Hammers midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker has been speaking about life at West Ham since making the switch from Wimbledon earlier this season.
The highly rated 20-year-old moved to West Ham during January's transfer window for an undisclosed fee, and has already shown Hammers fans enough to confirm that he is an exciting prospect for the future. And naturally, he cannot hide his delight at being part of a club who are on the verge of returning to the big-time."This season has been an extraordinary journey for me," he told the Observer. "A lot has occurred in a short space of time, especially being at such a young age.
"Luckily, I have been able to take it in my stride. It's not been that overwhelming."
Adding his thoughts to that possible immediate return to the Premiership, Reo - who already has his own song, the 'Reo-Coker' (formally known as the Hokey-Cokey), giving some indication of the level of supporter approval - adds:
"I believe we are good enough to get in the Premiership, stay in the Premiership, regroup and rebuild the next generation of West Ham.
"The whole team is very excited. There's a lot at stake for both clubs, financially as well as in terms of status. There is so much to gain."
Like manager Alan Pardew, who insists that he wants not just to take the Hammers back into the Premiership, but to make them a 'top six side', Reo-Coker is also setting his sights high.
"The players we have can take on the challenge," he says. "But let's be honest, the Premiership is the most demanding league in the world and if you want to contend with the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Man United you need to build up your squad.
"Nowadays having a big squad is important - and we will need to add a few more names."
All positive stuff, and good to hear after years of terminal decline. But all that depends on the Hammers overcoming the in-form Palace next weekend. Reo's thoughts?
"If the fans can generate the same atmosphere as we had at Upton Park in the semi-final it should be West Ham all the way," he adds. "That's as good as I've seen us play all season and I know there is more to come.
"We have quality players out there and even more on the bench waiting to get their chance."
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