Whispers

Oxford advised: “Don’t do a Bostock …sign up lad”

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LEROY (1)I would point to one footballer as an example of why brilliant Hammers prospect Reece Oxford needs to stay at West Ham – John Bostock.

Oxford is being hailed as the new Rio Ferdinand and last night was made skipper of the Hammers under 21 team – I’ve never heard of anything like that before.

He’s obviously a hugely gifted player and considered by some as the  best player we have seen come through the academy since Mooro.

But despite being made an incredible offer by the club he still hasn’t signed as the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City apparently close in.

He needs to stay exactly where he is, learn his first team trade and not get lost as has happened to the likes of Bostock, Wilf Zaha, Jack Rodwell and Scott Sinclair.

Look at Bostock who was hailed by Harry Redknapp as being the greatest young talent around during his time as manager at Spurs.

But instead of staying where he was, the Camberwell-born 22 year old went out on loan to Brentford, Hull City, Sheffield Wednesday, Swindon Town and  Toronto FC.

Last year he joined  Royal Antwerp in the Belgium second tier, on a two year deal, where he stayed until the summer of 2014 when signing for Oud-Heverlee Leuven.

That is not the greatest CV for a 22 year old and a look at the careers of the three others may be worth an Oxford glance before making his mind up. It’s too easy to get lost in this game as a kid, evem more so  at such a tender age

West Ham is the ideal club for him to progress and become a first team regular. He may decide to stay as we become a bigger and bigger club but if he is going to play for the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona one day he will develop faster with us as a first teamer with us than at any of the  clubs chasing him.

Indeed the possibility of him getting lost is much greater than it ever would be with the club that nurtured him – stay where you are Reece!

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Hugh Southon is a lifelong Iron and the founding editor of ClaretandHugh. He is a national newspaper journalist of many years experience and was Bobby Moore's 'ghost' writer during the great man's lifetime. He describes ClaretandHugh as "the Hammers daily newspaper!"

Follow on Twitter @hughsouthon

0 comments

  • New606 says:

    Wise words, I hope someone tells Reece something similar

  • philtheiron says:

    Wise words indeed!
    Another point worth remembering is that while the contract remains unsigned it allows for all the lazy journalism and wild speculation to continue and grow.
    Signing the contract would end all this nonsense and be great for both the lad and the club! COYI!

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