West Ham TV spent a day with the Development Squad ahead of their huge U21 Premier League Cup final
The Hammers’ Development Squad take on Hull City in the Barclays U21 Premier League Cup final next week, and West Ham TV caught up with Terry Westley’s men to see how they prepare for their big matches.
The home tie of the two-legged clash – the Boleyn Ground’s final final – kicks-off on Monday 25 April at 7pm, before the KC Stadium hosts the return fixture on Wednesday 4 May, also at 7pm.
The U21s beat Liverpool 3-2 after extra-time in the previous round to reach the final, though the side just missed out on a play-off spot in the league.
The side travelled to Villa Park to take on Aston Villa in the final regular season fixture, but were unfortunate to come away with nothing after a harsh 3-2 defeat.
Young winger Dan Kemp joined the Club in November from London rivals Chelsea, and can’t wait for the occasion at the Boleyn Ground on Monday.
He said: “We’re all really looking forward to the Premier League Cup matches. It’s a massive, massive couple of games and everyone’s worked very hard to get there.
“We just hope that we can do well and win the games. With it being the last season at the Boleyn Ground, we want to do our best to win the tie and that’s why it’s such a massive game.
“I’m happy with the progression I’ve personally made [this season] and I’ve obviously managed a couple of starts and appearances from the bench and scored a few goals.
“I’m always looking to improve and keep getting better to get more appearances, hopefully.”
The 16-year-old, who has scored a number of goals for both the U18 side and the Development Squad this season, also explained the importance of good preparation prior to his side’s match at Villa Park.
“It’s massively important for us as players to prepare for big matches in the right way. We have a pre-match meal at a hotel on the way up like today as well as our team meeting.
“You just have to make sure you’re relaxed, getting yourself ready, and sometimes visualising what you’re going to do during the game. You just want to be relaxed and looking forward to it.”
Kemp’s teammate Grady Diangana has been an important player for Terry Westley’s side in the Cup, featuring in both the quarter- and semi-final ties.
He also expressed how vital his state of mind is before a big game for the U21s.
“For me, it is always important to have a slight routine, but you don’t want it to be the same every time,” he explained. “It’s important so that your mind knows how to prepare for the match.
“I always pray before I go out onto the pitch, as well as listen to music.
“We’re all really looking forward to the final, as well. I’ve only played at the Boleyn once or twice, so playing there again for the last time will be something special for me.”
Tickets are now on sale for the Development Squad’s Barclays U21 Premier League Cup final with Hull City on Monday 25 April, kick off 7pm at the Boleyn Ground.
You can buy tickets at whufcboxoffice.com, over the telephone on 0871 529 1966* and in person from the Betway Stand Ticket Office, for just £3 Season Ticket Holders and £5 Non-Season Ticket Holders.
The home tie of the two-legged clash – the Boleyn Ground’s final final – kicks-off on Monday 25 April at 7pm, before the KC Stadium hosts the return fixture on Wednesday 4 May, also at 7pm.
The U21s beat Liverpool 3-2 after extra-time in the previous round to reach the final, though the side just missed out on a play-off spot in the league.
The side travelled to Villa Park to take on Aston Villa in the final regular season fixture, but were unfortunate to come away with nothing after a harsh 3-2 defeat.
Young winger Dan Kemp joined the Club in November from London rivals Chelsea, and can’t wait for the occasion at the Boleyn Ground on Monday.
He said: “We’re all really looking forward to the Premier League Cup matches. It’s a massive, massive couple of games and everyone’s worked very hard to get there.
“We just hope that we can do well and win the games. With it being the last season at the Boleyn Ground, we want to do our best to win the tie and that’s why it’s such a massive game.
“I’m happy with the progression I’ve personally made [this season] and I’ve obviously managed a couple of starts and appearances from the bench and scored a few goals.
“I’m always looking to improve and keep getting better to get more appearances, hopefully.”
The 16-year-old, who has scored a number of goals for both the U18 side and the Development Squad this season, also explained the importance of good preparation prior to his side’s match at Villa Park.
“It’s massively important for us as players to prepare for big matches in the right way. We have a pre-match meal at a hotel on the way up like today as well as our team meeting.
“You just have to make sure you’re relaxed, getting yourself ready, and sometimes visualising what you’re going to do during the game. You just want to be relaxed and looking forward to it.”
Kemp’s teammate Grady Diangana has been an important player for Terry Westley’s side in the Cup, featuring in both the quarter- and semi-final ties.
He also expressed how vital his state of mind is before a big game for the U21s.
“For me, it is always important to have a slight routine, but you don’t want it to be the same every time,” he explained. “It’s important so that your mind knows how to prepare for the match.
“I always pray before I go out onto the pitch, as well as listen to music.
“We’re all really looking forward to the final, as well. I’ve only played at the Boleyn once or twice, so playing there again for the last time will be something special for me.”
Tickets are now on sale for the Development Squad’s Barclays U21 Premier League Cup final with Hull City on Monday 25 April, kick off 7pm at the Boleyn Ground.
You can buy tickets at whufcboxoffice.com, over the telephone on 0871 529 1966* and in person from the Betway Stand Ticket Office, for just £3 Season Ticket Holders and £5 Non-Season Ticket Holders.