Collison praises West Ham for a successful year in the first team

Jack Collison has thanked everyone at West Ham for making his first twelve months as a first team regular such a success.

As 2009 draws to a close, the Wales international midfielder has been able to reflect on an accomplished year in which he has established himself as a first-team regular at Upton Park.

The 21-year-old has recently been rewarded for his achievements with the BBC London Young Player of the Year Award, following on from the Young Hammer of the Year gong he collected at the end of the 2008/9 campaign.

"I just want to keep playing as much football as I can, for West Ham. I enjoy it and love playing in front of our fans," Collison told the club's official website.

"We know we have to improve as a team, we're not in the position we want to be at the moment, but we look forward all the time and look to get out of where we are and get better as the season goes on.

"It's great to go out there and have the opportunity to play in the Premier League.

"I am alongside some experienced pros like Scotty Parker, Matty Upson and Rob Green. I am learning all the time, it's a brilliant club and it's great to be part of it all here."

Collison is particularly grateful to the Hammers faithful, with whom he forged an even greater bond following the tragic death of his father in a motorcycle accident on the way to the home game against Tottenham on August 23.

"The fans have been brilliant, ever since I came through into the team. They enjoy seeing homegrown players come through," he added.

"This year has seen me go through a tough time personally and the fans have been tremendous to me, and the best way to repay them for their incredible support, especially this year, is go out and play for them and do my best for the team.

"The players and all the staff have also been brilliant for me during this time and as I said I just want to keep going out there and playing my best for West Ham United."