Michael Forbes brought an end to six years at West Ham United this week, the Northern Ireland international moving north of the border with Dundee United.
Three years after thrashing Arsenal 5-1 at the Emirates, very few remain from West Ham’s 2023 Youth Cup-winning squad. In fact, left-back Ollie Scarles is the only one to really establish himself as a regular first-team player.
Michael Forbes missed out on a place in that squad that day due to injury.
He now follows in the footsteps of Gideon Kodua, Divin Mubama and Patrick Kelly, leaving West Ham United in pursuit of senior action on Scottish soil.
Ollie Scarles is the only Youth Cup winner to establish himself… 🏆
What does the future hold for Earthy, Marshall and Orford?
Forbes joins Dundee United on a free transfer, inking a two-year deal at Tannadice.
Michael Forbes speaks after swapping West Ham for Dundee United
Speaking to Dundee United’s official website, a centre-back capped once by Northern Ireland explained the reasoning behind his switch to a Tangerines side who finished seventh in the Scottish Premiership table last season.
“I’m delighted to get everything completed and become a Dundee United player,” says Forbes. “I felt this was the right move at the right stage of my career. The club’s ambitions match my own and I’m looking forward to taking on a new challenge and showing what I can do.
“The opportunity to test myself in the Scottish Premiership and work under the manager [Jim Goodwin] and coaching staff here was something that really appealed to me. I’m excited to meet the lads, get started in pre-season and do everything I can to help the team achieve success.
“I can’t wait to play in front of the supporters at Tannadice and hopefully create some special memories over the next few years.”
Tangerines boss Jim Goodwin delighted with his new arrival
Forbes played 22 League One games on loan at Northampton Town last season. Former West Ham assistant Kevin Nolan brought the defender to Sixfields in the hope that Forbes could put an end to the aforementioned injury issues which had stalled his development.
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In the end, Northampton were relegated and Nolan was sacked. Forbes, at least, enjoyed a campaign relatively free of fitness concerns.
Something he is determined to build upon at Dundee United, in a league where Forbes’ physical prowess should come in handy.
“He possesses all the attributes you look for in a modern defender,” says Goodwin. “He’s physically strong, dominant in the air, comfortable on the ball and has shown real leadership qualities throughout his development.
“For someone still so young, he already has valuable experience at both club and international level, and we believe there’s significant room for further growth in his game.
“We’re excited to work with Michael and provide the platform for him to continue progressing. We believe Dundee United is the ideal environment for him to fulfil his potential.”
Forbes was among the nine players on West Ham’s released list, announced last week. Lukasz Fabianski and Adama Traore will also officially depart on July 1st, while highly-rated midfielder Tyron Akpata is leaving as well.
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