West Ham Ladies’ second signing of the summer – Martha Thomas – can’t wait to walk out in front of the Rush Green fans for the first time 

Thomas has joined from Le Havre and can play in a variety of positions.

The 23-year-old was born in Dorset but grew up in the United States and played for college side Charlotte 49ers.

West Ham boss Matt Beard said he was “excited” to bring in a player who he can use as a striker, winger or have drop back into midfield.

And Thomas is determined to ht the ground running telling  www.whufc.com: “I’m very excited to come and play in England. I’ve followed the men’s Premier League from a very young age. My family is passionate about watching football. 

“Even being over in America, we wake up at 6am to watch the Premier League on a Saturday and Sunday morning so I’m really excited to see that the women’s game is growing here and now to be a part of it. 

“I’m really looking forward to walking out and hearing the West Ham fans too and just be in a close-knit stadium where everyone feels packed-in and you can just feel that atmosphere. It’s really exciting for me.”

Sharing the Rush Green facilities with the men she added: “I think it’s really important to have the men and the women on the same level. For years there has been such a big gap and to see that gap just get smaller and smaller and to be a part of that, it’s moving. 

As soon as the deal was sealed, Thomas has been extremely enthusiastic about getting to the training ground and on the pitch with her team-mates.

She added: “I’m just hoping to enjoy my first season with West Ham. I want to really get out there and play football.

I hope I can  please the coaches and that I get along with the other girls. I think we can see this team go further than the FA Cup Final. Whether that’s finishing higher in the WSL or winning a trophy, we can do even more.”