Jarrod Bowen reacts as West Ham United announce new contract
Jarrod Bowen and Luis Guilherme are among the West Ham United players to have reacted as Lewis Orford signs a new contract with the club.
Teenage starlet Orford posted on his Instagram page [4 September] to express his delight at the news, posing with his paperwork alongside sporting director and Hammers legend Mark Noble.
New captain Bowen was seen to have liked the post from the England U18 international, whilst summer signing Guilherme commented his congratulations.
The Brazilian said: “Congratulation[s] bro”, followed by some encouraging emojis.
Orford is keenly awaiting a debut for the first-team at the London Stadium, but has suffered a minor injury setback [ExWHUemployee, 4 September].
West Ham United blooding more youngsters through
The production line at West Ham United has been encouraging, with various European competition in recent years and domestic cups allowing more room for manoeuvre for managers to show their faith.
David Moyes led the charge of giving first-team opportunities to several players during his tenure – Bristol City loanee George Earthy burst into the Premier League towards the end of last season with his first senior goal.
Orford has himself represented the Irons’ Under-21s in the EFL Trophy, and has been named on the senior bench 10 times so far as he anticipates the day he is called onto the pitch.
The loan system may be beneficial for the club’s academy products for the time being, with Tim Steidten having led the way in signing 10 exciting new players to bulk out the squad.
This may be the case for 18-year-old Orford as time carries on, with his immediate future in East London secured.
In other West Ham news, Josko Gvardiol names one Hammer as one of the toughest opponents he has faced.
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