Lewis Orford: I hope the team will improve in the new season and I will do everything I can to help the team get back to where it belongs.

West Ham United's young midfielder Lewis Overford hopes to carry his preseason form into the new season and contribute to the team's push for a return to the Premier League. In a recent friendly against Magdeburg, Overford started and displayed maturity in the 1-1 draw. He also came on as a substitute in the team's first three preseason friendlies, scoring in a 5-0 victory over Stevenage.  

In the final pre-season friendly, 20-year-old Lewis Orford made his first start. The West Ham academy-trained midfielder displayed composure on the ball, accurate passing, and solid footwork, demonstrating his growth and potential.  

Lewis Orford said: "It felt great to play the full 90 minutes. I had been coming off the bench in the previous few preseason games, so I was very happy to start today, which was actually a bit unexpected. I have been training hard, and I appreciate the opportunity the manager gave me. It was a good game against a strong opponent, and I think the team's overall performance was satisfactory."  

"The new season starts next week, so this game is a very valuable test for us. Our opponent is a team that focuses on possession and likes to press high, so this kind of game can help us better prepare for the start of the season."  

Looking back on the 2025/26 season, Lewis Orford admitted it wasn't the most ideal experience of his career. During the first half of the season, he was loaned to Stevenage to get more playing time, but he has since readjusted and is focusing on the upcoming 2026/27 season. He said, "Everyone knows that last season didn't quite meet my expectations; I didn't get enough playing time."  

“I hope to see positive changes in the new season and do my best to help the team get back to where it belongs. I always maintain a hard-working attitude, both in daily training and in the team's overall environment. The most important thing now is to strive to make the roster for the next game and then continue to improve myself step by step. I believe that with the guidance of the head coach and the support of my teammates, I can continue to grow and bring more help to the team.”  

“We all know that this club belongs in the Premier League, and returning to the Premier League is everyone’s common goal. The fans have always stood behind the team and have given tremendous support throughout the preseason. Today, 500 fans have traveled to the away game to cheer us on, and the time and effort they have put in is touching. We hope to repay them with concrete actions and help the team get back to where it belongs.”  

Image source: Internet/West Ham United official website