West Ham United co-chairman David Gold has raved about Academy director Terry Westley following Grady Diangana’s big break for the first team, and praised Declan Rice’s evolution too.
The young attacker started the 4-2 win over Burnley on Saturday, and proved pivotal by providing an assist to one of Felipe Anderson’s goals – and Gold has pointed to Westley, saying that the work he has put into young players is why they are coming through into the first team fold.
As well as Diangana, Gold also praised Westley for how Declan Rice has now become a regular in the first team after being guided through the Academy system.
“We had a fabulous transfer window and then to see young Grady Diangana emerge as a first team player as well as Declan Rice is wonderful. It’s been so many years since that happened at this club and it is down to Terry and his staff. That deserves to be recognised and honoured,” he told Claret and Hugh.
“Both these players have been nurtured within the West Ham system and it’s pure joy to see them emerge as first team players. The great thing is others look to be on the way through.
“Usually when youngsters arrive in the team they tend to pass the ball quickly because quite naturally they don’t want to be seen making an error. But that’s not the case with either of these two lads. They are happy to get involved in strong tackling and take players on which is great to see.”
OPINION
Grady Diangana has certainly made an immediate impact on the first team since he was introduced into the fold, so Gold is right to heap praise on Westley for helping the youngster get there. Westley also guided Rice into the senior team, so he must be doing something right for the young players to be doing so well. The fact that Manuel Pellegrini is giving players like Rice and Diangana chances in the first team is also quite encouraging, and it shows how far the club have come in terms of youth development. Many clubs shy away from introducing young players into the mix – especially the bigger teams – so the fact that West Ham are doing it is a step in the right direction. The likes of Rice has been praised left, right and centre since starring for the first team, so it is no surprise that Gold is showing his recognition.
