West Ham: Bowen handed Hammers captaincy

Jarrod Bowen has been named as West Ham captain by new manager Julen Lopetegui.

The 27-year-old takes over the armband from Kurt Zouma, who is being allowed to explore a move to the Middle East.

Captain Bowen ©️ pic.twitter.com/Yv2txNoTaY

— West Ham United (@WestHam) August 15, 2024

Bowen will lead the Hammers out for the first time in a Premier League game when Aston Villa visit the London Stadium on Saturday (5.30pm kick-off).

“Leading the boys out is something that I always had dreams of doing,” Bowen told the club website.

“To actually do it for the first game, especially being at home as well, on telly, for everyone who’ll be here, my family and friends, seeing me lead the team out will be really special.

“It’s the biggest opportunity you can get playing for a club, so I’m going to wear it with pride and honour and do the best I can to bring good performances and great results in the season.”

Eight new signings

Bowen might potentially be heading out of the tunnel followed by any number of new arrivals, with Lopetegui having added Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Jean-Claire Todibo, Luis Guilherme, Wes Foderingham, Max Kilman, Crysencio Summerville, Niclas Fullkrug and Guido Rodriguez to the United ranks this summer.

The Spaniard said in his press conference: “Some are more ready than others, so it’s up to us to make the right decisions.

“(Wan-Bissaka) has played in pre-season with Manchester United, so we will see. It’s true that he’s only been here a short while, so we will see tomorrow, as we will with all of the new players.

“We are happy with Aaron, and all of the new signings are going to help improve our team. To have more competition in positions is important, and Aaron will add a lot of things to our team. He’s very happy to be here. He is a good age, with good experience, and he is happy.”

West Ham Head coach Julen Lopetegui has spoken to Spanish newspaper Marca.

“We had a small squad, and the idea is to have two players per position. We haven’t achieved that yet… but we are working on it,”

“All the signings are to our liking and that of the sporting… pic.twitter.com/8AztiLCMOP

— West Ham Football (@westhamfootball) August 15, 2024

West Ham are unbeaten in nine home games against Aston Villa, last losing 2-1 at Upton Park in April 2011. Unai Emery’s men have lost their last three on the opening weekend of the season, conceding 10 goals in the process.

Lopetegui added: “Aston Villa are a Champions League team with a good coach. They have improved this summer, it’s going to be a good test.

“Villa have had a great couple of seasons. They are a very good team all over the pitch, and they’re going to pose a big challenge. But we have to tackle that, and believe in ourselves.”