West Ham’s Academy has come under scrutiny from some sections in recent seasons for not producing the calibre of player it maybe once did.
Sure, a better proportion than at most clubs have gone on to become world class stars, but as is the way in the business of football, if they haven’t made the grade, then they have usually been sold on and often forgotten about.
In the case of Jack Collison however, it’s a strange one.
Few have ever doubted the talents of the Welsh international, but he has never truly achieved regular success, and is now apparently out of contract at the end of the season.
Despite making his senior debut in January 2008, he has only made just over 110 appearances for the club in seven seasons.
The main reason for this is the 25-year-old has suffered a horrendous series of knee injuries, keeping him out of the team for well over a year.
The rehabilitation from those operations has curtailed his first team opportunities, and when he has had a run, he has often been played out wide.
But in the same time, he has also collected almost 20 senior caps for Wales, including turning out this week against Iceland.
Any player considered good enough to play for one of the home nations on the international stage should be considered an asset for the club.
As such, many fans would be happy to see Collison remain with West Ham into the next season.
He has always seemed a likeable lad to have around the team, and most feel he can be a valuable squad player in the Premier League.
He always does a decent job for the team when called upon, even if he is not quite good enough to start when everyone is fit.
The injuries have undoubtedly restricted the chance to become player he may have been, and he would be hard pressed to complete a full season of fixtures anywhere without any adverse reactions in the knee.
The uncertainty around his future has led to reports Championship sides Leeds United and Nottingham Forest are heading the chase for the midfielder. A loan move leaves to the door open to him to return to West Ham, and possibly to play cup games while filling in in the league when needed.
On paper, Collison is almost certainly worth a new contract, and in a selfish way, it’s always great to keep hold of quality home grown talent.
But to be fair to the player, he would likely get more first team game time if he was released as a free agent and able to find a new club.
It’s a hard one but if he is happy to stay then keep him because on his day he is a good player and a useful squad player.when we had a lot of injurys he was there to fill the gaps
Thinking of Academy successes I doubt that any other team in the world can match the Hammers when it comes to international (England appearances) from an academy. A team of Day, Johnson,Ince, Moore, Rio Ferdinand as back four, midfield of Joe Cole, Brooking, Lampard and Peters. Up front Hurst and Defoe. Would you believe it a total of 669 caps (I make it) with Carrick, Martin and Cottee on the bench with a further 55 between them.Beat that Man.U or Southampton or Real and Barca! No caps for Mervyn Day but I need an academy goalie! I think we have some talented youngsters at the club but I doubt that we will see them with BFS. From what I have seen of them they can pass the ball, have pace and only if they had come from Bolton or learned to hoof up front they could have made a mark like so many other youngsters currently gracing the premier. The question is will the best of them stay?