Several days ago the club announced George Earthy would be joining Bristol City on a season long loan. There is understood to be no January recall clause so Earthy will be a City player for the duration of 2024/25.
Bristol City manager, Liam Manning, knows the player well. The former U-23 manager at West Ham is likely to give the Hammers academy graduate much needed playing time.
Earthy joined West Ham at under 6 level signing his first professional contract in June 2022 at the age of 17. He was clpart of the Under 18 team that won the FA Youth Cup and U-18 Premier League South in the 2022-2023 season.
The Havering born youngster, is a self confessed Hammers fan, and made his England U-20 debut in June of this year, alongside club team mate, Kaelan Casey.
Earthy who has been given the number 40 shirt will go straight into contention to make the squad for City’s Championship game against West Ham rivals, Millwall!
City manager Manning said in his recent press conference, “George will add a different dynamic to our attack and we know he will bring a huge amount of energy when he plays, He has an ability to create and we are excited to see what he can bring to this team.”
The player is contracted to West Ham until the summer of 2026, having signed a new contract back in September 2023. At the time Earthy stated, “I am really pleased to extend my stay with West Ham United. I have been here since I was really young and signing a new contract is something I have been working really hard towards over the past seasons. I am buzzing to continue my journey at West Ham.”
On the 11 May 2024 he scored with his first touch, 67 seconds after being introduced as a substitute in West Ham’s 3-1 home win over Luton Town.
Hammers fans will hope he continues his impressive progress in the Championship and upon his return gives Julen Lopetegui a few first team selection headaches.
This is such a great move the lad and he’ll get the experience he needs and toughen-up.
Relieved the club are now taking the time to choose the best clubs for loan deals and it can only benefit them and us. If they can’t hack-it on a good loan spell, they never will, so it’s up to them isn’t it?
Best of luck to George for the season at my (now) nearest league club, Bristol City. He’s playing against Millwall, but so what?
I’ve never got the West Ham – Millwall rivalry…… 100+ years ago it was fierce – but since 1947 the two clubs have only been in the same division for seven seasons. You’d have to be over 85 years of age to even remember those regular fixtures,.
I’ve been a fan for a long time…..I saw a few of Bobby Moore’s 1970’s games standing on a wooden box at Upton Park when I was a wee lad (nobody called it ‘The Boleyn’ years ago), but our bitter opponents were always Tottenham. I don’t remember a Millwall rivalry other than when was mentioned in the club’s past history.
It the media more than anything that drags up the rivalry. however I have been to a few tasty games over the years. the atmosphere electric.