Irons youngsters taught Mooro’s ‘gentleman’ tradition

By CandH blogger Allen Cummings

How refreshing it was to hear Terry Wesley talking on ClaretandHugh  in such glowing terms about the latest exciting talent to emerge from the West Ham Academy.

Nineteen-year-old Ben Johnson ‘ticks all the right boxes’ on the field according to Wesley, and is every bit the shining example off it, too.

Unlike his namesake in the athletics world, our Ben is clearly a credit to himself and his profession as a footballer – and a decent human being and that’s  an aspect of a young footballer’s development many supporters fail to recognise or appreciate.

As fans we are guilty of only seeing what’s there in front of us on the pitch. But as Terry emphasised it’s just as important to our club how our up-and-coming young players conduct themselves off the pitch, too. Rightly so in my opinion.

From Bobby Moore – the perfect gentleman and perfect footballer – West Ham’s academy has put almost the same emphasis on behaviour as ability.

Declan Rice has obviously shown the way. We’ve all watched him mature before our eyes as a player, to find himself on the verge of genuine greatness at still a very tender and impressionable age.

Last season, despite the seemingly endless distraction of protracted contract talks and decision making over his international allegiance and ambition, Declan conducted himself perfectly.

He never allowed himself to become embroiled in the circus that ensued on social media. Others may have been tempted to hit the keypad in the face of totally unjustified criticism. Declan stayed cool, calm, collected and most importantly dignified.

 Grady Diangana is another young man who has shown himself to be not only talented, but also unassuming, courteous and level-headed, letting his ability do the talking for him.

It’s why I’m delighted Josh Cullen looks to have earned himself a genuine place in this season’s first team squad. Cullen is West Ham through and through – and a smashing lad into the bargain.

Obviously talent is paramount for any aspiring young footballer – but character is just as important. Wesley and his team always insisted on that, and worked towards that end.

We now have a manager in Manuel Pellegrini who is hugely respected in the game, not only for his football knowledge, but also for the dignified way he conducts himself.

Sadly that hasn’t always been the case with some of our previous managers. Pellegrini insists on certain standards and values from himself – I’m glad he insists on those same values from his players – particularly the younger stars in the making.

The reputation of my club is important to me, I’m delighted it looks to be in good hands.