Potter to shake things up at West Ham after Scarles development – Exclusive
Graham Potter could be in line to hand out a series of debuts at the London Stadium before the end of the season.
The Hammers have had a difficult campaign under multiple head coaches but are almost definitely safe from Premier League relegation.
This wasn’t helped by a 1-1 draw against Southampton, where the Irons conceded a last-minute leveller after Jarrod Bowen’s earlier strike.
With safety all but secured and a need for a feel-good feeling in East London, Potter could be in line to hand out multiple debuts moving forward.
Potter could hand debuts to Youth Cup heroes
In recent years at the London Stadium, there has been a desire to see the crop of youngsters who won the FA Youth Cup be given a first-team chance.
That hasn’t truly been the case to this point, with many of them still waiting to be given a true chance to shine for the senior side in E20.
Ollie Scarles is one youngster who has been able to break through under Potter, making 14 Premier League appearances to this point.
| Stat (Premier League 24/25) | Ollie Scarles |
| Appearances | 14 |
| Chances created | 1 |
| Tackles won | 11 |
With just five league games of the campaign remaining, there is every chance that the likes of Lewis Orford could be given a chance of their own to shine.
Former Hammers midfielder, Martin Allen, believes this could be the case in the coming weeks, in a similar vein to when Scarles stepped into the senior set-up.
Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, Allen said: “Now that they’re safe from relegation, I can see it happening.
“I think it will be a great opportunity. They can’t just do it as a token gesture, it has to be deserved and well earned.
“I’m sure supporters will be keen to see the players from the FA Youth Cup-winning team get in there and show what they can do. Maybe a couple can copy Scarles, who has got in there and had a big burst.
“Overall, a couple of breaks for those young players to give them a go.”
Potter has decision to make at West Ham
It is fair to say that there has been a lack of standout performers under the English head coach besides Bowen.
Mohammed Kudus sums up the issues that the former Chelsea boss has had with big-name players struggling on a weekly basis.
As a result, giving young and hungry players a chance to shine on the Premier League stage could prove to be a wise move in East London.
This will be music to the ears of someone like Joshua Ajala, who has been shining on the academy stage throughout the season.