Irons lead: Wesley thrilled as 15 year old starts

Former Hammers Academy chief Terry Westley will “somehow” keep up with events at Dagenham as the Irons under 23s take on Valencia B in their first real test of the season against European competition.

And he will be interested particularly in 15 year old Jamal Baptiste at central defence who he says has a big future ahead of him.

Westley – talking exclusively to ClaretandHugh – revealed: “This boy is a real talent – to have broken into the team at this stage is brilliant for him. He’s got enorous potential.”

Terry – currently in Japan where he has become director of the J League – still has the Hammers very much in his heart and is delighted with what he is seeing since moving out of the job.

He said: “They have gone 12 matches undefeated this year and are continuing to bring on players as we did in my day. It’s great to see that what was a decent legacy is being maintained.”

THE HAMMERS TOOK THE LEAD THROUGH NATHAN HOLLAND WHO SCORED AFTER 8 MINUTES