West Ham United’s prolific Development squad striker Elliot Lee made his competitive league debut for Colchester United on Tuesday night after completing his move earlier on Tuesday Morning.
He completed 73 minutes before being replaced by Jeffrey Monakana in the U’s 1-1 draw at Shrewsbury.
It’s a move that has been greeted with mixed emotions amongst the West Ham faithful, with the first team squad still down to the bare bones up front. So light up front in fact that manager Sam Allardyce has decided to line up without a recognised striker in the last two Premier League games.
Lee, son of former Hammer Rob, has been in prolific form for the under 21’s scoring 5 goals in 6 Under 21 Barclays Premier League fixture. His form hasn’t gone unnoticed by the claret and blue army with many calling for the youngster to get a run out in the first team.
But in my opinion this is the best possible move for the youngster as he looks to gain more experience at first team level. To be around a first team environment on a regular basis will only help to nurture his already blossoming talent.
Fans forget that he’s only 18, he still has a huge future ahead of him and to throw him in the deep end could do more harm than good. You only have to look at Zavon Hines and Freddie Sears for prove of that. Although Sears and Hines had the desired affect (scoring on debut), the weight of expectation eventually took its toll and they now ply their trade at lower levels of football.
If Elliot could bag a few goals in his months loan spell at Colchester it is far more likely to benefit him and the club. He would come back with confidence and experience ready to fire on all cylinders.
He knows what an important role he has in the future of West Ham having been the youth representative at the Olympic Stadium events, and this experience twinned with his experience being in the first team dressing room at Old Trafford are only likely to help develop him further.
His progress is one that will no doubt be tracked closely by the fans and Sam Allardyce alike.
Good luck Elliot!
Come on you Irons!
Tweet me @Bowdenwhu
This SHOULD be the last part of young Elliot’s education before getting ready to step up to first team duty, either later this season or possibly next.
If this lad doesn’t get a chance and soon, questions MUST be asked of BSF and his policies. Just look at the devastating way Negredo and Aguero played last week…small, stocky, quick and tricky. These qualities fit Lee’s make up, and how good would it be to see a Cottee or Defoe type forward playing in and around the box looking for scraps ???
We are watching you Sam……