Young centre-back Bondz 'Gala has left West Ham United to gain valuable playing experience with non-league Weymouth Town.
The 18-year-old defender is an Academy scholar and is therefore on work experience at the non-league club, who are fighting to stay in the Conference. 'Gala, who has been at West Ham United for four years, has made great strides this season and progressed to reserve-team level. He particularly caught the eye last month as man of the match in a 0-0 home draw against Chelsea.
'Gala has already made his Weymouth debut, impressing in Saturday's goalless draw against Kidderminster Harriers in the FA Trophy second round. The Forest Gate centre-back, nicknamed Bonzo, is not the only young Hammer playing in the Conference and he could come up against Hammers midfielder Lee Hales who is on loan at mid-table Rushden & Diamonds until 12 February when the sides meet a week on Saturday.
Two other Academy products are also out on loan. Attacking midfielder Tony Stokes is playing for former England Under-21 manager Peter Taylor at promotion-chasing Stevenage until 26 January while goalkeeper David Blackmore is with Thurrock, who play in the Conference South, for the rest of the season. Young striker Jack Jeffery has returned from a successful loan under Alan Devonshire at Hampton & Richmond.