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Big Sam is key for development

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Big SamAs we coast through this period of preparation, adjustments and changes at West Ham United prior to the start of the new season. I decided to focus on how managers can have such a large role to play in a player’s development.

Last season Big Sam decided Premier League safety was more important than choosing to introduce players from the youth ranks, into the first team. Something I believe many of you would have chosen to do too.

Now that our Premier League safety has been confirmed and we prepare for the upcoming season, you can’t help but wonder if Big Sam is contemplating testing some of the youngsters in the top flight.

After seeing the likes of Leo Chambers and George Moncur selected for a bench role on a couple of occasions, many believe either of them could be the next player to break through and join the likes of Jack Collison, Mark Noble and James Tomkins in the first team.

I personally believe Big Sam will experiment more this season and we could well see more of the young Dan Potts at left back, whilst being joined by the return of Ravel Morrison.

Last season, Morrison was loaned out to Birmingham City where under the tutorship of Lee Clark, it appears he has blossomed and started to show the right attitude to match his potential, after scoring in both pre-season friendly’s so far.

How often do you see a player perform terrifically for one manager, yet as soon as they move clubs or their current club changes management, their performances drop and they appear half the player they used to be? It happens all the time in football, right from grassroots all the way to the best leagues around the world.

A prime example would be Carlton Cole and when he played under Gianfranco Zola during his time as manager. Cole put fear in the defenders eyes and at times looked unplayable. However, under the likes of Avram Grant and Big Sam, he just could not do it on a regular basis.

Players need a manager that can motivate, criticise, inspire and teach them things in a way that is right for them. I’m sure Big Sam has these traits as he proved when he brought through Phil Jones at Blackburn (now look where he is). It comes down to whether or not he decides to put his faith in the youngsters and unproven players as such and let us Hammers see our club polish a stone and witness the rise of a diamond.

With new signings joining the current crop of players at Upton Park, I anticipate seeing them develop under Big Sam and his backroom staff. I hope that amongst the players in the side, somewhere, we can find ourselves a talisman and see a player grow under the guidance of Big Sam.

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