The promotion of West Ham’s academy coaches Mark Robson, Steve Potts, Gerard Prenderville and Billy Lepine means all four are to assist Nuno with the senior side. Of course, this is both good for the club – with an identity already developing under Espírito Santo – and good news for the Hammers’ youngsters hoping to make their own step up.
Several are on the fringes, with minutes recently for Freddie Potts and Callum Marshall.
Injured George Earthy – whose hamstring injury is not as bad as was first thought – hopes to be back in action before the end of November and must now be optimistic about a breakthrough in what is a competitive new look West Ham midfield.
Ahead of him in the ‘attacking midfielder’ slots are Lucas Paquetá and Mateus Fernandes but Earthy decided against a loan move away from London Stadium in the summer, to try and force his way into the reckoning.
No agreement yet on Earthy’s West Ham contract
His West Ham contract is due to expire at the end of this season with no renewal yet in sight – so it is likely a ‘make or break’ 25/6 season for Earthy in claret and blue. West Bromwich Albion, who submitted an offer to take Earthy on loan in the last transfer window, are apparently gearing up for another try, according to recent reports:
“West Brom pushed to sign the player on loan on transfer deadline day but a deal for the 20-year-old ultimately never materialized. GiveMeSport claim, however, that hope is not lost and that a fresh loan bid could be submitted in January.”
Given that game time is more likely under Nuno than his predecessor, Earthy will have a difficult decision to take: Much will depend on his fitness and how much, if any, time on the pitch the England u21 international can get between now and the winter window.
Earthy is the one who could break in suddenly,Fernandes is not pulling up trees and against certain teams he could fit it in instead. He could come in for Paqueta especially if his form doesn’t getting better. I think a fornation change could happen. If we are down to just Wilson,who can’t last 60 minutes let alone 90 then we need to use Marshall in his best position which was actually out wide left in a 3. Though his recent goals for the u21’s have came when he played more central,either or we need to play him not ignore him.Paqueta upfront rarely works.
Make or break year?
He’s only just 20 and spent some time injured…
Imo needed another year in championship similar to Potts, if he’s good enough he will get chances….
make or break at WHU as his contract running down and if he doesn’t get any minutes. more than likely he’ll do a Mubama
I wasn’t aware all four had been promoted to first team duties, who now runs the academy? Is Kevin Keen managing all youth age groups now? If so I hope he is up for a pay rise 😊