Having impressed during his scholarship with the Club, Josh Briggs has had to be patient for his chance with West Ham’s U21’s, but the young defender is now making his mark in the side.

At U18 level, Briggs won the Premier League South as well as the FA Youth Cup. The youngster scored the Hammers fifth goal in that FA Youth Cup final win against Arsenal at the Emirates back in May 2023.

Looking to continue his progression, the defender had to be incredibly patient in waiting for consistent opportunities with the U21 side. His opportunities began to come last month, since breaking into the team, Briggs has certainly proved his capabilities. The 18 year old admitted waiting in the wings was tough but discussed how he always kept the faith that his chance would come.

“It was difficult not being in and around the team. You’ve got to stay strong and keep a good mentality. Earlier in the season, I made the bench a few times but missed the squad on other occasions. Mentally, it’s quite tough. You have to put that to the back of your mind and keep going until you get your opportunity, which can sometimes feel like it’s not going to come but you just have to keep believing, working hard, doing everything properly and the chance will come.” said Briggs, as reported by the clubs Official Website.

The Northern Irish U19’s international was nominated for the PL2 player of the month award in February after being part of the West Ham back line that kept three clean sheets in their four wins. Deployed as a centre back when playing for the U18’s, since getting his chance with the 21’s, Briggs has featured at right wing back.

Briggs has adjusted well to this new position with the Hammers currently eight games unbeaten, climbing from 13th to 3rd in the PL2. Discussing his new role, Briggs said: “The right back position was pretty new to me. I played it a little bit when I was really young. I think I’ve adapted well to it and the coaches obviously helped me as did the players around me.”

Fullback is an incredibly challenging and demanding position. While their main responsibility is defending, their ability to contribute going forward and in attack has become hugely important to the role in modern football. In the U21’s 3-0 win against Reading, Briggs showed that he is more than capable of contributing going forward too.

The centre back turned wing back assisted Sean Moore’s headed goal. Reflecting on his assist that night, the 18 year old said: “It meant a lot (to have the players celebrate his assist). I think the boys knew how challenging the season had been for me.”

With just three games left to play, Briggs is optimistic for the young Hammers chances in the post season play off’s: “I think for this group, anything is possible. I think we’re more than capable of getting to the final and going on to win it. So, we just have to take each game as it comes and I think we’re more than good enough to go all the way.”