West Ham are expecting 50,000 inside the London Stadium tonight (Thurs) for a game against Dinamo Zagreb which, in real terms, has nothing on it with the Hammers already through to the last 16 of the Europa Cup.
However, those .who are inside the stadium have a fascinating aspect to pick up on with manager David Moyes admitting he is looing forward to giving some youngsters their first team debuts.
It remains to be seen just who but Jamal Baptiste is the favourite of several including the likes of Aji Alese, Sonny Perkins and Harrison Ashby.
And that confirms the extent to which the Irons are growing up as a club after the academy had spent several years in the wilderness.
For too long we had waited for a major development following the absence of youngsters emerging following Mark Noble and James Tomkins.
But it started under former academy director Terry Westley who, with his staff, mentored the likes of Declan, Grady Diangana – sold for £18 million – Ben Johnson and those who will be in the frame for appearances tonight.
These are hugely exciting times as a result for those who believe their football club should be community rather than corporately based.
As a result, tonight is a very big night for these young men, the club and us fans.
COYI
