Hammer to join Charlton

Young Hammer Alex Pike appears to be on the verge of joining Charlton for a season long loan. The West Ham right back has impressed  Addicks manager Russell Slade while on trial with Charlton playing in the second half of a pre-season friendly with Welling on Saturday.

Slade told the South London Press: “I`m pleased with him. I spoke to West Ham and they were more than happy for us to have a look at him. He has only been in two days. We`ll keep all these with us for Tuesday.’

Pike’s signed his first professional contract in June 2015 though to last two years.  He joined the Academy as an U11 midfielder before being converted to a right-back as a schoolboy. He made his U18 Premier League debut while still an U16 schoolboy at home to Spurs in 2013.

Pike made a substitute appearance against Astra in the UEFA Europa League in early August last year. He broke into the U21 squad for the season in October captaining the team against Swansea City in November and scored in the 1-1 home draw against Arsenal’s U21s.

He played a key role as Terry Westley’s men reached the U21 Premier League Cup final against Hull City, which they won on penalties at the KC Stadium.