Hello,
Like many of you, I’m was absolutely delighted to see two of our Academy prospects, Manny Onariase and Josh Cullen, on the bench for the first team away at Arsenal on Saturday.
I was actually on a coaching course in the Brecon Beacons when I heard the news, I was filled with pride when Steve Potts phoned to tell me.
Having worked with both Manny and Josh for a number of years during their time at the West Ham United Academy I was immensely proud. Unfortunately I couldn’t be at the Emirates as the U18s match with Brighton & Hove Albion at Rush Green only finished at 1pm.
I was sat in the canteen following the Arsenal game on Sky Sports willing them to come off the bench but the circumstances of the game didn’t really give Sam the opportunity.
Despite the defeat, it will still be a valuable experience for them both and hopefully the first of many. Not only is it a huge achievement for both Manny and Josh but everyone involved in the Academy.
Without a doubt it’s a huge incentive for all the other U18s and U21s players at the club. It gives the coaches and everyone involved with the Academy a lift. It just shows that if you’re playing well, the opportunities will come and the pathway to the first team is there.
I haven’t really had a chance to talk to either of them about the experience yet. I know Josh slightly better because he’s a huge West Ham fan.
Obviously, I was delighted for Manny, but Josh is a West Ham man through and through, he’s a massive fan, I’ve been to away games with him and his dad when he’s not involved, we went to the Liverpool game together last year. He’s a very calm but confident character and a great person, he’s a coaches’ dream to work with.
As for our first play off game with Brighton I think a draw was probably a fair result, I don’t think either team deserved to win the game. We were slightly the better team in the first half and they were slightly better in the second. I don’t remember either keeper making a save of note really.
I would like to give a special mention to how well I thought we defended, we were very solid as a back five which, for such a young defence, is very encouraging.
I envisage us being very young again with the U21 playing Liverpool the night before, and that doesn’t concern me because they’ve done very well so far.
If anyone is interested in Academy football, I would wholeheartedly recommend you come and watch our U18s play. It's a great opportunity for all the fans to see quality football while it helps our players to get used to playing in front of a crowd. On top of that, it's completely free!
COYI!