West Ham United is pleased to announce the signing of goalkeeper Tom Wooster for the Club’s U21s development squad.
Following a successful trial in September, Wooster has signed a contract until the end of the 2025/26 season, with an option to extend for a further year.
Wooster arrives having spent four years at Manchester United, where he was part of the squad that lifted the 2022 FA Youth Cup. While on trial, he made an impressive debut for our U21s, keeping a clean sheet in a 3-0 Premier League 2 victory over Birmingham City.
“I had to bide my time, finding the right opportunity for me,” he explained. “I think this is the place to come and kick on. It's a big Club, and I'm so excited to be here.
“The lads and the coaches are top. I've already made a few good mates, and I love working with Robbo [Lead Coach Mark Robson], Pottsy [Assistant Coach Steve Potts], Billy [Head of Academy Goalkeeping Billy Lepine], and all the staff. I’m really enjoying it here so far.”
A commanding goalkeeper who is also good with his feet, Wooster will bolster the goalkeeping stable in the development squad, with Mason Terry, 21, and Finley Herrick, 19, currently on loan at National League clubs Braintree Town and Boreham Wood respectively.
The 20-year-old was named Barnsley’s Academy Player of the Season before joining Manchester United in 2020, and he later gained senior experience with loan spells in non-league football. A grounding which Lepine says has helped shape his presence on the pitch.
“This is one of the reasons why, when we looked at his CV, we felt he’d be a good fit for us and our group,” Lepine explained. “Having that senior experience and knowing what it means to get three points on a Saturday or a Tuesday, and then bringing that into our Academy dressing room, is great. The way he speaks and carries himself is great for the other boys to learn from.”
Speaking on his trial period at Rush Green prior to putting pen to paper, Lepine said: “You can tell Tom’s come in with the bit between his teeth to prove himself. His mentality towards every day has been fantastic to see. Clearly a very talented boy, comes from a good pedigree, has been at Barnsley, and has been at Manchester United before us.”
During his debut for the U21s against Birmingham, Wooster impressed with a number of solid first-half saves while commanding his box with real presence.
“He definitely added to the team,” Lepine continued. “I think in possession, his play was really calm. He found the right passes and played to the system that we play. I have to say he defended his box really well. He topped it off with a really good save off a direct free kick. For his first game for the Club, and it being a league game, we were really pleased with him, and he should be really pleased with himself.”
Everyone at West Ham United would like to congratulate Tom on signing his contract with the Club and wish him every success in Claret and Blue.
