David Sullivan was thrilled to bits with the under 18’s fabulous victory over Arsenal at the Emirates last night as they smashed the young Gunners into a 5-1 oblivion.
It was the club’s first FA Youth Cup victory in 24 years and came on top of the youngsters winning their League with only three defeats from their campaign and thus landing a double.
David Sullivan was thrilled to bits with West Ham’s win.
A crowd of 26,000 watched the kids come from one down to win a game which was full of thrilling goals – none more so than skipper Gideon Kodua’s scintillating 40 yard chipped shot over the keeper.
From keeper Mason Terry – who made some great early saves – onwards this was a team packed with energy commitment, skill and determination – a truly courageous performance.
And this morning West Ham chairman David Sullivan spoke exclusively to Claret and Hugh on his emotions and hopes following such a wonderful academy performance.
He told us: “Its an incredible achievement for the academy We hope all the team make a living in the game and some of them at Premier League level. They all have huge potential.
My only regret was Arsenal limited us to 7k tickets when we could have sold 15k. Our supporters, like the board, love our academy.”
The Hammers fans in attendance were sensational throughout the game and created a wall of noise which must have made it feel like a home game for the young Irons.
West Ham news outlets and the mainstream media have been awash with glowing reports of the team as a whole and the individual players involved.
C&H Exclusive by Hughie Southon
Home advantage, only letting us 7k out of 26k attendance stinks, glad we wiped the floor with them!
Ludicrous! For a start the final should be on neutral territory and then equal no of tickets for each finalist. Last night Arsenal had 19000 to our 7000. Too right we walloped them. The FA need to up their game too!