As London Stadium played host to West Ham United versus Luton Town back on 11 May this year, the Academy of Football watched on proudly as Kaelan Casey made his Premier League debut.
The 19-year-old defender came on to replace one of his heroes, ‘Uncle’ Angelo Ogbonna, and displayed his excellent potential throughout the closing stages, shortly after his best mate George Earthy had a landmark moment of his own – a first Premier League goal.
It has been whirlwind year or so for boyhood West Ham fan Casey, who scored in the Hammers’ 5-1 triumph over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in May 2023, as the Hammers lifted the FA Youth Cup for the first time since 1999, and later made his England Elite League Squad - formerly MU20 - debut earlier this summer.
In between, Casey captained the U21s squad throughout a successful 2023/24 campaign, which saw the Academy finish second in Premier League 2, while also making the last 16 of the Bristol Street Motors Trophy.
But for centre-back Casey, being around the first-team squad and making his Premier League debut for the Club at the age of 19 were unforgettable experiences.
“It’s been a good couple of years, not only for myself but for me and my teammates,” Casey confirmed. “Winning the FA Youth Cup was a high for everyone, and I have a lot of special memories of that night, while making my debut and playing in the Premier League was unreal and another proud moment for me and my family.
“I’m definitely proud of what I have achieved [in my West Ham career so far. I’ve come through the ranks, played at every age group and been here since I was five years old. It’s been a dream, really, especially representing the team that I grew up supporting.
“I had been on the bench a few times last year and was always just hoping that I would get my opportunity, so when I got the call against Luton, I was ready, and to be fair I couldn’t quite believe I was coming on. When I got on, I just wanted to make sure we held onto our lead and do what I do.
“It was such a special moment. I had my family and my girlfriend in the stands watching as well and they were just as proud as me. My Dad and Mum were even a little bit emotional. It was a proud moment, and to say 'I’ve played in the Premier League' is amazing, but that is just the first step and I want to carry on.”
After helping steer the Hammers to a ninth-placed Premier League finish last season, the defender could have been forgiven for putting his feet up and recharging the batteries.
But Casey put in the extra yards this summer, and it is already paying off.
“I had a little break when we finished up and had a camp with England Under-20s in Croatia,” Casey said. “It was my first camp, so that was a really good experience. We played Sweden first, where I made my debut and we won 2-1, which was a proud moment for me. It was a very good camp, and it was good to be in and around it.”
Casey is part of the group currently away in Kitzbühel, Austria, on a week-long training camp, and he has praised the Club’s senior players, in particular Aaron Cresswell, for helping him make the step up to the first team.
“To be fair, most of the lads have been good with us, talk to us and make us feel comfortable," Casey confirmed. "They are always offering advice to us, but I would say in particular Cress [Aaron Cresswell] as I’ve played with him a lot and he talks to you a lot about his experience. I’ve really enjoyed playing alongside and learning from him.”
The defender has provided a glowing review of Julen Lopetegui’s first two weeks at West Ham and has revealed how our new Head Coach has immediately made a commanding impression.
“I think the style he has brought is quite a good style for us and everyone in the team, so we are working hard every day to make sure it’s a successful one for everyone,” Casey stated. “It’s quite a high press and you’ve got to be fit to play under him, but it’s been good.
“I think everyone is on a clean slate now, so it’s just about working hard, trying impress the manager and hopefully get a spot in the team.
“They [Lopetegui’s training sessions] have been really good. It’s very hot out here and it’s been quite tough, but the sessions have been really good as well. It’s been good to have some of the U21s out here as well.
“My ambitions personally are to be in and around the team and to get more appearances, but that is the aim for everyone. We want to do as well as we can in the league and finish as high as we can.”
The Irons will take on Premier League rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers and Crystal Palace in the United States later this month as part of the inaugural Stateside Cup. Tickets for the games in Jacksonville and Tampa, Florida, are available now HERE.
And Casey is hoping to get the opportunity to get some valuable minutes under his belt.
He said: “I am looking forward to it a lot as I’ve never been to America, so it will be a good experience. I’m looking forward to hopefully getting a few minutes throughout the games we’ve got out there.”
