The question I was regularly asked by the Davids and Karen Brady after Declan’ arrival on the first team scene was “Who’s next?”
It’s a great question to keep you motivated and as I’ve said before on CandH the youngster I always saw making it was Ben Johnson.
The lad always ticked every box for me and this season he has become an invaluable Hammers squad member. I couldn’t be more pleased for him – he is sending out all the signals that he is going to be a top player.
I believe there was talk of sending him out on loan at the beginning of the season given the form of Vladi Coufal but he has since taken his chance and is clearly in the right place at the right time.
So now it’s my turn to ask that question: Who next? and the answer is that there are three who I think will become first team Hammers in the future.
I’ve always liked Jamal Baptiste – a central defender with ability way beyond his 17 years. He can go to the top for sure.
Then there’s midfielder Dan Chesters who appeared against Genk and is an excellent midfielder along with full back Harrison Ashby.
All three were in the squad for last night’s game and are all outstanding prospects.
David Moyes has done a beyond remarkable job for the club and has a great mix of decent signings and academy prospects.
I am a Hammer and like the rest of you are very, very excited about our squad and these emerging youngsters.
Great news Hugh, and although I can’t speak for other clubs, our Academy and the players that it produces has always been special amongst our supporters. Even when the young players weren’t seen to be the finished article, we always want our youngsters to be given a chance in the first team.
I always keep up to date on the Academy results and the progress of our youngsters, and I feel that they currently have a good crop of youngsters who can make their first-team debuts this season, opportunities permitting. Great inside info, I hope that we also get blindsided by the unexpected progression of a few more players within the Academy.