Josh Briggs says the entire West Ham United U18s squad is eager to conclude their immense season with another big win – and more silverware – when they face Manchester City.
The Hammers, as winners of U18 Premier League South, will take on Northern champions City in a national final at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday, with the victors being declared the overarching U18 Premier League champions.
A highly impressive campaign has seen the young Irons win 19 of their 22 league matches and secure the FA Youth Cup, winning the coveted trophy for the fourth time in West Ham United’s history.
With just one match left to go in an incredible season, Briggs is eager to make the most of it.
“We can’t wait to play Manchester City,” the defender told whufc.com. “We’re hoping we can finish the season on a high. It’s our last game and it’s a big one, so we’ll need to be at our best.
“The preparation has started for the game. We know that they are a very good team, with some excellent players. They’ve scored a lot of goals this season and have won the National final the last couple of years, which gives us an idea of the depth of talent in their Academy.
“But we’ve got a good squad too and we’ve reached this final for a reason. We certainly have what it takes to go out and win.”
The opportunity to take to the pitch at the Etihad Stadium represents another first team venue ticked off for the young Hammers, who have also played at Stoke City’s Bet365 Stadium, Ipswich Town’s Portman Road, Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium and London Stadium in recent months.
“We’ve got to play at some great grounds this year. London Stadium was incredible, and winning the FA Youth Cup at the Emirates Stadium was amazing too.
“To add the Etihad Stadium to that list is going to be amazing. It’s a massive experience for us, one that we’re all looking forward to.”
It was at the Emirates Stadium where Briggs made an immediate impact off the bench, one that even he himself did not see coming.
In the dying embers of the FA Youth Cup final, with the Irons 4-1 up over Arsenal, the centre-back was introduced. A quick direction from U18s lead coach Kevin Keen followed him onto the field as he jogged into the Gunners area for a West Ham corner: ‘go and score with your first touch.’
That was exactly what the 17-year-old did.
“To come on in the game, on its own, was incredible,” he reflected> “But to then score with my first touch, it was just an amazing feeling. It was huge for me and for my family. To score in front of our fans too was just unbelievable.
“What makes it even more incredible is that Kev told me, before I came on, to go and score with my first touch. And that’s exactly what I ended up doing. None of us could actually believe it. I think you could see in my celebration that I just didn’t know what to do!”
A fine volleyed finish was exactly what Briggs’ development since joining the Academy of Football last summer warranted.
The centre-back has made 18 appearances in all competitions for the U18s – nine as a starter and nine as a substitute – and the youngster is pleased with his progression.
He said: “I think I’ve been progressing a lot. Particularly in the last few weeks and months, when I’ve been getting more playing time and getting minutes under my belt. I feel like I’m starting to kick on and show what I can do.”
The young defender will be hoping appearance number 19 is on the cards at Manchester City on Wednesday. The opportunity to claim even more silverware will make an unforgettable season even more special.
“If we win on Wednesday, that’ll be four trophies this season if we include winning the Next Generation Cup at the start of the season. That’s amazing by any team’s standards and would cap an incredible year for us.
“The winning team also plays in Europe next year, so there’s even more added incentive. There’s a lot on the line and we’re really excited for it.”
