Big congratulations to Iron Ben

He may have been the obvious candidate but few would argue that Ben Johnson thoroughly earned his award as young player of the year last season.

The young right back played in a variety of positions in a highly successful Hammers season and never let himself or the team down.

And from what we have seen in pre-season so far, the boy is looking even better in a season where his versatility in filling right or left back and midfield could prove highly important.

It means  too that he is probably going to get a lot more experience this season both at Premier League and possibly Euro League level.

We are still awaiting new signings of course and everybody from the top of the club downwards knows they are required.

But it’s good to see the academy producing then likes of Declan, Ben and of course Grady Diangana whose £18 million transfer to West Brom caused controversy at the time.

A big season ahead for Ben and our congratulations on his first award from the Hammers fans.