Sean Moore confesses he has enjoyed every minute of his time at West Ham United, where he made his maiden Premier League 2 start against Crystal Palace on Monday.
After performing for the Reds last season, scoring five goals in 34 Premiership games and being awarded Young Player of the Year, the 18-year-old landed a summer move to the English giants.
He joined former Irish League players Callum Marshall (Linfield), Patrick Kelly (Coleraine), and Michael Forbes (Dungannon Swifts) in the Hammers’ academy with their U21 side, which won the 2022/23 FA Youth Cup and is currently second in the league table, four points behind unbeaten Tottenham Hotspur.
Moore has made substitute league appearances against Liverpool, Manchester City, and Nottingham Forest, as well as coming off the bench in EFL Trophy cup wins over Bristol Rovers, Cheltenham Town, and Colchester United.
The Republic of Ireland youth international, who has previously represented Northern Ireland at underage level, was played at right wing-back in West Ham’s 2-0 victory on Monday, where Marshall scored from the penalty spot.
“It’s good to change positions and try out for a different role,” Moore told the club’s website. “I can cut inside and get at people, and I think the boys did a great job.”
“The message going into the second half was to go out and score early and we’d win the game.” Our aim was soon after halftime, and we just kept doing it to win.”
Moore says that having so many Northern Irish youngsters in the academy has aided his adjustment after signing a three-year professional contract at the London Stadium.
“I’ve loved being at West Ham since the first day!” he told the BBC. “I’ve settled in very well because there are a lot of Northern Irish boys who have helped.”
“The group has been incredible, and I believe we can accomplish extraordinary things.” It was difficult [moving to Academy football in England], and tonight was my first start. I’ve been patient and waited my turn, so hopefully there will be more.”
