West Ham youth star has new opportunity under Graham Potter
West Ham United’s board made the decision to part ways with Julen Lopetegui on Wednesday after a disappointing season so far.
It was hoped that the Spaniard would improve the style of football at the London Stadium as well as keeping the Hammers competing in the league.
However, inconsistent performances and below-par performances from summer signings has left the Irons sitting 14th in the Premier League and looking decidedly average.
David Sullivan has opted to bring Graham Potter into the club as Lopetegui’s successor on a two-and-a-half-year deal.
Therefore, there will be the hope that the 49-year-old can create long-term change in East London.
Graham Potter calling on West Ham youth players
After Lopetegui spent plenty of money in the summer transfer window, it has left Potter in a position where he is not able to go overboard during the January window.
Therefore, the new boss will have to settle to utilise the loan market as well as using players that are already available to him at the London Stadium.
Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, Martin Allen revealed that four members of the academy are said to have trained with the Hammers ahead of Friday night’s (10 January) FA Cup tie against Aston Villa.
With young players seemingly being given their opportunity to thrive, youth gem Oliver Scarles could soon find his opportunities in East London increasing.
Under his former boss, the 19-year-old made two Premier League appearances, coming off the bench twice in two draws for his side.
Furthermore, the midfielder has three goals and an assist from seven Premier League Two appearances as well as an assist in the EFL Trophy meaning he is firmly on the radar at The London Stadium.
Potter is well known for his ability to develop players, with his role at Brighton being characterised by this trait, and with money tight at his new club, we could well see him doing the same thing.
Therefore, if Scarles can make a good first impression on his new boss, there is no reason why the 19-year-old couldn’t find himself rising up the ranks ahead of a new era at West Ham.
In other West Ham news, Ray Parlour has posed a Hammers board question after the Graham Potter appointment.
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