Hammers produce another kid from their famous academy..and he’s called Coventry

WEST HAM like to call themselves the Academy of Football and their latest graduate hopes to help soften the blow of recent frustration for David Moyes.

Waltham Forest-born midfielder Conor Coventry joined the club at 10 and now feels ready to make an impact after ending last season on loan at League One Lincoln.

The 20-year-old has featured heavily in preseason for Moyes, who wants to build a hungry young core at the club. And cash-strapped West Ham see Coventry as one of a promising young crop of home-grown talent spearheaded by Grady Diangana and Ben Johnson. The Hammers have taken some knocks in terms of youth recruitment after Jeremy Ngakia deserted them for Watford and Crystal Palace won the race to sign Eberechi Eze.

But in Coventry, who signed a new deal in January keeping him at the club until 2023, they have another name off the production line who intends to take his chance.

“The manager wants me to be myself,” said the Republic of Ireland Under-21 international. “He’s told me to be myself and try to stand up in the group.

“He doesn’t want me to just be a young player who is in the group learning – although obviously I have to learn as well. He wants me to stamp my mark and personality as well.

“There’s massive competition but hopefully I can be involved at some point. I just want as much gametime as I can get.”

There was a time when West Ham’s Academy was the envy of Premier League clubs up and down the country, producing the likes of Joe Cole, Rio Ferdinand and Frank Lampard.

In recent years it has been less productive. But Declan Rice has blazed a trail for a new generation, and others are now set to follow.

Along with Coventry, the likes of Jamal Baptiste, Tunji Akinola, Ajibola Alese and Manny Longelo are all getting chances this summer.

In a recent friendly win at Ipswich, Coventry even got in at right-back – a problem position since Ngakia left – and hopes his versatility can work in his favour.

Competition in midfield looks fierce at West Ham this season, but Coventry claims he learned how to “win at all costs” while at Lincoln and is up for the battle.

He said: “I feel like a lot more of a rounded player since I’ve been on loan. I’m just happy to have the opportunity.

“Hopefully I can keep pushing and find my place in the team.”