The senior team at West Ham United have not given supporters much to shout about this season, to say the least.
Still, the West Ham United academy once again provides a reason for optimism.
Milestones keep being met for West Ham at youth level. Not only are the U18 scholars into the U17 Premier League Cup final, the U21s have reached the National League Cup final four and are the only developmental team left in that particular competition.
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On Tuesday night, the U18s reached the Premier League Cup semi-finals with a penalty shootout win over Aston Villa at Rush Green Stadium.
The Hammers are enjoying a relatively stunning amount of success at youth level, given the issues their first team are enduring.
After beating Villa, U18s coach Luke Smith hailed his young goalkeeper.
Luke Smith hails Tommy Goodger after West Ham U18 success
Towards the end of the 1-1 draw with Villa and with penalties looming, U18s coach Luke Smith replaced goalkeeper Lanre Awesu for Tommy Goodger.
That looked like an inspired decision. Indeed, Goodger saved well to deny Markie Meade and would then step up again in the shootout.
The teenager saved Villa’s second spot-kick and with West Ham scoring all five of their attempts, they progressed into the semi-finals to continue their title defence.
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Goodger is a highly rated young goalkeeper at West Ham and Smith’s post-match comments appear to reflect that.
Speaking to West Ham’s official website, he said: “The environment is a healthy one, where everyone wants to contribute, everyone wants to be involved, and everyone is pushing each other in the right way.
“There were many examples tonight. Tommy [Goodger], who came on in challenging circumstances, made an incredible save in the game and in the shootout.”
When West Ham United’s academy are next in action
The success at academy level goes through the age groups right now and that is certainly something to shout about.
The men’s first team might be in a state of disarray as things stand but there’s plenty of reason to be excited about the future at the club.
For supporters looking to keep across the academy action, West Ham’s U21 side will play Fulham on Friday night.
The U18s, meanwhile, will play Leicester on Valentine’s Day.
Nuno Espirito Santo has used the West Ham academy this season and perhaps more stars will soon emerge from it.
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