Former Academy chief and exclusive Claretandhugh blogger Terry Westley has been following the ‘Ngakia Affair’ closely over recent weeks and here comes to his conclusions on what comes next for the teenager and the Hammers
Terry is talking to Hugh Southon
It’s been said before, and I have always been of the opinion, that Ben Johnson is going to be a major West Ham United star.
I would like to see Jeremy Ngakia stay at the club and have said previously I don’t believe he’s doing himself any favours by walking at this stage of his career – but he may be after regular first team football now.
Who knows where he will end up but personally I really believe he would have been better off staying and fighting it out for that first team place although it’s probably true to say Ben is in front of him when both are fit. Ben ticks every box for me.
With Jeremy deciding to leavethe way has been cleared for Ben to step forward as the sole challenger to Ryan Fredericks and whatever happens over the next nine games, he for me, is the future and maybe the NOW.
All I can say as far as Jeremy is concerned is that I hope it works out for him but believe he is making a mistake.
As we prepare for the fight of our lives over the next nine games I see mark noble as an essential player in the strange atmosphere which will descend on the London Stadium.
He’s an all for one and one for all skipper and will seriously wind up all those around him.
I’ve worked with David Moyes and Alan Irvine of course and trust me they are as organised and sticklers for details so frankly I can see no way we will not be more than be ready.
In fact I think we will probably be in front of most other clubs and as a result i’m confident we will avoid relegation.
COYI
Interesting what Terry says about organisation. As soon as David Moyes arrived the team looked more organised. Less adventurous perhaps, but there was more structure. West Ham corners no longer led to breakaway goals for the other side. I think we’ll be okay.
A much greater chance than with old man Pellegrini!
Great to hear Terry Westley’s views on the Ngakia situation. Personally, I wish Ngakia had picked a better time for his roadshow. But with the player refusing to even sit down and talk to the club…..It shows MASSIVE Disrespect to the club and its supporters on so many LEVELS. I’m not entirely sure how, for someone so young, he can even come back from this situation. We lost Payet and Arnautovic……. Ngakia, join the club.
To be honest it’s best if he foxtrots right NOW.
I’ve been following Ben Johnson trajectory for some time and if Mr Westley says he is the “Real Deal”, along with everything else I have heard….. I’m happy with that.
As for Mr West Ham, I think he will be absolutely crucial to our survival because he has been here before and his influence will be needed Massively.