Reece Burke was named Young Hammer of the Year capping an outstanding season
Eighteen-year-old defender Reece Burke was named Young Hammer of the Year at the Club’s 2014/15 Player Awards, brought to you by Betway, in support of the Academy.
The Newham-born player, a West Ham fan himself, has had a terrific breakthrough season, making his senior first team debut in the League Cup against Sheffield United.
More recently, the talented defender made his Premier League debut away at Queens Park Rangers followed by his home League debut against Burnley. In both outings, Burke received widespread praise from his fellow players and fans alike.
Speaking about receiving the prestigious award, Burke said: “The last couple of weeks have been brilliant for me, it’s been very good.
“Becoming Young Hammer of the Year means a lot to me. Current senior players like Mark Noble have won it in the past so it’s a big honour. One day I’ll hopefully be the Senior Hammer of the Year.”
The England U18 international has enjoyed a whirlwind 12 months at his beloved Hammers. First, going on pre-season tour with the first team, culminating in his first goal for the senior side against Sampdoria at the Boleyn Ground.
“To score my first goal for the club I support was a very special moment for me, especially at Upton Park. As a defender I don’t score many so, even though it was a friendly, I’m counting it.”
Burke started the season as a Development Squad regular, making 12 appearances in total, as well as five starts for the U18s. With injuries to James Tomkins and Winston Reid, Burke has stepped up to the plate, and more than proved his worth.
Describing his rise to the first team in his own words, Burke enthused: “I played in the cup against Sheffield United which went alright. Recently I’ve played two league games and hopefully I’ll more games soon.
“I’ve been with the first team all season and travelled with them a couple of times and not made the bench so sometimes you think it might not happen. To find out I was starting, not just coming off the bench was a great achievement and I had to step up.
“Obviously it’s not easy making the step up from U21 football to the Premiership but I feel like I’ve done alright. Ginge has helped me a lot, he’s very experienced which has helped.”
“A lot of people have said ‘two games, two clean sheets, can’t get any better than that’ so hopefully that continues. Hopefully, on Saturday, if I play, we’ll get a third clean sheet.”
The Newham-born player, a West Ham fan himself, has had a terrific breakthrough season, making his senior first team debut in the League Cup against Sheffield United.
More recently, the talented defender made his Premier League debut away at Queens Park Rangers followed by his home League debut against Burnley. In both outings, Burke received widespread praise from his fellow players and fans alike.
Speaking about receiving the prestigious award, Burke said: “The last couple of weeks have been brilliant for me, it’s been very good.
“Becoming Young Hammer of the Year means a lot to me. Current senior players like Mark Noble have won it in the past so it’s a big honour. One day I’ll hopefully be the Senior Hammer of the Year.”
The England U18 international has enjoyed a whirlwind 12 months at his beloved Hammers. First, going on pre-season tour with the first team, culminating in his first goal for the senior side against Sampdoria at the Boleyn Ground.
“To score my first goal for the club I support was a very special moment for me, especially at Upton Park. As a defender I don’t score many so, even though it was a friendly, I’m counting it.”
Burke started the season as a Development Squad regular, making 12 appearances in total, as well as five starts for the U18s. With injuries to James Tomkins and Winston Reid, Burke has stepped up to the plate, and more than proved his worth.
Describing his rise to the first team in his own words, Burke enthused: “I played in the cup against Sheffield United which went alright. Recently I’ve played two league games and hopefully I’ll more games soon.
“I’ve been with the first team all season and travelled with them a couple of times and not made the bench so sometimes you think it might not happen. To find out I was starting, not just coming off the bench was a great achievement and I had to step up.
“Obviously it’s not easy making the step up from U21 football to the Premiership but I feel like I’ve done alright. Ginge has helped me a lot, he’s very experienced which has helped.”
“A lot of people have said ‘two games, two clean sheets, can’t get any better than that’ so hopefully that continues. Hopefully, on Saturday, if I play, we’ll get a third clean sheet.”
Alongside Burke, fellow Dev Squad teammates Lewis Page and Josh Cullen were also shortlisted for the Award.
As he accepted the award, Burke continued to praise the effect Academy Manager Terry Westley has had on his progress: “I get on well with Terry and everyone at the club so it’s nice to hear him praise me. Ever since he joined the club I’ve always got on with him.
“A lot of people have said ‘two games, two clean sheets, can’t get any better than that’ so hopefully that continues. Hopefully, on Saturday, if I play, we’ll get a third clean sheet.”
Looking ahead to Saturday’s game away at Aston Villa, Burke could well feature against the Villans.
“Playing against Christian Benteke will be a great experience. Obviously he’s a big lad and a top player, it’ll be hard but it’s a good way of testing yourself.
“The gaffer always talks about the importance of keeping clean sheets so to be able to do that has been good and it’s helped the team.
“The aim is to stay around the first team as much as possible, if that’s not possible then maybe go on loan and get first team experience elsewhere.”
As he accepted the award, Burke continued to praise the effect Academy Manager Terry Westley has had on his progress: “I get on well with Terry and everyone at the club so it’s nice to hear him praise me. Ever since he joined the club I’ve always got on with him.
“A lot of people have said ‘two games, two clean sheets, can’t get any better than that’ so hopefully that continues. Hopefully, on Saturday, if I play, we’ll get a third clean sheet.”
Looking ahead to Saturday’s game away at Aston Villa, Burke could well feature against the Villans.
“Playing against Christian Benteke will be a great experience. Obviously he’s a big lad and a top player, it’ll be hard but it’s a good way of testing yourself.
“The gaffer always talks about the importance of keeping clean sheets so to be able to do that has been good and it’s helped the team.
“The aim is to stay around the first team as much as possible, if that’s not possible then maybe go on loan and get first team experience elsewhere.”