George Earthy shares what Graham Potter has told him about his West Ham future

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Loan spells are all about giving promising young players a chance to prove themselves ready for senior football and, in that sense, George Earthy will return to West Ham United with a Premier League itch to scratch.

The talented England Under-21 international headed out to Bristol City last summer having only featured in three top-flight matches for The Hammers. One of those – his first-team debut – would end very prematurely indeed, stretchered off with a nasty head injury.

Twelve months on from that sickening collision against Fulham, George Earthy’s tally of league appearances has risen considerably from a miserly three to an impressive 39.

A regular in a Bristol City side heading into the final day of the Championship campaign with a play-off place in sight, West Ham United’s Young Player of the Year has impressed in a season full of firsts.

Earthy forced his way into the England Under-21 set-up for the first time. He is playing regular, senior football for the first time too. There was also a maiden assist, alongside three goals he’s netted so far under the stewardship of former Hammers coach Liam Manning.

Slight in stature but big in talent. David Moyes once likened George Earthy to David Silva. The Manchester City great who dominated the Premier League scene despite barely reaching the elbows of many top-flight operators.

Big in confidence, too, it seems.

George Earthy hopes to follow Ollie Scarles at West Ham United

Speaking to The Athletic, Earthy sees no reason why he cannot follow in the footsteps of fellow youngster Ollie Scarles and make himself an integral part of Graham Potter’s long-term plans.

“It would mean a lot to me to be a first-team regular at West Ham,” says Earthy, a season-ticket holder who comes from a family of fierce Hammers fanatics. “I’m optimistic about the future and I back myself.”

“It’s great to see Ollie doing well, and it motivates all the academy boys. Seeing his progress from afar makes me want to be in a similar position next season.

“It makes you think, ‘If Ollie is doing it, why can’t I?’”

The manager has handed Scarles six Premier League starts after the teenage left-back caught Potter’s eye on the training pitch.

Earthy, having spoken to Potter during a recent visit to the West Ham training ground, appears to have been guaranteed at least a spot in the manager’s pre-season roster too.

“I saw the manager and his backroom staff,” Earthy adds. “I didn’t want to go back to pre-season, and it being my first time meeting them. The gist of the chat was ‘keep doing what you’re doing and let’s get to work in pre-season’.”

Earthy explains how Bristol City spell has helped him develop

Earthy’s silky first touch and his almost ethereal movement between the lines has drawn comparisons with the aforementioned David Silva, though ex-Chelsea and Aston Villa striker Tony Cascarino sees shades of Teddy Sheringham in the Havering-born 20-year-old.

Earthy, who received a very different message from Julen Lopetegui compared to the one he got recently from Graham Potter, now feels that he will return to his beloved West Ham a far more confident, resilient operator.

“I just wanted game time, in all honesty. As soon as it became clear I wouldn’t be involved [under Lopetegui], it was a no-brainer to go out on loan,” adds Earthy, explaining his decision to reunite with Manning in Bristol.

“I got injured quite quickly. I came off the bench against Coventry [in August] and injured ligaments in my ankle, which set me back. It took me time to get back in the team.

“Now this is the best I’ve felt all season. Coming here on loan has made me realise how resilient I am. You need to have that mental toughness to cope with the good and bad times in football. It’s helped me grow as a person and a player.

“I feel ready for when I return to West Ham. In all honesty, I felt ready last season, but it was about proving myself. It didn’t come as a shock to me when the manager gave me a chance. I prepared and worked hard for that moment.

“The goal is to play and do well for the club I love. Let’s see what happens.”