Most would agree that one of the highlights of the season was witnessing George Earthy score his first senior goal for West Ham.
The young academy graduate had to bide his time in waiting for a second bite at the first-team cherry following an enforced hiatus due to concussion protocols after a nasty head injury.
However, Earthy was not to be deterred, and he made his mark by coming off the bench to score in our 3-1 victory over Luton Town.
Since then, the young Hammers fan has been on holiday and represented England’s under-20s before popping back to Rush Green for extra training. It was heartening to see Earthy playing such a prominent part in the first day of pre-season training under new Hammers Head Coach, Julen Lopetegui.
Now, Earthy is clearly excited about the new era and keen to get the chance to impress his new boss.
“It was a short but sweet summer,” he said. “We broke up for the summer, and I was away for ten days with England, and that was a good experience there during the close-season. Then I had a quick, short break afterward in Portugal. I went for a couple of days with my family, spent some nice time in the sunshine, and now we’re back to working. I can’t wait to start the season now.”
“You know the level you have to be at, and you see it around in all the players,” he explained.
“That’s why the off-season is so crucial, to build yourself back up for the pre-season at such a high level. It’s amazing to see all the testing and everything that goes on at pre-season now, but yes, it’s a very high level, so you have to try and maintain that.
“You have to sort of look after yourself, and that means a couple of weeks of just planning and working hard just to kind of get yourself back up to that level before you even come back. So, yeah, buzzing to be back here now.”
You might say we have had an embarrassment of riches in the attacking midfield department with Lucas, Mo and Jarrod supported by the likes of Ward-Prowse. With the notable exception of Bowen it’s largely accepted that they like to play centrally and see the no.10 role as their best position, so on the face of it he’s unlikely to get much of a look in. However Lucas has a massive question mark over his head, not only because of the impending charges but also his attitude and form with that hanging over his head. I hope Earthy is seen as viable alternative to Paqueta and not just an impact sub. What West Ham fan wouldn’t LOVE to see him on the pitch as often as possible?
If if he starts of the bench reasonably regularly it will be a step in the right direction.
Appears to have more chance now than with Moyes.
Subs bench last year was deplorable with Moyes having no trust in most players available
That needs to change and if that incorporates some academy players all the better.
Let’s see how often George and his contemporaries get a first team chance, other than against the likes of Mansfield and Gillingham in the EFL Cup. I’m sure he might get the odd ten minutes off the bench in league games.
Lopetegui’s seems passionate about improving and developing not only young player’s but senior established player’s as well. Moyes was always reluctant to undertake such ventures and preferred experienced older players that all played in a similar and predictable style. Together with Steidten they’re starting to build a younger squad of promising young players and keen, exciting proven players such like Kudus that once they’ve a better understanding of new tactics that will provide hopefully, fast, entertaining attacking football. Can’t wait
Yes, it looks promising, Paul
Good luck George