Nathan Holland in action against Nottingham Forest’s youngsters
Exclusive
Terry Westley hopes and believes he will see a crop of his finest youngsters breaking into the first team over the next three years.
Speaking exclusively to ClaretandHugh the academy boss said: “The job isn’t done yet and I believe we have some outstanding prospects.
He hopes that players from the academy are set for the first team for the first time since Mark Noble and James Tomkins appeared 10 years ago.
He explained: “We have to get some into the team. The pressure is always there because this club is known historically as the academy. We have missed a generation and we are working to put that right.
“It’s all about producing first teamers and in the likes of Nathan Holland, George Dobson, Reece Oxford, Declan Rice, Reece Burke, Martin Samuelsen and Josh Cullen, Dominos Quina and others we have some very promising youngsters.”
There has been a lot of focus on midfielder Nathan Holland ho has produced some truly outstanding football over recent games and Westley said; “We have been asked by many people in the game how we managed to sign him from Everton. He is outstanding and were he selected for the first team I believe he would do very well.
“George Dobson too is doing well along with Samuelsen and Quina but I believe they are all very good players who have a real opportunity of breaking through.”
And of Reece Oxford he sad: “He is an outstanding player who will come through but Reading has been difficult for him as he went as cover and with them going for and now in the play-offs he hasn’t had the opportunities but he is a wonderful prospect for West Ham.”
Oxford, Burke and Rice phew. Imagine that as a back 3. Dobson and Cullen holding in midfield, and Holland Quina and Samuelsen attacking midfield aaaaahhhhhh. It’s dream waiting to come true lol.
I like hearing Westley speak.
With martinez up front what a squad.
yeah I think I’ll hang around a bit longer lol
Wouldn’t the Burnley game be a perfect opportunity to give some of these youngster’s a taste of PL football and provide an avenue for the club to gauge their talent? After Sunday’s debacle would be nice to see some players that haven’t already packed for their holiday.
Knowing Bilic he’ll play them all out of position…
Bilic won’t play them – simple as that. He’s had ample opportunity to blood some of our youngsters but he leaves them to either warm the bench or go on loan instead. Substandard 1st teamers feel no real pressure from below – and that’s so wrong.
Bloke next to me at the OS reckons Bilic is under too much pressure to “take the risk”. Rubbish – other top flight managers manage to play some of their youngsters into the 1st team and they are certainly under no less pressure than Bilic.
Very very disappointing and all credit to Westley for not letting his head drop having someone like Bilic at the top.