Dmitri Halajko
The Irons Under-23s return to action on Friday afternoon still seeking their first win in this season’s Premier League 2 competition.
This season could hardly be more different to last when the team won the promotion without losing a game.
And that demonstrates the difference between Premier Leagues Two and One, never mind the Premier League itself in which some are keen to see the youngsters – that’s a bridge too far at this stage obviously.
In their last game, at home to Brighton & Hove Albion , the young Irons undoubtedly enjoyed the majority of the play and chances over the 90 minutes, only to concede some disappointing goals on the way to a 3-2 loss.
Even that demonstrates how much tougher life is at the level they have now reached after being promoted, relegated and promoted again.
However, in fairness they have had a particularly tough run of games away from home – five on the trot – not the best position on their return to Division One.
Now, lead coach Dmitri Halajko has called on his players to channel their frustration from before the break to positive effect against Blackburn.
He said: “I think in so much of our play, we’ve been competent at the top level of Premier League 2, if not above the level.
“In other aspects of our play, we’ve been below the level required, so it’s that inconsistency really we need to address to move forward. “
Sounds a little like the problems we have seen at senior level doesn’t it!
“We’ve had some parts of our game which have been at the right level and even exceeded that, but other aspects have been below what we’ve needed, and that has been the cause of our frustration so far.
“You’re not going to progress as a team if that continues to happen, so we’ll be looking to address it.”
At Rush Green, West Ham will welcome a Blackburn U23s side who have made a strong start to their season, with three wins from four matches played.
“Hopefully, against Blackburn, we’ll have been able do to that and get ourselves all on the same page, which hopefully should enhance our performances moving forwards.”
West Ham United Under-23s take on Blackburn Rovers Under-23s on Friday 23 October in a behind-closed-doors fixture. Kick-off is at 2pm; you can follow all the action with our live blog on whufc.com from 1pm.
Please note that all Academy fixtures will be played behind closed doors until further notice. Only key personnel will be admitted on site and matches will be played without supporters present, in line with safety guidelines and social distancing measures still in place as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.