In-form striker Veron Parkes is taking aim at Fulham as he seeks to continue his strong start to the new U18 Premier League South season.
Speedy attacker Parkes scored in each of West Ham United’s opening two victories against Norwich City and Southampton and was in the starting XI again for last weekend’s 1-0 win at Swansea City.
The young Hammers – coached by Mark Phillips and Jack Collison – go for 12 points out of 12 at Rush Green and Parkes, who turns 17 on 28 September, is full of positivity ahead of Saturday’s fixture.
“The coaches and the staff at West Ham have a very unique way of looking at things on and off the pitch, and I think that’s the reason players develop so quickly here,” said Parkes, who joined the Academy of Football from Crystal Palace in January this year.
“I’ve been great for me so far, and this season, I’m feeling really confident. The U18 team I’m part of is getting better by the day and I feel like I’ve come in and made an impact.
“I love scoring goals, so this season I’d love to finish in the top four goalscorers in this division to help the team as much as possible.”
The U18 team I’m part of is getting better by the day and I feel like I’ve come in and made an impact
Veron Parkes
West Ham’s perfect start sees them kick-off the weekend third in U18 Premier League South, but behind Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur on goal difference.
With the Gunners away to Chelsea and Spurs at Southampton this weekend, victory over winless Fulham could see them top the table come Saturday afternoon.
Kick-off at Rush Green is at 11am, with both parking and admission free of charge, so why not give the young Hammers your support before heading to London Stadium for the Premier League clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers?
*You can read a feature-length interview with scholar Veron Parkes in Saturday's 100-page Official Programme for the visit of Wolves. For details of how to order or download your copy, click here.