Read Eddie Howe's pre-match message ahead of West Ham United | OneFootball

We welcome the players, staff and supporters of West Ham United today, including a familiar face in Callum Wilson and his family. Callum made a huge contribution during his time here and set inspiring standards. We know his qualities on the pitch and the threat he possesses, which we benefitted from so many times, and that only serves to underline the challenge we face today.

At this time of the season, every point is precious as the table takes a decisive shape. We know every match at this club is an important one and represents another opportunity to prove ourselves, and it’s also clear that we’ll have to be at our very best again this afternoon as we face a team with their own very clear objective.

Our focus this week has been on how we execute our game plan this afternoon as well look to finish our season as strongly as we possibly can.

While we haven’t achieved the results we deserved across each of our last three Premier League matches, the performances – and what I have seen on the training pitch in-between – has given me plenty to be optimistic about.

We were disappointed to narrowly lose out to Arsenal a few weeks ago, but it was encouraging to see the players respond and bounce back collectively against an in-form Brighton in our last home match.

There was real togetherness, a strong work ethic and a renewed confidence in our play. It rewarded the hard work of the players and the commitment and standards they’ve shown on the training ground, and it was especially pleasing to score late on to seal a victory that we merited.

At Nottingham Forest last weekend, there were encouraging elements again. We started strongly, showed control for long periods and continued to create chances, particularly in the second half.

In both matches, our substitutes have shown the importance of having a squad of players that are ready to come on and impact the game, and it was highlighted in the second half when Jacob Ramsey linked up with Harvey Barnes to give us the lead.

We were disappointed not to finish the game off given the opportunities we had, and to relinquish a lead we deserved, but we have approached this week positively with something to build on and knowing what we need to deliver.

This period of the season also brings change, and I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the contribution of the players who leave us this summer.

We have announced that Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth will be moving on at the end of the season, and I want to reiterate my thanks to them both.

Kieran arrived here in January 2022 with the challenge of helping us to avoid relegation, and his leadership, experience and competitive edge have helped us to achieve so much and create some incredible memories together. His ability on the ball, creativity and will to win have been huge assets for us, and we’ll miss Kieran and the qualities he possesses.

Emil will depart as one of the club’s longest-serving current players having signed for the club in 2019. He has always represented Newcastle United with professionalism, humility and total commitment whenever called upon, and although injury has curtailed this season for him, he has been a consistent source of support behind the scenes.

I know you will all join me in wishing Kieran and Emil the very best for the next step in their careers. They will always be a big part of Newcastle United history and we celebrate them both today.

Finally, as we step out onto the St. James’ Park pitch for the final time this season, I want to thank you, once again, for the incredible backing you’ve given us through a demanding season.

Whether you’ve come through the turnstiles at St. James’ Park week after week, followed us across the country, travelled with us through Europe, or you’ve supported the team from afar – thank you. Your support means everything.

You make St. James’ Park an incredible place to play football, and somewhere we are enormously proud to call home. Let’s finish the season strongly together, with the same unity and passion that define our wonderful club.

Eddie Howe.

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