Hailing from Glengormley, Northern Ireland, Sean Moore became the fifth recruit from across the Irish Sea in West Ham United’s current crop of young Hammers, following in the footsteps of Michael Forbes, Callum Marshall, Patrick Kelly and Josh Briggs.
Playing senior football at just 17, Moore's first full season with hometown club Cliftonville in the NIFL Premiership was nothing short of memorable. Breaking into the starting eleven during the latter half of the campaign, he tallied five goals and three assists, earning a spot in the Premiership Team of the Season. His performances did not go unnoticed, catching the eye of the West Ham United Academy, and Mark Noble himself!
“The owner at Cliftonville told me West Ham were interested in signing me," Moore recalled. "I didn’t know at the time, but Mark Noble had come to watch a few of my games! That was pretty surreal.
“Signing for West Ham last summer was a massive moment for me and my family. They’ve invested so much time and effort into me. To sign for such a big club, it is, without a doubt, the best moment of my career."
Despite fierce competition for places last season, Moore made sure he produced when called upon. In eleven Premier League 2 starts under Steve Potts, the young Irishman found the back of the net four times and provided three assists.
He continued: “We were such a tight group last year; all of us were great friends. This year, the younger boys stepping up have really fit into the group well. It’s great because you need good group chemistry for it to work on the pitch. From a tactical point of view, Robbo [Mark Robson], Steve [Potts], Gel [Gerard Prenderville], have really been bringing it all together. Having everyone confident is so important, wanting the ball, being on the same wave length. That’s why we’ve started this season so well and I hope it continues.”
With the likes of Marshall and Kelly departing on season-long loans it is time for Moore to prove his mettle in the U21s set up. And what a way to start the season, with four wins from four Premier League 2 starts and two goals scored, while he has also started both EFL Trophy ties at Reading and Newport County, adding further valuable experience against senior opposition.
“It’s good to have a higher degree of responsibility over the performances this season,” Moore observed. “I’ve had load of good chats with Robbo, Steve and Gel; they’ve been telling me it’s a big year for me because I’m one of the older players in the team. I want to be trying to push towards the first team or get some first team experience elsewhere. For now, though, I’m taking each game as it comes and hopefully this progress continues!”
Any Questions
What advice would you give to a young footballer trying to get noticed?
Keep working hard, and if people come to watch you, know what you’re good at and keep playing your own game with confidence.
Which individual has had the greatest influence on your development?
Back in Cliftonville, my teammate Rory Hale, who had played in the Aston Villa academy and also does coaching as well, played a big part in my development.
Coming here to West Ham, I’d say Steve Potts, he’s been really good. With Robbo stepping up to the first team set-up early on in the season when I had signed, Steve helped me through everything. Coming over, I was a bit nervous not knowing anybody but he’s helped me a lot.
What is your biggest pet peeve on the pitch?
Moaning. Moaning at the ref and other players. Talking and shouting at people is my biggest pet peeve on the pitch.
What was your favourite subject at school?
I got a B in GCSE History, I used to enjoy studying for it.
Who is the dressing room joker?
There’s a few! Luis Brown is up there; Ollie Scarles is also up there. There are quite a few but I’d say those two make me laugh the most.
Do you have a pre-match routine?
I always go down the physio room after I get changed and chill out there and speak to the staff.
What’s your go to cheat meal after a big win?
It has to be a McDonald’s! Go straight to the drive through, get a takeaway after a big win and eat it in the car with the lads from digs on the way back!
