Ben Johnson and Devin Mubama have both left West Ham United following the conclusion of their contracts.
In what feels like a sad day for the Academy, Johnson has posted a goodbye message on the clubs official site. Ben has been an excellent servant to West Ham over the years and has been at the club since he was eight years of age. Personally, I wish things could have worked out differently and he’d have remained at the club, but I fully understand his reasons for departing and I’m sure he’ll thrive at his next club.
Mubama is understood to have options at both Derby and Sunderland where I’m sure he’ll make an impact. The Sunderland route in particular has worked out well as a well trodden path for former Hammers players with Pierre Ekwah and Aji Alese both impressing last season.
In the heartfelt message to Hammers fans, Johnson wrote the following:
“Hello everyone,
Thank you to everyone associated with West Ham United for supporting me over the last 17 years and developing me into a first-team player.
I have been blessed to have come through the Academy of Football and to play for the first team in the Premier League, domestic cups and in European competitions.
I just want to be known and remembered for my time at West Ham for having played with a smile on my face and having really enjoyed my football. Thatās really important to me.
I would say the most special memory I have is winning the UEFA Europa Conference League. To be involved in a European trophy win doesnāt come around frequently, so to be around and be part of it, and to be able to achieve that with West Ham was incredible.
My dreams were exceeded by what happened two seasons ago and Iām just so, so pleased I did it as a West Ham player. Iāll never forget that night.
I wish West Ham every success for the upcoming season under the new head coach and of course Iām going to miss all my teammates and the staff, along with the supporters.
West Ham will always be a part of my life which Iāll remember with fondness and a lot of love. Iāve developed into a young man and better player because of West Ham, so finally a huge thank youĀ toĀ theĀ Club!
See you all soon.
Johno”
Usual style quick to see players leave takes ages for incoming players, due to haggling, to arrive.
Had the pleasure of meeting Ben Johnson at St Georges Park. A really genuinely polite young man who really had time for my grandson. Also let on what he really thought about Moyes & how when he played & wanted to push on and attack/get further up the pitch Moyes was straight up telling him to tuck in and sit tight – and that was making him a worse player.
Really sorry to see him go and wish him all the best.
The telling thing is who was in for Johnson even on a free transfer. Ipswich looking only to survive and Rangers who play in an inferior league.
Mubama – Derby and Sunderland.
The academy is not a reliable source of premiership starting eleven quality players regardless of wherever it is that they go. The lower leagues are full of them.
The club consistently calls it right in not paying them overinflated wages, and we were like Robin Hood in how much we got for Diangana.
Well done sully another 2 graduatesgone for nothing please get us out of our misery and go take gbk with you
I like Ben Johnson and wish he had stayed with the Hammers. However he has to do what’s best for him. So farewell Ben, all best wishes and good luck for the next chapter of your career!
Sullivan and part time Brady strike again