West Ham United are pleased to have secured the services of 18-year-old striker Freddie Sears until summer 2010.
The homegrown talent's improved terms has come about as a result of his prolific form for the Under-18s and reserves this campaign, with 25 goals in 24 matches. He has also been capped twice by England at Under-19 level and been on the fringes of breaking through at senior level. Alan Curbishley has taken the forward along on a number of first-team away games, most recently the trips to Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur, and has spoken previously about Sears' potential.
"[Sears] is different to what we have got available at the moment," the manager said, when asked to describe the youngster's style of play. "He is [Craig] Bellamy-like. He is quick, wants to get in behind people and goes about his business very quietly. He is a good finisher. He has burst on in the last two months really and I think the natural progression is to get some sort of football ... I am not afraid to put the young boys in. If an opportunity arises I will do it."
Academy director Tony Carr was delighted to see the deal concluded. He said: "Even though Freddie was already under contract, it is an indication that if a boy pushes on, does well and catches the eye the club will recognise that with a new contract. That is an incentive for any young player to keep working, keep improving and if they show sufficient improvement they will be able to extend their stay at the football club.
"He has been with us since a very young age. It is a real endorsement of the academy system - another local boy nurtured from a very young age into the professional ranks. We have got high hopes for him for the future." That said, Carr was rightly cautious about expecting too much, too soon, claiming "it is a bit early for him to start thinking about what he might do and what he might not do" but added: "It is another stage in his development and we are pleased for him."
Speaking to WHUTV last month, Sears spoke of his high hopes for the future at the Boleyn Ground. "I am a West Ham fan," the Hornchurch-based forward said. "It would be great to run out to the fans. It would just be unbelievable ... I have just got to keep getting noticed. I am on the fringes at the minute." Watch out for more reaction to come from the talented young striker - while check out WHUTV's Bubbling Under channel to see some of his goals from the current campaign as well as that exclusive interview.