Reece Oxford enjoyed a superb breakthrough season with West Ham, making 12 first team appearances
Defender Reece Oxford admitted he has enjoyed an amazing breakthrough season at West Ham United and expressed his delight at picking up the Young Hammer of the Year award.
The centre-back made 12 first team appearances for the Hammers this season, and also led the Development Squad to U21 Premier League Cup glory as captain.
The campaign for the teenager began with three UEFA Europa League games before he made his Premier League debut at title contenders Arsenal, helping the Hammers to record an opening day 2-0 victory.
Looking back on the campaign, Oxford said: “It’s been unbelievable. I won the Dylan Tombides award last year, so to win the Young Hammer of the Year award is unbelievable. It is a real pleasure.
“I feel like my hard work has paid off now so I’m happy that I have been awarded [the award] by the Club. I didn’t think I’d have moved to where I am now so quickly.
“I did think I was going to push on, but I’m just happy I’m here right now doing what I’m doing. Hopefully I’ll be playing week in, week out [in twelve months’ time].”
Oxford’s progress has been overseen by Academy Director and Head of Player Coaching and Development Terry Westley, and he believes Oxford has been nothing but outstanding this term.
“He’s just got one award left to win!” Westley exclaimed. “Next year he could be our Player of the Year! His progress has been exceptional this year.
“It could have been one of anyone this year because the standard has been so good. Reece is the stand out player.
“Anyone who is an U16 and plays every week for the U21s and is captain, and the following season plays in the first team, just shows you his progression. He fully deserves the accolade he’s getting.”
The centre-back made 12 first team appearances for the Hammers this season, and also led the Development Squad to U21 Premier League Cup glory as captain.
The campaign for the teenager began with three UEFA Europa League games before he made his Premier League debut at title contenders Arsenal, helping the Hammers to record an opening day 2-0 victory.
Looking back on the campaign, Oxford said: “It’s been unbelievable. I won the Dylan Tombides award last year, so to win the Young Hammer of the Year award is unbelievable. It is a real pleasure.
“I feel like my hard work has paid off now so I’m happy that I have been awarded [the award] by the Club. I didn’t think I’d have moved to where I am now so quickly.
“I did think I was going to push on, but I’m just happy I’m here right now doing what I’m doing. Hopefully I’ll be playing week in, week out [in twelve months’ time].”
Oxford’s progress has been overseen by Academy Director and Head of Player Coaching and Development Terry Westley, and he believes Oxford has been nothing but outstanding this term.
“He’s just got one award left to win!” Westley exclaimed. “Next year he could be our Player of the Year! His progress has been exceptional this year.
“It could have been one of anyone this year because the standard has been so good. Reece is the stand out player.
“Anyone who is an U16 and plays every week for the U21s and is captain, and the following season plays in the first team, just shows you his progression. He fully deserves the accolade he’s getting.”