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Westley: “Ben Johnson ticks all the boxes”

CandH Exclusive

Ben Johnson looks set to emerge as the next star Hammers star academy prospect following a fine pre-season so far.

And his former mentor Terry Westley – now ClaretandHugh columnist – believes that anything is possible for the teenager.

And he has revealed that the academy’s job is not simply to produce great young footballers but also perfect gentlemen.

Discussing Johnson he said: “He’s had a great pre-season which hasn’t surprised me and although he’s more comfortable at right-back he’s done a great job on the other side.

“He’s very athletic and quick over the ground. He is a totally dedicated and trains flat out He s a respectful young man and has a great attitude around the dressing room.

“It’s the academy’s job to make sure that the lads come out as gentlemen – look at Declan Rice as an example – we want quality players and quality men. Ben Johnson ticks all the boxes”

Westley though doesn’t believe he will start the season ahead of Aaron Cresswell or Arthur Masuaku but will get his chance in League Cup ties although he adds: “He’s one injury away from the Premier League isn’t he?”

Terry was in conversation with Hugh Southon and in his final blog over the weekend he looks at what the new season may hold for starlets Reece Oxford, Nathan Holland and Conor Coventry.

 

About Hugh5outhon1895

Hugh Southon is a lifelong Iron and the founding editor of ClaretandHugh. He is a national newspaper journalist of many years experience and was Bobby Moore's 'ghost' writer during the great man's lifetime. He describes ClaretandHugh as "the Hammers daily newspaper!" Follow on Twitter @hughsouthon

4 comments on “Westley: “Ben Johnson ticks all the boxes”

  1. Hugely impressed and in my opinion he could be the best full back at the club..

    • For those that were moaning at johnham1 last week for always being negative, please see above. As I said last week, while I may not always agree with johnham1’s opinion, I have always found him considered and realistic in his approach – and certainly not always negative. Fingers crossed for Johnson – I know Hugh rates him too, so I look forward to him being a fixture in the first team squad this season (that’s Johnson, not Hugh …)
      PS. I am still not johnham1 in disguise … COYI

      • Thank you, I am a pain at times and I accept that lol. I just want the best for the team and I just feel we are very close if we get 1 or 2 quality signings we can definitely be looking at a top 8 finish and perhaps Europe, another step in the right direction. I really am hoping Johnson can be a PL player, I think he and if Reid can get back to his best, could be like two new signings this season. Perhaps Yarmo too but not as convinced. Looking forward to seeing young Silva too. Cullen and Diangana for their career progress need to go out on loan to championship teams.

  2. To be honest. I reckon ‘Good Ole Daze’ is ‘johnham1’ is disguise.

    I think Johnson has looked competent but nothing special in the matches I’ve seen, I hope he can become an excellent full back because we a desperately short of quality in these positions. Particularly left back which I may have mentioned once or twice before.

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