Kevin took over running the U17s from Peter Brabrook, who retired recently, and Tony says:
"It could be one of West Ham's best signings; I was speaking about it recently with Alvin Martin and we think it is a wonderful signing for the clubs and will be great for the kids."
Tony hopes that Kevin can keep the production line of youngsters rolling on though he admits:
"Players coming through tends to come in little batches; you look back at Kevin's time when he came through with Steve Potts and Paul Ince, and before that there was Tony Cottee and Alan Dickens.
"In recent times there was Frank Lampard and Rio, and just after them Michael Carrick and Joe Cole.
"You have to be patient with the academy but I believe that with someone like Kevin Keen - under the guidance of Tony Carr - it is in good hands."
Tony does not foresee much more activity - if any - in the transfer market before the end of the month, and adds:
"It would be nice if we can get one in before the deadline now, but don't hold your breath - there isn't much money to spend and there is a decent squad down there at the moment."
He sees the key issue, however, as being the fact that the young nucleus of the squad has stayed together and no first team regulars have been sold.
"I think it is more important to hold on to the players we have got, especially those young lads, rather than everybody saying we have to go out and sign new players," he says."