'Tough': Player who chose West Ham over Newcastle United this summer ready for St James Park test

In the summer it was reported that Newcastle United were closing in on a deal to sign Max Kilman from Wolverhampton Wanderers before the defender joined West Ham United.

With West Ham making the trip to St James' Park to face Newcastle in the 8pm kick-off on Sky Sports tonight, Kilman is under no illusions of how difficult the task ahead of him and his team will be tonight.

West Ham are on the verge of axing new boss Julen Lopetegui who took over from David Moyes in the summer after being hounded out by Hammers fans despite winning them the Europa Conference League. We wonder if those same fans are regretting their actions now.

It hasn't been the greatest of starts by the Hammers but Kilman believes a result against Newcastle tonight could be a launchpad for their season.

Max Kilman has praised the Toon Army ahead of tonight's game

Kilman has spoken to the official West Ham website ahead of tonight's clash, where he has spoken about the intense St James' Park atmosphere and admitted that the Toon Army will make things difficult.

“St James’ Park is always a tough place to go, and their support is really good, so it’s going to be tough, but we’re really looking forward to it.

“These are the kinds of games and atmospheres you want to be part of, and I think it’s the kind of match where we can really push on.”

Max Kilman will want to show Newcastle what they missed out on

Kilman may be out to prove a point tonight after choosing West Ham over Newcastle, but the Magpies have a winning streak to continue, and at St James' Park, with the crowd behind them, the advantage is all swinging Newcastle's way.

So, thanks for the compliment, Max, but it's not going to make us go any easier on you, mate.

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