Super-striker signs new contract

Sharp-shooter Jahmal Hector-Ingram has signed a three year contract at the club
West Ham United are delighted to announce that super striker Jahmal Hector-Ingram has signed a new three year contract at the club.

Initially a scholarship, the England youth international will turn professional on his 18th birthday.

 Having earned his new contract, a delighted Hector-Ingram said: “It feels amazing, it really does! It's been a dream from a young age to get a contract at this club and I'm very proud that I've managed to accomplish one of my dreams.

“The next dream is me playing in the first team. However, I'm not getting too excited; I know I have to work even harder! This is only the start.”

Having praised his teammates and coaches alike for all their support, the young striker paid special tribute to his family: “After losing my Nan this year, this is even more special for me, as I'm doing all this for her too.

“it's definitely a proud moment for my family, like I said before, my Mum and my Nan especially has been my inspiration and has also been the reason why I've got so far, so I'm very grateful.

“Not forgetting my brothers either, my family as a whole is very happy at this moment in time!”

Having initially struggled with injuries at the start of the campaign, Hector-Ingram recovered and found his goalscoring touch, netting five times for the U18s in 13 starts.

His form saw him feature in the Development Squad’s cup running, playing in both the semi-final win over Liverpool and first leg victory over Hull City.

Reflecting on the past 12 months, he continued: “This season has been a rollercoaster for me, as I was injured again. But for the second part of the season, I've stayed fit and managed to score some goals too.

“Personally, I’ve got three highlights: scoring against Southampton the day after my nan died, for me that was a special moment and I shall never forget that. My Mum and the family encouraged me to play and I managed to score the winner which I was very delightful with.

“My second is scoring my first goal for the U21s against Aston Villa, at Villa Park. I was extremely happy to score my first U21 goal.

“Overall, my main highlight is winning the U21 Premier League Cup. That feeling was indescribable really; if that's what it feels like to win then I most definitely want to be winning more often!”

Currently out in Hong Kong representing the Hammers in the annual Soccer Sevens tournament, Hector-Ingram finished by looking ahead to what could well be a very bright future.

He stated: “My aim is to make my debut in the new stadium in the up and coming years. It will be the biggest dream come through if I made my debut for West Ham and it will be even more special if I made it at the new stadium. Hopefully I can reach my aims as soon as possible.

“It’s most definitely a special time to be committing to the club. To know that the new stadium is very local to my childhood background is even more exciting, I'm looking forward to the challenge ahead.”