West Ham United U18s in-form striker Josh Landers has made quite the impression since arriving at West Ham United’s Academy.
The Scottish forward, who joined from Hibernian in January, has needed no time to settle into Claret and Blue, netting nine goals in just ten appearances for the U18s. Only Elisha Sowunmi has found the net more times for the young Hammers this season.
Now, just a few months into his West Ham journey, Landers is preparing for his first final with the Club, as the U18s get set to face Reading in the Premier League Cup final this evening, a match supporters can stream live via the Club’s website and app.
"It’s my first cup competition for West Ham and we’ve made it to the final," Landers, who hails from Innerleithen in the Scottish Borders smiled. "Hopefully I can get a goal and help us lift the trophy."
Landers’ West Ham career began with a debut goal against Leicester City in the U18 Premier League South, setting the tone for what’s been a dream start. Since then, he has scored against all but one of the nine sides he has faced, including the second goal in their 3-1 semi-final win at Derby County.
Even before he could step onto the pitch, Landers had a glimpse of the spirit that runs through the U18s group. Awaiting international clearance, his first experience watching his new teammates came during their quarter-final win over Manchester United, where the young Hammers came from behind to lead against the defending champions before eventually securing their spot in the last four on penalties.
"I’d trained with the U21s that morning so I caught the last half-hour and then extra time and penalties," he recalled. "It was my first time properly seeing all the lads play.
"Obviously I wanted to be out there, but it was good to watch and see what the boys were all about. Especially that Ezra [Mayers] moment, things like that just showed me what the club's all about."
Ezra says no way through 🚫 pic.twitter.com/IuPiN4o9ti
— West Ham United (@WestHam) February 4, 2025
Beating a team like Man United, the celebrations, the way everyone stuck together, it showed me straight away what the club’s about."
The excitement has only grown since the semi-final success at Derby, with Landers describing a buzzing dressing room in the build-up to this evening's final.
"Everyone’s just been waiting for it to come about. We’re all really looking forward to it," he added. "Training’s been good, the lads have been brilliant."
Despite having only been at the Club for three months, Landers already feels fully at home, something he credits to the environment around him at Chadwell Heath.
"I feel like I’ve properly settled in a lot quicker than I thought I would," he said. "I’ve got friends who’ve moved from Scotland to English clubs and it’s taken them a while. Here, it’s been three months and I feel like I’m fully settled.
"I feel like I've already improved as a footballer since I've been here. You can see the difference already. just the little things in training, the standards, the analysis, all those details. Everything’s about helping you improve and making you a better footballer."
"I couldn’t have asked for a better start. My job is to score goals, and hopefully I can keep doing that in the final and help the team win the cup."
Only the West Lower Stand of the Select Car Leasing Stadium will be open to supporters for Tuesday's U18s Premier League Cup final. Tickets are available via Reading's official website , with advance tickets available until 3pm on the day of the game.
A live stream of the final will also be available across the Club’s website and app, followed by highlights and reaction from coach Coggin and his players. Stay tuned to our web, app and social channels for all the build-up to the big game!
