Fletcher loving life at West Ham

Striker Ashley Fletcher has been fast-tracked to the West Ham United first-team far sooner than even boss Slaven Bilic expected.

But having got his hands on a claret and blue shirt so soon into his Hammers career the 20-year-old has no intention of letting it go.

Fletcher joined West Ham in the summer from Manchester United, with Bilic confirming a loan move was likely.

However, injuries to Andy Carroll and fellow summer recruit Andre Ayew have led to Fletcher featuring four times in the Premier League already this term – including a start away at Manchester City.

And, though the Hammers sit inside the relegation zone, Fletcher has not been put off life in east London.

(Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

“I’m loving it at the moment,” he said.

“Starting against Manchester City and getting on in the other games were great for me.

“I’ve settled in well and want to keep progressing under the new manager and doing well.

“I’ve definitely had more first-team chances than I expected.

“Those opportunities were down to injuries, but I hope I’ve done enough to stay in and around the squad and I want to keep coming off the bench, if that’s what it is, and doing well.

“I think I’ve put in some decent performances. Unfortunately, the results haven’t gone with them, but now all I can keep doing is impressing people and the manager and hopefully keep playing.”