Doom and gloom begone, it’s a new week and we are not yet in a crisis. Three home defeats is not a good record to have but I’m sure Lopetegui has broad shoulders and I’m, hoping for better things to come.
Almost unreported this weekend after the events at London Stadium was the under 21’s game against Newcastle, and one player’s performance in particular.
Kamarai Swyer’s performances have been steadily improving: The 21 year old attacking midfielder could be ready for the step up to first team football having scored 16 goals and added 10 assists in his 78 games for the under 21 Hammers.
You may remember that Swyer was given his chance by David Moyes, coming on for the last few minutes of the Europa Conference league three – nil victory over Romanian side FCSB. Since then he has been restricted to under 21 squad appearances, apparently making good progress and now pushing for a step up.
His contract expires at the end of Summer 2025 so hopefully a decision will be made about keeping him at the club before long. If he carries on in his current form he’ll be knocking on the door soon enough: Another goal against Newcastle on Friday night was enough to secure victory and apparently well taken, according to the whufc.com site
Looking at the talent in our under 21 team now, the future does seem bright and in this new week of ‘enforced’ optimism, the Academy shows the way: Several of the now familiar names within the lineup, players such as Herrick, Orford, Scarles and Swyer – will all be hoping to make the move to the ‘senior’ squad very soon. And we may well need them.