Former Hammers academy chief Terry Westley is disappointed and shocked that Jeremy Ngakia has decided to walk out on the Hammers and in this exclusive blog for Claretandhugh tells him what he should do next.
Jeremy needs to sit down quietly and think through his decision to leave West Ham United. It’s a poor one because he has been handed a massive opportunity and a chance to prove himself at a top player in surroundings he knows and understands. Moving to a new club could be the breaking rather than the making of him. There is no need whatsoever for him to move at this stage of his career. Beyond that the club should have received his loyalty so it’s deeply disappointing from that point of view as well.
I remember when I was academy director at Derby county and a 16 year old Tom Huddlestone was on his way through. We spoke with the agent and it was agreed it would be in the lad’s interests for him to stay where he was and move on to a big club which he did. Frankly I always believe it’s the best way forward and having been responsible for doing a few deals for the kids at West Ham I know the club will have made him Jeremy a decent offer.
My advice to him is simple: THINK AGAIN SON – YOU MAY HAVE GOT THIS ONE WRONG!
His agent is obviously responsible for getting him the best deal he can but there’s no question that beyond the finances, remaining at West Ham is the best way forward for him. It’s very disappointing for all concerned because I know the Irons as they have done with Declan, Grady Diangana and Nathan Holland will have looked after the boy.
He’s a very good modern full back who gets forward well and can go past people but for me he has always had to play second fiddle to Ben Johnson who will be the next big thing at the club – he has always ticked every box for me. I rate him very highly indeed. He’s gonna be a star.
I’m also reading to that Barcelona are interested in Hammers youngster Benicio Baker-Boaitey as a potential summer signing. Despite having only recently turned 16 years of age, Baker-Boaitey has already featured for the club’s youth side in the U18 Premier League and my advice to him is the same as it is to Jeremy. You have no need to move lad. Yes, he is a mega talented kid but to move at this age is far too soon.
Terry Westley was talking to Hugh Southon
The main trouble is they believe their agents! And think they can run before they have learned to walk, as the saying goes?
Got his chance because of another players injuries, did ok, now thinks after 4 games that he’s an automatic first teamer. Sorry son, wrong, it takes more than 4 games. If he wants to go I would pay up his contract and show him the door. Ask Reece Oxford how its going cos he took the same path.