OPINION
If there’s one thing they love at West Ham, it’s a homegrown talent.
Down the years the Hammers have produced some of the finest players in the English game, and with the current squad boasting veteran hero Mark Noble and precocious talent Declan Rice, it would seem that they have no intention of slowing down in their youth efforts any time soon.
You only have to look at the way that Rice has been taken immediately into the hearts of the Irons’ faithful to see how much they value having one of their own rise through the ranks.
Excited speculation and various successful loan spells would suggest that there are plenty more looking to follow in the England international’s footsteps in the near future, with Ben Johnson, who made his Premier League debut against Manchester City at the end of February, perhaps the most likely to make the step up next.
West Ham fans will drool, therefore at David Gold’s latest comments on the club’s plans for the future.
After ploughing £4 million into renovating the club’s Chadwell Heath academy centre, the co-chairman has been quick to suggest that there will be plenty of emphasis placed on youth in the future.
As quoted by Football.London, he said: “We want more home-grown players.
“That is what is driving us. We’re investing in the future. It gives us a thrill to see them, and it gives everyone working here a great thrill to see players like Ben Johnson coming in against Manchester City.
“It’s truly amazing, the fans adore it, and it gives us all a kick.”
Investing in youth always makes sense. Whether it’s from a footballing perspective or a financial viewpoint, having good quality young players coming through the ranks is the hallmark of a successful club.
The Hammers are already pretty decent when it comes to giving youth a chance, but if Gold’s comments are anything to go by, the London Stadium could become a hotbed of top drawer youngsters.
