Hammers told they must keep midfielder

Conor Coventry should be given the opportunity of joining the first team squad next season or at the very least be retained for another year even should that be on loan.

Former academy director Terry Westley is a huge admirer of the midfielder and believes next season may be definitive for the 22 year.

Terry has been following the progress of his former academy player at Milton Keynes Dons via his former Hammers coaching assistant Liam Manning who is now in charge of the club.

And Terry told ClaretandHugh: Liam tells me he’s better than the level he’s playing at right now and I’ve always seen him as a Mark Noble replacement.”

The Dons are currently in second spot and Conor will replicate Josh Cullen’s achievements when he  helped Charlton to promotion should the Dons make it into the Championship.

Terry said: He’s a very good player and the English lads like him enormously – I’d certainly want to see him have another season with the Hammers.”