David Sullivan speaks out on ‘incredible’ West Ham United FA Youth Cup victory, questions Arsenal ticket allocation
David Sullivan believes the West Ham United Youth Cup victory on Tuesday night (25 April) was “incredible” but has admitted his regret at the 7,000 ticket allocation awarded to fans by Arsenal.
The young Hammers came from a goal down to thrash Jack Wilshere’s Arsenal side 5-1 at the Emirates Stadium and lift the trophy for the first time since 1999.
Speaking to Claret and Hugh on Wednesday morning, West Ham owner Sullivan highlighted the “huge potential” that the youth side posses and the support they have had at both the board level and from the Hammers faithful.
“It’s an incredible achievement for the academy,” he said. “We hope all the team make a living in the game and some of them at Premier League level.
“They all have huge potential.
“My only regret was Arsenal limited us to 7,000 tickets when we could have sold 15,000.
“Our supporters, like the board, love our academy.”
Great signs
After a tough season at the first-team level under David Moyes, the FA Youth Cup victory shows that the future is bright for West Ham United.
Despite the likes of academy duo Sonny Perkins and Harrison Ashby both being sold on to other Premier League clubs in the last year, it is promising to see there is still an abundance of talent waiting in the wings.
The 5-1 scoreline was quite remarkable when considering the huge levels of investment the Gunners pump into their youth set-up and Sullivan and the board must take some credit for allowing the academy to blossom under their leadership.
The main problem for the Hammers has been transitioning these players into the first team over the last few years.
The talent is clearly there, but these youngsters need to be nurtured and sent on the correct loans in order to reach their full potential at the London Stadium.