Leroy: ‘We’re moving up and it’s so exciting’

I’m not the slightest bit worried about how the Irons get through on Thursday night …so long as they get through!

An awful lot was made of the fact that it was hard work at the Boleyn last week but when a team – however humble – decides to sit with nine behind the ball it’s always seriously tough particularly at such an early stage in pre-season.

But if anything, it should be easier in Malta because Birkirkara will be forced to come at us and that will open things up for the Irons.

Throw the likes of Dimitri Payet and Martin Samuelsen into the mix and I’ll be looking for a decent win although as I say, the manner of the performance isn’t important – getting through is all that matters.

I like the business the owners are doing this summer. It looks to me as if they are trying to cover most positions with good players and I believe that the Hammers are moving to a different level.

Payet of course looks outstanding and young Samuelsen a terrific prospect. It takes time to build a squad but we are getting there and there will be real competition for places.

I do believe that we are seeing a club that is heading into the top eight developing and it’s all extremely exciting.

The owners have taken some stick down the years from some but I really believe these two guys are Hammers to their backbones and what’s happening at Upton Park is to be applauded.

We aren’t always good at it but let’s give credit where it’s due. The two Davids brought in the right man at the time in Sam Allardyce and I believe that in Slaven Bilic – with the resources they are making available – will take us on to the next level.

They were right to part company with Sam. He does what it says on the tin – keeps you up. In Slaven we will start playing some great football and move into the upper strata of the Premier League.

I’m convinced of it.

COYI