The future may be bright at West Ham United, even if the present is anything but for the team hovering just above the Premier League’s relegation zone.
While Graham Potter’s side look destined for perhaps their lowest finish since the 2019/20 season – when David Moyes was at the helm for the first time – Mark Robson’s impressive Under-23 outfit at least provide some reason for optimism.
A hint, perhaps, into a brighter future.
West Ham United’s reserves are an impressive fourth in the Premier League 2 table. Beat Manchester United on Monday, meanwhile, and this next generation of potential Hammers will reach the semi-finals of the play-offs.
Oliver Scarles has already graduated into Potter’s senior plans. The teenage left-back has started six Premier League games since February. Kamarai Swyer has 18 goals or assists to his name under Robson, meanwhile, with the in-form forward maybe the next to be given his chance to impress at senior level.
Over in Yorkshire, Callum Marshall will return with Huddersfield’s Player of the Year award in his luggage. Patrick Kelly won the League Two title with Doncaster Rovers.
And, in the week when George Earthy expressed his desire to become a West Ham regular in the near future, he too picked up a piece of silverware all of his own.
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Bristol City breathed a collective sigh of relief when the full-time whistles blew up and down the land on Saturday lunchtime. Liam Manning, the former West Ham youth coach, had succeeded in securing the fourth and final Championship play-off spot despite a final day draw with Preston North End.
Perennially mid-table Bristol City – the Crystal Palace of the second-tier, if you like – will finally have their shot at the play-offs.
And, with eyes turning towards one of the most exciting showpieces English football has to offer, Earthy will be desperate to show any viewers from South London just how far he has come on the banks of the Severn.
Bristol City fans applaud Earthy as some dream of permanent deal
That Earthy was officially named Bristol City’s Young Player of the Year award shortly after full-time – a decision few Robins supporters could disagree with – is proof enough of that.
“One more year, one more year George Earthy,” one hopeful supporter writes on X, while another simply adds ‘Sign him’.
A scenario which feels increasingly unlikely, with Earthy telling The Athletic that Graham Potter has suggested a place in the West Ham squad for pre-season lies in wait.
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“West Ham won’t sell him,” a more realistic Bristol City fan argues. “Potter will have him in their first team squad next season.”
But while Earthy may have potentially only 270 minutes left in a Bristol City shirt – that’s if Manning’s side reach Wembley, of course – the England Under-21 international has already succeeded in leaving a lasting impression.
“Really proud of him. Rocky start but has come into the Championship brilliantly.
“[The Young Player of the Year award going to Earthy is] fair enough. Absolutely class in the end
“Had a tough time pre-Christmas but has come on leaps and sounds since. Got potential to be a cracking player. Well deserved.”