Graham Potter has made it clear that bringing through Academy players is a significant part of his role at West Ham.
During his pre-match press conference ahead of tomorrow night’s Premier League clash against Fulham, the new Hammers head coach was asked if he had been tasked with promoting Academy players to the first team.
Potter already earned some goodwill with fans by starting Ollie Scarles against Aston Villa, and it seems he isnāt stopping there.
āThe West Ham Academy is central to the club,ā Potter said. āThe FA Youth Cup success in recent years suggests there are good players in the group. We also understand that supporters need to see youth players in the team.ā
He added: āWhen looking at positions, we will always try to see if we can find solutions internally.ā
Those words will be music to the ears of West Ham fans. Potter went on to say that incorporating youth players into the first team is a great way to win fansā support and build trust between the supporters and the team.
The new Hammers gaffer also spoke enthusiastically about working alongside Mark Noble. From Potterās three interviews and press conferences so far, itās clear he fully understands the importance of promoting youth as part of his responsibilities
Sounds like heās had conversations with Mark Noble and heās in agreement. Good to hear. Noble knows what the fans want.
Yes from me, I feel he gets it, a balance of defend and attack, a bit of pace in transition, and a willingness to turn to our very talented Academy is a big, big winner with older, traditional fans like me. Just like the very big name clubs, integrating your own is vital, a commitment at all levels. Moyes didn’t get it, not did Lope. Well done Graham, well played Ollie!! COYI.
What I would like to see tonight is Kudus centre forward with Summerville ( if fit) and Guilherme on the wings
Anythingās better than having Ings on the pitch
Good at last think youth if they are good enough. Moyes was to conservative with his handling of youngsters and as nice s it was to see Divine Mun ana scoring for Man city the other day it would have been so nice to see him in a Westham shirt Just need to push forward as much as we can now.
Great to see let’s hope he keeps it up and Mark Noble is the one he turns to
Also wondering how SNIDEn feels having his name in the press before he has ACTUALLY lost the job like he has done to 2 manager
I cant wait for TS to be gone the man has done an abysmal job in recruitment He is a glory hound that run’s when it comes on top
Dan Ashworth is the name i’m reading
see if your saying that when we sell kudus for 100miliion
He brought Scarles off with something like 20 mins left to play, even though he was doing brilliantly. That is what you need, lookng out for the player, not necessarily letting him go 90+ mins for his first start in that heated atmosphere. No more sitting on the bench watching everybody else and tea lady come on instead. At last all the efforts put in by the Academy coaches & players, could really help this club. With Potter, Noble and Academy coaches to hand, this crop of youngsters are in good hands now and they’ll bring a lot to this club, including pride.
He brought Scarles off with something like 20 mins left to play, even though he was doing brilliantly. That is what you need, lookng out for the player, not necessarily letting him go 90+ mins for his first start in that heated atmosphere. No more sitting on the bench watching everybody else and tea lady come on instead. At last all the efforts put in by the Academy coaches & players, could really help this club. With Potter, Noble and Academy coaches to hand, this crop of youngsters are in good hands now and they’ll bring a lot to this club, including pride.
At lastā¦. We have some really quick, skilful youths that are hungry and want to show what they can do? Why on earth wouldnāt we try them? Rooney/M Owen etc were played at 16/17 and they turned out okay? It also keeps some of the overpaid seniors who just turn up and donāt give it there all. I would much rather give a youngster a go that will give 100% .
I think Potter is going to be brilliant as he seems so normal and grounded. No fancy rubbish just hard work and making sure we get the basics done right. Breath of fresh air. COYIāļøāļøāļøāļø
Rooney and Owen were also physically shells of themselves into their late 20ās. There needs to be a balance, Wilshere is also a great example.
Good to hear, hopefully we get a few who make the grade.
Graham seems an astute bloke, so will blend them in. Too many at once and they get a good hiding that will break them.
In addition, letās hope our recruitment improves dramatically – have faith it will, under Potter.
I’m beginning to believe this geezer gets it. He understands what we are and what we expect.
Every time this bloke speaks I like him more. Go on then Harryās Dad!
What a breath of fresh air after what we have had to endure from the last 2 dinosaurs we had in charge. I think this is the single most important thing to happen. The big boys use their youth ranks and they are often successful, so if itās good enough for them then why not us. Some wonāt make it and some will make mistakes but that is the only way to learn.We currently have senior players who are constantly making mistakes in every game which aināt a good thing and they need to be dropped. Hope we see Potts and Kodua brought back from loans and given a chance
We want to see them if they have the potential to step up another level, something that few academy players have had the chance to prove.
Really excited by this news.
Imagine if we had kept Johnson (Glen), the Ferdinand’s, Cole, Carrick, Lampard, Defoe, playing alongside Nobes?
I was happy to give Lopetegui till Christmas, I don’t think it was ever going to work out, I think this fella needs a bit longer. This is a long term project and this fella looks to have vision.
Is it OK to start feeling a bit excited again?
Neil, from a fellow Aussie Hammer consider this permission granted. Iām feeling the same way mate, like weāve finally got someone that is addressing the bleeding obvious.
Another Hammer Down Under here. I’ll join the Potter Appreciation Club too! Early days but so far very happy with the new coach. He’s a smart man and it shows.