Conor Coventry has bid an emotional farewell to West Ham after 14 years in east London.

The midfielder, who first arrived at the club at the age of 10, has signed a permanent deal with League One side Charlton Athletic.

Coventry, who holds the record for the most U21 caps for the Republic of Ireland, has been patient and professional in his bid to break into the West Ham first team.

He has has successful loan spells over the years, including an eye catching stint at Rotherham last season – however this hasn’t enabled the talented midfielder to progress as hoped with our Hammers, and therefore he is to leave for pastures new at the age of 23.

Our Podcast co-host and club insider ExWHUEmployee has shared his thoughts on the exit of one of our Academy stars, as he looks to kick on with his career now south of the river.

“I would like to wish Conor all the best for the future,” said Ex in an emotional message.

“He desperately wanted to make it at West Ham and did all he could with loans to try and prove himself. By all accounts he was a truely dedicated professional.

“It’s sad to see him go but he has joined a good club and will play alongside George Dobson another great lad to have left our Academy.

“This move will get him into the Ireland squad something I hear he is very passionate about having been their most capped under 21 player and no doubt he will smash it at Charlton!”

All of us at The West Ham Way wish Conor all the very best for his future career.