Academy boss Terry Westley was delighted to welcome his star youngster Reece Oxford back back to West Ham yesterday.
And he issued an immediate assurance that the teenager wants nothing more than to play for the first team.
Reports coming out of Borussia Monchengladbach – and of course The Sun (sigh) – claim that the central defender wanted to stay with his loan club until the end of the season.
But Westley made it clear that his only aim at this point is on getting his chance to impress David Moyes and get his Hammers first team career up and running.
Speaking exclusively to Claretandhugh Westley said: “It was great to see Reece and all he wants is to get and take his chance with the Hammers.
“He came down to meet the boys and was telling us all how he had enjoyed life in Germany and how professional and disciplined he had found the training regime.
“Physically, he has matured and looks a much stronger boy than before he left. He’s done so well out there and showed great patience and professionalism.
“Having received his chance over the last four games he has really taken it and he showed very good form.
“He’s been a credit to himself and no he simply wants to get on with doing a job for West Ham United.”
Reece seems like a very level headed young man who keeps himself to himself and just cracks on. I just hope Moyes takes a proper look at him and gives him a fair crack now he is back. Can’t make a decision to sell without giving him every opportunity first. And that isn’t one or two games only.
Also I’m not sure why two German clubs are suddenly so interested. One had every opportunity to play him regularly but didn’t, and the other cant have seen him play at the highest level much? All a bit strange!
+1 BMG wanted him on permanent even before he started & RB Leipzig now young talent.
Part of problem was prob getting Ox training & fit after Bilic regime. But they said month ago or so they liked him a lot was talented player & would keep them permanently.
Last season Man U & other big clubs wanted him. I just hope he gets a real chance bc be shame if could of finished loan & get starts in a top 6 club if just comes home to be in U23s or on bench.
Like 64 said havent set ourselves up for best time to use youth tho I would argue Rice has earned starts he didn’t get been great at 18 yes some mistakes but no more then others.
Moyes seems to mainly want PL experience & isn’t worried about future just next 5mo
And Ox started for a Top 6 club in better shape then us just hope we use him.
I am keen for our young players to be given opportunities, but I am not in favour of just throwing them all in at once. It is really frustrating that we seem to have one or two who are worth a look, but nearly every year we end up in a struggle. This is the worst time to ‘give the kids a chance’ but we never get ourselves in that position where we can afford to just take a look at them without too much pressure. It is a New Year so you have to approach it with a bit of hope. What I really hope for is some good decision making at the top- over transfer decisions, over the choice of manager & support staff, over statements/ interviews by the owners. The club has enough potential to do well if those decisions are made well. But we are not too big to end up in the Championship if the poor decision making of the last few continues. Let’s just hope for a better New Year in 2018 for the club we all love….
Very true 64 & Moyes seems to want PL exoerince above all else