New West Ham United development chief Terry Westley is determined to see more players graduate from the academy to the first team.
Westley, who has played his part in identifying and developing future internationals himself in similar roles at Ipswich Town, Derby County, Birmingham City and Luton Town, cannot wait to get down to work at the Boleyn Ground and write another illustrious chapter in the Academy's history.
He explained to whufc.com: "West Ham is a Club steeped in history with a great tradition for producing their own players. I've had three tremendous years working for the Premier League, and in club football before that, but the chance to join a Club with this history and tradition, helping to bring players through to the first team, was too big an opportunity to turn down.
"To get back on the grass, work with the young players and with the senior staff, and continue the great work that Tony Carr has been doing turned my head. I worked with the Chairmen and Karren Brady at Birmingham City and they've made me very welcome. I can't wait to get started and start trying to help
"I look at my own career as a coach, and when I was at Ipswich and we had young players like George Burley, John Wark, Eric Gates, Alan Brazil, Terry Butcher and Russell Osman playing in the team. It made big news for the supporters - they can recognise, and identify with, a homegrown player in the team.
"This Club can hold its own with most other clubs with the amount of players they've brought through to play full international football. I want to try to help and continue that path, and make it stronger."
