Westley pens new Hammers deal

Academy Manager & Head of Player Development Coaching Terry Westley has signed a new five-year contract
West Ham United are delighted to announce that Academy Manager & Head of Player Development Coaching Terry Westley has signed a new five-year contract with the Club.

Having joined the Hammers in July 2014, Westley has overseen the development of the next generation of Hammers stars, with many of his charges being given a first team opportunity at the start of the 2015/16 season.

Reece Oxford and Josh Cullen have both made their Barclays Premier League debuts already this year, while a further six Academy products made their debuts in the Club’s UEFA Europa League campaign.

Hammers Vice-Chairman Karren Brady says Westley’s new contract is just reward for an impressive first year at the Club.

Ms Brady said: “We are pleased to have agreed a new long-term contract with Terry, who has brought fresh ideas and impetus to the Academy since he joined the Club last year.

“This Club has an outstanding reputation for nurturing homegrown talent, so we have been thrilled to see the impact our youngsters have had in the first team this year.

“Terry’s dedication and drive to keep the Academy moving forward has impressed us all and we’re looking forward to working with him across the next five years and I’m sure we will continue to see young players coming through to establish themselves at West Ham United.”

Westley added: “I want to say a big thank-you to the Board and to Karren for the new deal. I would also like to thank all of my staff since I have arrived here for the work they have done.

“I think it cements the idea that we are going to try and put something in place over the next five-years. Like Slaven, we want a long-term strategy and philosophy. 

“Can we build something at the football club when we move into the new stadium with the young players being a part of that? Can we get 30 per cent of the team home-grown and produce the right type of players?  All of that takes time but we have made a start.

“This now gives us a chance to establish that strategy and philosophy and I am delighted that I am going to be here for a long time.”

Westley’s oversees the Hammers’ Academy teams from U21 downwards and before arriving in East London, worked to develop young players at the likes of Ipswich Town, Luton Town, Derby County and Birmingham City before moving to a senior role at the Premier League.