’s 3- 2 defeat of Southend at Roots Hall – Dimitri Payet!

It was easy to see why the Hammers spent so much time chasing the 27 year old before eventually landing the playmaker for around £10 million.

OK, it was Southend and a pre-season friendly but the man looked a class apart scoring a couple of fabulous goals – the first an tremendous free kick before completing the brace with a fine finish into the bottom corner.

He was also responsible for the cross which led to Shrimpers defender Luke Prosser putting through his own net to cap a magical entry into the claret and blue.

With Martin Samuelsen growing and growing as a first team prospect and Payet pulling every string in a fine Irons display we can begin to see the return of the West Ham Way after so many years.

Southend led on 20 minutes when Darren Randolph failed to gather John White’s cross and Kevin Hurst fired home.

Payet equalised when curling  a 25-yard free-kick into the top corner after Martin Samuelsen has been brought down before Payet gave us the lead when slotting home  a brilliant finish inside the upright after Samuelsen’s effort on goal was blocked.

The Shrimpers were back on terms when a cross found Anthony Wordsworth, who centred for Jack Payne to head home. Payet though created the winner,  crossing a low ball which Prosser stabbed past Daniel Bentley for an own goal.