West Ham defender Aaron Cresswell has expressed his excitement for the current crop of young talent from the Hammers academy.
Cresswell spoke to the official club website after signing a new 12-month contract extension. The new deal makes him the longest-serving member of the Hammers’ squad, marking his eleventh year in East London since his arrival from Ipswich Town in July 2014.
The recent arrival of head coach Julen Lopetegui has signalled significant changes at London Stadium, while young talents like George Earthy and Kaelan Casey are poised to advance to senior level after making their first-team debuts towards the end of the 2023/24 season.
Cresswell is energised by the prospect of integrating new players and coaches into the West Ham environment and is eager to help the club build on recent successes.
“There are going to be some changes, and as one of the more experienced players, I’ll do what I can to help pull everyone together in the same direction,” he said.
“With the young boys, I always try to put myself in their position and understand what they’re experiencing. I remember making my debut in front of about 8,000 fans for Tranmere against MK Dons in November 2008, and it was a fantastic feeling.
“For George Earthy to score in the Premier League must be crazy. We’ve got the best academy we’ve had while I’ve been at West Ham, and it’s up to players like me to help with their transition into the first team.
“As a club, we’re in a strong position, and it’s an exciting time. We just want to keep developing, and that’s what we’ll all look to do in the new season.”
Earthy,scarles,kidua,Marshall,orford and Kelly are the standouts! Will be interesting to see how many make the first team.
The fact remains that it is rare for our academy products to make it to premiership first eleven starter standard. Regardless of wherever it is that they end up which is far more often than not the lower leagues. We really do wear rose tinted specs.
Really stupid giving cresswell another year. Been dreadful player for years cost us going out of Europe didnr learn after 1 red card can’t tackle no pace and only his left peg any good. Plus he supports Liverpool who got us and others banned in Europe for 5 years after killing juve fans. Should have binned him kept oggy for youngster’s help.
Stooped to the lowest level with his bizarre downing tools effort. Cost him a lot of goodwill. Longest serving maybe, but never gonna make it to the long-term memory for most. Got 12 months to bow out with respect.
He’s a good lad, Cress. Hopefully these academy lads will break through. That’s what’s been missing.