18 year old midfielder Riley Hargan has made the next step in his development by signing his first professional contract with West Ham, with the Club officially announcing the news earlier this week.

Born and bred in Hornchurch in Essex, Hargan has supported West Ham since he was a little boy. At 18 years old, the young midfielder has already spent 12 years at West Ham, having joined the Club’s Academy as a six year old.

Hargan had members of his family alongside him at the Club’s training ground as he put pen to paper on his first professional contract, a well earned reward for his rise through the Academy setup.

Speaking after the news of his contract was officially announced, Hargan said: “I was buzzing when I found out the news. To sign my first professional contract for the Club I’ve supported my whole life is surreal. It’s something I’ve dreamed of since I was a kid.”

In the first year of his scholarship, the midfielder found game time hard to come by. This season saw the young midfielder take huge strides in his development, having emerged as a consistent and reliable performer within the Hammers U18’s squad. Becoming a regular starter for the U18’s, Hargan has racked up the second most appearances in the side and was part of the team that lifted the Premier League Cup trophy.

Reflecting on that special evening just over a couple of weeks ago, the 18 year old said: “Winning the Premier League Cup was a special moment.” Hargan went on to add: “To win it alongside your best mates who you see everyday at Chadwell Heath, that’s something I’ll never forget.”

Ex first team captain and current Sporting Director Mark Noble  joined Hargan and his family at Rush Green for the young midfielder’s big day. Hargan was full of praise for the Hammers legend and discussed the great relationship he shares with him. “It’s pretty special to have a relationship with Nobes. He’s been there for me for a long time and I have that connection where I see him as a mentor and someone I can always talk to.” said Hargan.

The young midfielder added: “I feel like he’s really helped me along my pathway, so I’m really grateful for him.”

Academy manager Kenny Brown was glowing in his assessment of the U18’s midfielder, discussing how his contract is a deserved reward for his hard work. “He’s become one of the first names on the team sheet for the U18s and finished the season in a rich vein of form.” said Brown.

Brown went on to add: “He’s earned this contract the right way, showing consistency, drive and character. When we sat down with the U18s and U21s staff and reviewed his progress, the decision was unanimous. He’s forced our hand in the best way, and now we’re all looking forward to seeing him continue his journey as an U21s player.”