You could say it’s been an eventful few days with the traffic of comments at a very high level on WHTID. There are, as always, some differences of opinion and interesting conversation threads but one common theme dominates. Things are looking extremely grim indeed. So bad, in fact, that I’m going to discuss a completely different club where things are looking far healthier – just to escape our woes for a short time.
In the four football leagues there is currently only one team that have scored more goals than Manchester City. Luton Town are absolutely flying. So when I heard that the Lee brothers had hit three of Luton’s seven goals this weekend, with Dan Potts hitting another, I had a little look at their squad.
Outside of our club there was much talk of a pretty special goal this weekend. Oliver Lee did the, almost, unthinkable. With Cambridge on the attack, in Luton’s final third, and their keeper, David Forde, off his line Olly nicked the ball following a poor Cambridge pass under pressure, took a touch to the right and hit a 65 yard shot which looped over Forde and in to the Cambridge net. You can see it on the following video. Enjoy .
Dan Potts was a player who I genuinely hoped would make the grade when he was coming through the academy. Admittedly it was a lot to do with his father, in my opinion, being a West Ham legend. To many an unsung one at that. Dan seems to be enjoying his time at Kenilworth Road. In fact, since I started writing this, on Tuesday night, Dan chipped in with yet another goal to help his team hit top spot. His goalscoring record, for a defender, is quite something this season. Like busses they all seem to be arriving at once with five this term – his first five for the club.
Admittedly it was a lot to do with his father, in my opinion, being a West Ham legend.
Another player that some wanted to see come through at West Ham was Olly’s brother Elliot Lee. Elliot showed a good deal of promise but, unfortunately, was unable to take his chances when he had the odd sniff at the higher level. He’s just starting to really find his feet, however, this season with Luton at the League 2 level. With 5 goals and 2 assists so far his contribution is significant.
Marek Stetch is now Luton’s no1 keeper – having gone to the club from Sparta Prague at the start of the season. Marek never really had a chance at West Ham despite doing well at youth and reserve levels. Great to see him establish himself as a no1. back in the English Leagues. More about his season, and specifically his debut, below.
Pelly Ruddock (Mpanzu) is another. Substitute on Saturday, but with 15 appearances this season, he is an Energetic box to box midfielder in his 5th season for Luton having notched up 137 games with the club. He’s popular with the Luton faithful for his ability to turn defence in to attack.
They’ve even got a James Collins too – although not a West Ham academy product so, perhaps, more of a tenuous link this one.
With an amazing 46 goals scored Luton have hit eight on opening day of season vs Yeovil, where Stech made a Penalty save on his debut, seven vs Stevenage and seven, without reply, on Saturday vs Cambridge. Seeing so many Ex Academy Hammers doing so well in one team has brought me a little cheer and has been a welcome distraction from affairs away from the London Stadium and I’ll be looking out for their results until May. If the Academy old boys can continue to play a major part in Luton’s promotion campaign I’d be delighted for them all.
Not much consolation, I know, but it’s always good to see our ‘lads’ doing well.
Elsewhere another of our ‘lads’, who is still a West Ham player, on loan at Borussia Mönchengladbach is keeping first teamers on their toes at the club who are in fourth place in the Bundesliga. A tough fixture at home to Champions and League Leaders Bayern awaits them on Saturday. Reece is likely to start on the bench but, you never know, may see some action. Let’s hope so. Let’s also hope we can get a result, and some kind of performance, against Leicester City on Friday night.
COYI! West Ham 4 The Cup!