Frank McAvennie reacts as West Ham announce Thierry Nevers deal
We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…
Frank McAvennie hopes Thierry Nevers can push for the West Ham first team in the next couple of years but is disappointed the club is having to sign new youngsters from elsewhere.
On Tuesday, the Hammers announced on their website that Nevers, 19, will officially arrive in East London when the summer transfer window opens on June 9.
The young forward will sign a three-year deal with the Irons with the option of an extra 12 months.
While McAvennie wishes all the best to Nevers, he’s a bit disappointed to see West Ham aren’t using all of their resources on signing players for right now and relying on the academy players being brought through at Chadwell Heath.
Speaking to West Ham Zone straight after Nevers’ deal was announced, the ex-striker said: “West Ham used to bring their own youth through but now they’re going out and buying but good luck to him – they must’ve seen something.
“I’m hoping David Moyes is sanctioning all the deals now, I’m so glad it’s not somebody just going and picking people.
“But with young boys, you want to see them coming through the academy, don’t you? That’s what you want.
“This boy, if he comes here, spends a year getting used to the club, David will be hoping he’ll be pushing for the first team in a year or two. I’d imagine that’s what he’ll be doing because if he’s not played any games for Reading, I doubt he’ll be going into the West Ham squad.
“It might be a better path though because Moyes isn’t scared to use younger boys. If you’re good enough and you’re doing well, he’ll play you and maybe that wasn’t the case at Reading.
“Welcome to West Ham, son but I wouldn’t be too excited as he’s one for the future. The signings we’re making have to be for the here and now.”
Nevers played nine times in Premier League 2 for Reading’s Under-23s this season, scoring three goals in the process.
He can play on the left-wing or as a striker.
While we don’t expect him to pull up trees straight away in East London, he’s someone who should be kept an eye on because of the length of the deal he’s been handed.
West Ham are clearly confident he can come good.
In other West Ham news, this “frustrated” fan favourite has dropped a hint about his future amid talk of him moving on.
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