Scarles The Baby Faced Assassin

Ollie Scarles is a very special young talent, the 17-year-old has already played at senior level, making his debut appearance for the first team against FCSB last year. Along with captain Gideon Kodua Ollie was the star of the show as Hammers U-18's beat Arsenal 5-1 in their own back yard.
Although completely different players there is something of the Declan Rice about Scarles, he plays well above his years and would look comfortable in a first team situation, the way he handled himself against the provocation aimed at him during the win over the Gooners.

Although yesterday's Premier League results saw Bournemouth go above West Ham in the table there is realistically only a need for three more points to ensure survival, with Southampton and Everton virtually consigned to relegation there is only one more team to join them from Leicester City, Notts Forest and Leeds.

Shoiuld Hammers ensure their safety BEFORE the last game or two of the season then there is absolutely NO REASON Sarles cannot at least be in the squad, he will probably make the squad for the 'Con Cup' semi final along with Divin Mubama, but he is good enough to dip his toe in Premier League waters and has energy in abundance which makes him look like a greyhound when compared with Aaron Cresswell!

What is the point of having an academy if the players fail to progress? OK it would be naive to think that ALL of the talented youngsters will go on to be great players but SOME will, however they will only move forward if they are given the chance and in a high pressure environment some will fall by the wayside but they MUST at least see a glimmer of hope or else they WILL be off elsewhere!

The Hammers Academy was once one of the most famous in WORLD football and is still viewed as an incredibly successful production line of talent by others. Give youth a chance and it WILL thrive, but a chance or two is required. Come on Mrs Moyes, tell Dino to use some of the boys and help turn them into men on the pitch. - Ed