Dobson relishing quarter-final cup clash

George Dobson says his in-form Dev Squad can go all the way
Ahead of the Development Squad’s quarter-final with Blackburn Rovers on Wednesday 27th January, midfielder George Dobson described how much he and his teammates would love to continue their cup run.

The former Arsenal man, an avid Hammers’ fan, has been an ever-present in Terry Westley’s side recently, playing in both the 4-0 win over Exeter City in the first round and the3-2 triumph over Fulham.

Looking ahead to the cup clash with the Rovers at Rush Green, Dobson said: “Everyone would love to continue our run in the cup, cup football is great. We’re in the quarter-final, just two games from the final.

“You never know, we could well win the competition. To be able to say ‘We’re the best’ out of all the other great teams left in the tournament would be a great feat.

“We’re all working hard and looking ahead to Wednesday.”

Earlier the in the season, the young Hammers were edged out in a seven goal thriller at Ewood Park.
Despite having led three times, the hosts remained steadfast and turned the tables with a late Conor Mahoney brace.

However, since then, the Dev Squad have been in superb form and after their latest victory, a 3-1 away win at Fulham, are now nine games unbeaten.

Dobson continued: “What can I say? The boys have been outstanding recently, we’re playing good stuff. We keep going behind in games but showing great character to come back.

“We’re buzzing to be fair, when you’re winning it’s always easier to keep up the winning streak, confidence is high and everyone raises their game. Even when we go 1-0 down, none of us think we’ll lose.”
Since swapping north London for east, the versatile midfielder has forged a strong understanding with his central midfield colleagues Josh Cullen, Marcus Browne and Moses Makasi.

Having impressed during his 13 appearances for the U21s, he explained: “I think we have a really good balance, Josh plays slightly higher in the No10 role at times, but we all rotate and pick up the ball in different areas, our interchange football at times is really good.

“I still feel like I can improve a lot. I think I’m getting a lot more consistent. Having said that, I think I can get a lot better with hard work in training. If I keep listening to my coaches, I don’t see why I can’t keep on improving my game.”