“Has to be right” | Potter talks up importance of Academy | OneFootball

Graham Potter has spoken of the vital importance our Academy is to West Ham United.

The new Head Coach is certainly saying all the right things since his arrival, with a refreshing take on how we want to develop our younger players and get them into the first team.

West Ham take on Crystal Palace this Saturday in what is expected to be another tough London derby, with Potter firmly in the knowledge of what is in store.

“They’re in a good place, certainly away from home, and they won last night,” Potter told the press, as reported by the clubs Official Website. “They started the season slowly in terms of points, but they have a clear idea of what they’re doing, and lots of quality.

“They have good individual players, and have adapted to players leaving. They’ve got real quality.”

The former Brighton boss also gave an update on the current situation regarding potential incoming players this January, which he admitted is a tough market to operate in.

“If we’ve got anything to report we’ll tell our supporters, but our main focus for now is on the players who are here,” said Potter.

“You’ve got to go through checklists when looking at a player. It’s a complicated window, and with lots of games in quick succession, my focus has to be on that.

“I’m happy with the squad, and the approach of the players. For me it’s been about getting to know them. I know more than I did this time last week, but that process continues.

“Every club’s the same – you always want to improve. My focus is on what’s happening here, and on getting better. That’s not to say we’re not looking, but it has to be right for us.”

The Head Coach then outlined the importance of the clubs famed Academy of Football, highlighting how well Ollie Scarles is progressing amongst the senior players.

“I think I said before that the Academy has to be central to what we’re doing here,” added Potter. “The first thing you have to think about is what you’re doing internally.

“Ollie Scarles is one player that has done really well since we’ve been here, and we want to help him and the other youngsters keep developing.”