Holly Davies reports on a new 17-year-old striker signing for West Ham United.
Sam Ford has put pen to paper on deal that keeps him at the club until 2017.
Ford has been on trial at the Boleyn Ground and featured for the Development Squad, impressing Development coach Terry Westley.
“Big step up”
Speaking to whufc.com, Ford said: “I’m delighted to have signed for West Ham. It’s a huge club and a big step up.
“It’s been a dream of mine to be a professional footballer for as long as I can remember so hopefully I can keep on improving, keep working hard and we’ll see where that gets me.”
Ford acknowledges the effort West Ham have made bringing a number of youth players into the first time and relishes future opportunities to impress.
Dream
“A lot of the younger players have been involved in the first team recently. I really just want to play football and get to the highest level possible. Making my Premier League debut is the dream.
Ford recently left Ipswich Town where he spent most of his early development, having featured heavily for their U-18s side.
While on trial, Ford got his Hammers career off to the great start, scoring within 12 minutes against Wolverhampton last Monday. The young striker will hope to continue this form in the game against Blackburn next week.