West Ham have living proof that a good player in the reserves and youth system does not automatically mean you can make the big step up.
Freddie Sears was one of the most prolific youngsters in England at both the Under 18’s and the Reserves level but has majorly disappointed at first team level. Zavon Hines looked like a major prospect, making a name for himself in the younger age groups but once again not becoming an effected first team player and subsequently leaving the club this summer for Burnley.
Everyone connected to West Ham will be praying that new prospect Cristian Montano will not follow suit and fail to impress the Upton Park faithful. The Colombian striker was unstoppable in the reserves last season and earned himself a loan move this season to League One’s Notts County.
Former Hammer, Martin Allen; current manager of County; was keen to take on the 19-year-old on a one month loan deal and the striker has not disappointed. Montano has already scored three goals for the club in just eight appearances; more goals than Sears has scored in four years at any level; prompting Allen to ask West Ham to extend the loan spell for a further month.
The youngster joined the Hammers at the age of just 11 and has been prolific ever since before signing a pro contract in 2010. Yet to make his first team debut for West Ham, Montano will return to the club at the end of October and will immediately bid to earn a first team place in front of competition such as Carlton Cole and Sam Baldock.
Keep an eye on the County results and more importantly the scorers as Montano will hopefully appear again in the near future.
