Forget Sunday – it’s a big big night for the under 23s

West Ham’s under 23s tonight turn out at Newcastle in the biggest game of their season – a Play Off Final which could catapult them into the big league alongside the likes of Arsenal, the Manchester clubs Chelsea and the like.

After a lost Hammers generation of youngsters over the last 10 years this really is a huge moment for a group of lads who can help us forget the miseries of the weekend and a horrible season.

Academy boss Terry Westley speaking to ClaretandHugh was in positive mood claiming: “I think we will win. It’s a big big game.”

The young Irons scored a 4-0 at West Bromwich Albion to sneak into the play-offs, quite an achievement given a slump in mid season which saw them win only once in nine games.

And they were minutes away from being beaten in the semi-final at Wolverhampton before late goals from substitute Jahmal Hector-Ingram and Martin Samuelsen ensured the Hammers made it to the final.

Westley revealed his team exclusively to CandH and it will be: Trott or Speigel; Knoyle, Akinola, Rice, Sylvestre; Kemp, Makasi, Dobson (above right), Holland; Samuelsen, Martinez. 

COYI