West Ham United chairman David Gold has admitted that he is 'extremely excited' for the start of the new Premier League season.

The Hammers get their new campaign in the top flight underway from August 18 with a home fixture against Aston Villa, who begin their season with new manager Paul Lambert.

"It's going to be extremely exciting," Gold told Sky Sports News. "The last time we played Villa on the first day two years ago they beat us 3-0 so we're looking forward to reversing that score.

"It's important to get off to a good start. We lost the first four games two years ago against big clubs but home to Villa and away to Swansea are winnable games, or games you would expect to get something from."

Meanwhile, Premier League champions Manchester City will begin the defence of their title at the Etihad Stadium against newly-promoted Southampton.