Oggy: Being a West Ham player “has changed my life”

It’s difficult to believe that Angelo Ogbonna won’t be involved in the game against Spurs tonight (Wed) given the problems at central defence.

With Nayef Aguerd still injured of course and mystery surrounding Craig Dawson’s circumstances Oggy will surely be in line for an appearance after performing so well against Viborg in the second leg of the European Conference clash .

The 34 year old may have to pick his games carefully this season given the busy agenda in which we are involved. At his age, after a big injury which has kept him out since last November, that is something of a given.

Having said that, the long serving Hammer appears desperate to appear against deadly rivals Spurs at the London Stadium this evening in a game from which three points would restore an enormous amount of confidence to the squad following their win at Villa on Sunday.

And speaking to www.whufc.com Oggy said: “It is not easy every year to push on. I think we have started the season a bit slowly. The expectation – because we did well last season – is very high.

“We showed our strength [in the last match]. We had a little bit of luck, but we were really focused for this game.”

Angelo Ogbonna in action at Viborg

As for tonight’s game he added: “This is a very special and an important game. The fans they want us to win the game.

“It is a very very tough game. Antonio Conte is a good manger. He is very emotional manager. We need to be focused – not just because we play against him – but because in the Premier League every game is a challenge for us.”

He also revealed that the last nine months have been a huge challenge, but one he was able to overcome with the support of his teammates and coaches.

Every day I feel stronger,” he said. “I can’t say I was not excited [for my first game]. It was a little bit emotional – even for my family as well.

“It was tough [last season]. It’s a lonely time. I appreciated [the help of my teammates and manager]. They have been behind me and supported me. It’s been a long journey.

“You never stop learning, being at West Ham for eight years has changed my life.”

 

About Hugh5outhon1895

Hugh Southon is a lifelong Iron and the founding editor of ClaretandHugh. He is a national newspaper journalist of many years experience and was Bobby Moore's 'ghost' writer during the great man's lifetime. He describes ClaretandHugh as "the Hammers daily newspaper!" Follow on Twitter @hughsouthon