A few months ago, I wrote about the rising influence of Northern Irish players within West Ham United’s youth setup, and since then there have been significant developments.
Callum Marshall, who impressed during his loan spell at Huddersfield last season, has earned opportunities in West Ham’s pre-season fixtures. He found the net against Grasshoppers Club Zurich and delivered a solid performance in the recent victory over Everton.
This summer the Academy has also welcomed fresh talent from Northern Ireland, including Callum Leacock from Linfield and Joel Kerr from Glentoran. Kerr, in particular, arrives with considerable anticipation surrounding his potential impact.
Not every move has gone as planned, however. Patrick Kelly, a Northern Ireland U-21 international who spent last season on loan at Doncaster Rovers, has departed West Ham to join Barnsley on a free transfer. Barnsley’s Head Coach Conor Hourihane expressed his excitement, describing Kelly as “a dynamic, intelligent midfielder who fits the way we want to play.”
Similarly, Sean Moore, who switched his international allegiance to the Republic of Ireland has left the Hammers. He has joined League of Ireland Champions Shelbourne on a permanent deal, having made 56 appearances and scored 10 goals for West Ham’s development squad over two seasons.
Michael Forbes, a 21-year-old centre-back with one senior Northern Ireland cap, has joined Kevin Nolan’s Northampton Town on a season long loan. Despite battling injuries last season, Forbes is eager to reignite his career in League One. Nolan is optimistic, stating, “We believe we can help him reach the levels we know he is capable of and that includes playing international football again.”
Meanwhile, Josh Briggs remains a player to watch. The 19-year-old defender, who joined West Ham from Linfield in 2022 and signed his first professional contract in 2024, will continue his development with the U-21 squad this season.
West Ham’s Academy continues to serve as a fertile ground for Northern Irish talent. With Graham Potter emphasising youth development the future looks bright for some of the Hammers top Irish talent!
Of course we cannot forget Connor Coventry and Josh Cullen who both are enjoying successful careers after coming through the academy
I can not believe we have lost out on a player we have been chasing all season in Tyler Morton
Young and upper coming
Lost out again due to not getting in with a serious offer and putting the money down for him
We supposedly have put offers in for all these players, I am surprised potter is even bothering as they are not going to sign anyone unless they are over 30 and past their best or free
We will never be a big club while we have these clowns running it
Have been a loyal supporter for 55 years and the stress it now causes me.
I try to not look at the transfer site, as it depresses me
Last season I could barely sit and watch a full game, it hurt so much to see the state the team was in
I feel for Jarrod he loves the club and I am sure he would like to see a bit of ambition from our owners
For god sake put some money in, we need players before the season starts.
Elliott would be perfect.
Make my day