Football: Hammers a big hit with local fans

New Zealand's Winston Reid plays for West Ham. Photo / Richard Robinson

More than 800 football fans turned out at North Harbour Stadium yesterday to watch English Premier League side West Ham United train for the first time in New Zealand.

The Hammers fans belted out a rendition of the club's anthem I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles before settling in to watch an hour of skills, goals and athleticism from the Premier League stars.

All Whites captain Winston Reid was the most popular player on show, while English striker Andy Carroll and captain Kevin Nolan also drew enthusiastic applause. After the session the West Ham players delighted the crowd by signing autographs, taking photos and even playing football with a few lucky fans.

West Ham will play the Wellington Phoenix in their first match of the Football United tour at Eden Park on Wednesday night.