West Ham told to sign Sene-Richarison as non-league gem tipped for pro contract
West Ham had a tricky first half of the season although under the management of Graham Potter, supporters will be hoping for brighter times in East London.
The new boss represents more than just a change in management at The London Stadium as he is a manager who has his own way of doing things and will be changing the culture at the club too.
While the immediate attention is on improving the Hammers’ fortunes between now and the end of the season, there will also be plenty of focus on a long-term project supported by David Sullivan.
West Ham told to sign non-league gem
Ex-WHUEmployee has urged Potter to sign Sam Sene-Richardson on his first professional deal.
The 17-year-old is currently playing at Chatham Town who play in the Isthmian League in the non-league pyramid.
The Chats find themselves sat mid-table in 13th place but one man who is catching the eye of plenty of admirers is midfielder Sene-Richardson.
The youngster scored his side’s only goal on Saturday (8 February) as they lost 4-1 against Cray Wanderers.
His goal prompted a conversation about the player on X and the Hammers insider was adamant that it should be the Irons who make the move to sign him on a professional contract, especially given ex-Hammer Freddie Sears – who has recently returned to the club in a role with the academy – is a fan.
Posting on X (9 February), Ex-WHUEmployee said: “Agreed, Freddie [Sears] does really rate him apparently. As everyone should at 17, he is one of if not the best player in that league and it won’t be long before he gets a move. Would love it if it was to West Ham.”
West Ham to go seeking in non-league
Non-league has provided a pathway for some excellent players over a number of years and the Hammers should certainly not shy away from doing their business there if Sene-Richardson has the ability to be a player for the future.
The midfielder is clearly catching the eyes of a few, above the realms of non-league and with this in mind, West Ham could certainly look to secure his signature and offer him a permanent contract.
There would be plenty of work for the youngster to do and no doubt, a number of loan spells would follow in order to increase the 17-year-old’s game time and get him up to scratch with playing a higher level of football at a professional level.
However, being in non-league at this stage means the youngster will already be practising his trade against some older and much more physical players which will only aid his own development when it comes to looking at professional football.
Potter is known for his ability to work with young players and aid their development to a point where they are able to compete for a first-team position which could make this an exciting acquisition for the boss.
While the Irons need to make sure they improve themselves in the short term, there is also no harm in putting a long-term plan in place for life in East London and signing Sene-Richardson could certainly be reflective of that.