By Hugh Southon
The best news of this year, last year and the year before has just broken – Declan has signed with the Irons for another six years plus a year’s option!
That will take him up to the age of 26 during which time he will become the club’s next skipper as he continues to follow in in the footsteps of the great Mooro.
It’s been the highlight of my footballing life to see them both and from the first time I saw this young man I have been consistent in the view that he was as like Bob as it would be possible to get.
This is simply amazing news in a season which is surpassing all expectations and I think Dec’s decision to stay a Hammer will already have shot him way out in front as Hammer of the Year.
The club are staying very quiet on how much they are paying him. Every question I asked on the matter – put in many different forms – has been blocked and that is worthy of respect.
The club are learning how to become leak-free and although that is incredibly irritating for such as yours truly it’s good to see that they are refusing to step down the same road that has brought them into confrontation with the fans in the past.
Signing Manuel Pellegrini was a hugely significant moment in the summer. Signing Declan to six years is a landmark moment.
It is fair to say that West Ham United today stepped across a new frontier and are becoming the the big club boss Manuel has been discussing so regularly over recent weeks.
Declan knows how big this club can become and wants to be a part of what is going to be a great future under a great manager.
And let’s remember a certain Terry Westley in all of this excitement. Tony Carr’s were very big shoes to fill but the academy director nurtured the Rice talent and was always there for him as he rose through the under 23s and advanced into the first team squad.
With the likes of Xande Silva, Nathan Holland, Grady Diangana, Conor Coventry and numerous others emerging, give it up for Mr Westley who has proved another top signing by a board who is starting to show all that it knows exactly what it’s about.
Just imagine too what Dec’s decision to sign will do for this club as the scouts go out and try to sign the best kids in London.
It will show their Mums and Dads that West Ham is a club where their sons get a real chance if they are good enough and that is great news for all who are involved in attracting the best to our club.
What a late Christmas present …what a New Year beckons. Thrilled doesn’t begin to get close but tonight Declan Rice and West Ham United has made this old man a very very happy bunny!
COME ON YOU IRONS
Bravo and credit to Gold & Sullivan , a few class players in the summer we could really go somewhere . Although all credit to the lads if they keep it up we might need only another 1. COYI ⚒