Credit: Imago

Cameron Smith

Tue 7 April 2026 8:40, UK

West Ham United goalkeeper Fin Herrick has had support from Carlton Cole and Anton Ferdinand following his debut against Leeds.

Due to a late injury to Alphonse Areola, the youngster was sent straight into action during extra time of the Hammers’ FA Cup quarter-final defeat on Sunday.

Saving the first penalty of the shootout from Joel Piroe, the 20-year-old set his side up to go on and take the advantage in the battle for Wembley.

Though misses from Jarrod Bowen and Pablo Felipe would send Leeds through, sparking strong criticism of Herrick on social media as a result of his celebrations following the first save.

After taking to Instagram to look back on his debut, two former Hammers took the opportunity to support the young shot stopper.

Carlton Cole and Anton Ferdinand take opportunity to support Fin Herrick

The Irons and Leeds played out one of the matches of the season on Sunday.

Making your debut at 20 in such a high-stakes encounter is a far-from-ideal scenario for any young goalkeeper, who more than played his part with his penalty save, giving his side the chance to go on and take the advantage – a chance Nuno Espirito Santo’s side failed to take.

Taking to Instagram on Monday, the youngster said: “Grateful for the opportunity and what an experience. So proud to make my debut for this great club.

“Disappointed we couldn’t get it across the line, but that was a moment I’ll remember forever! Thanks to my family, coaches, supporters and my team that have helped me get here.”

Alongside support from teammates, including Jarrod Bowen, former West Ham players Cole and Ferdinand took the opportunity to congratulate Herrick.

“Proud of you,” said Cole, who scored 52 goals in 288 Premier League appearances for the Hammers.

Ferdinand, who graduated from the academy in East London, said: “Congratulations, Fin, the first of many,” with two fire emojis. “Keep working hard, mate.”

And moving forward, it may not be too long before the youngster is handed more opportunities between the sticks at the London Stadium.

Fin Herrick may not have to wait too long for West Ham chances

The goalkeeping spot under both Graham Potter and Nuno has been a contested debate throughout the season.

Mads Hermansen joined the club from Leicester last summer, but was dropped after a handful of matches at the start of the season following a far from ideal start.

Frenchman Areola would retake his place as number one, before summer signing Hermansen was sent back into action during West Ham’s uptick in form.

While the Dane has proven reliable in recent months, he has not quite lived up to expectations given his talismanic role at Leicester before his move.

And with a summer move potentially on the cards for Areola, the chance is there for Herrick to claim his place behind Hermansen in the pecking order, with a view to even overtake him should his levels not rise.

The youngster was handed his debut in a high-stakes encounter on Sunday, indicating the level of trust. And that appearance could be the first of many in a Hammers shirt.