West Ham have confirmed the signing of former Town academy striker Sam Ford, following his release by the Blues.

As reported last week, the 17-year-old, who wasn’t offered terms by Town with his scholarship up this summer, impressed the Hammers during recent trial spells when he scored for both their U18s and U21s.

Former Felixstowe Academy pupil Ford has signed a contract until June 2017 with an option for the deal to be extended.

Ford told the Hammers’ official website: “I’m delighted to have signed for West Ham. It’s a huge club and a big step up.

“West Ham is a massive club. It is a very exciting time with the new stadium, everyone is talking about West Ham. It is definitely something to look forward to and hopefully I’ll be involved playing there one day.

“It’s been a dream of mine to be a professional footballer for as long as I can remember so hopefully I can keep on improving, keep working hard and we’ll see where that gets me.”

Town offered professional contracts to six youngsters, James Blanchfield, George Fowler, Monty Patterson, Chris Smith, Shane McLoughlin and Jacob Marsden.

Meanwhile, we understand it's now looking unlikely that Blues right-back or midfielder Kyle Hammond will join Needham Market on loan.

As reported yesterday, the Ryman League Premier Division side are keen to sign the 20-year-old on a short-term basis, however, Hammond is understood to have other clubs in higher divisions interested in signing him.

Photo: Action Images

blueboy1981 added 20:45 - Mar 1 jonbull88 ........... your comment amazes me - Sears is completely wasted - so much to offer this team of ours, but repeatedly played out of position. Have you ever played the game - or just watched ? .... would surprise me if you've done anything more than watched from a distance.
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BanksterDebtSlave added 20:53 - Mar 1 I have never stated that I am happy with what I see and was merely 'expressing my view ' that not every thread should be used by you and others to slate Mc Carthy and our team's footballing merits! We all know by now what you think. As for "rattles","comments" and "reading" maybe you should take your own advice Essex boy!
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essexboy added 20:54 - Mar 1 You still did not answer my post.Never mind,time for your bed time.You sound just like essex57 in disguise.!!hmmmm.woodbridgian.
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essexboy added 20:58 - Mar 1 Banksie,So was I old chap.you started this not me.Am I right or wrong.we are all entitled to air our views,I respect what you say so you should mine.Now put this to sleep please.
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BanksterDebtSlave added 21:04 - Mar 1 Woodbridge Ian. ...I think Essex boy read as far as " I agree Bankster. ..."" and then started rantings! I could not agree more that Sears is played out of position....and others too. My point was simply that he did spot his talent to start with and signed him. Even the evil one that is 'dinosaur McCarthy' gets some things right!
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BanksterDebtSlave added 21:12 - Mar 1 I am now looking forward to seeing what angle the 'dinosaur','hoofball' regulars will take on the "Town Academy Appoint First Female Coach " story!
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Dissboyitfc added 21:53 - Mar 1 This seems a little strange, but things happen behind the scenes that we never become aware of, well certainly at the time, os i have no real opinion on this havent seen him play, know nothing about him. i would rather comment on facts or how i see things. I wish the lad well and i hope this doesnt come back to haunt us.
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WadeyBlue added 21:53 - Mar 1 We're a frkn joke
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Dozzells_Bobblehat added 22:08 - Mar 1 blueboy - would you like to clarify that comment about Klug? What exactly are you suggesting?
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stevelincsexile added 22:08 - Mar 1 Who is this lad Marriott who has started to score goals for Luton? LOL
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Langdon_Blue added 22:17 - Mar 1 Blueboy - there's no need for your second paragraph at the top of the second page. Please try and be respectful of other supporters opinions in future. We are all adults.
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Currie10 added 07:23 - Mar 2 On the basis alone of him wanting his " massive step up " I'm quite glad he's gone. Massive ego at 17. Do one.
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MattinLondon added 11:11 - Mar 2 @CCurrie10 I'm struggling to see evidence of this 'massive ego'. From what I've read he wanted to sign a new contract with us which we didn't offer. West Ham offered him one and the rest is history. West Ham are a PL club and so are a bigger club than us and so it is a massive step up for him. What withtheir new stadium it is exciting times ahead for that club.
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ThatMuhrenCross added 11:58 - Mar 2 West Ham's decision is based on a few scouting reports and a trial match. Ipswich's decision is based on years over development, countless academy matches, and the input of a number of coaches who have worked closely with him. I wouldn't worry.
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mojo added 12:12 - Mar 2 I can't see anyone that has commented on this article yet but I wonder if this spells the end for Hammond. He seemed highly thought of but he has been unlucky with injuries and time is running out. shame.
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Pabloisgod84 added 12:23 - Mar 2 We probably got rid of him because he plays the ball on the grass, can pass and takes players on and is potentially a good prospect
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Seasider added 14:25 - Mar 2 West Ham certainly snapped him up quickly after the pro contracts were announced and how anyone can argue that it is not a huge step up is bonkers(McCarthyism lol)
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blueboy1981 added 17:52 - Mar 2 Bobblehat is alive - any explanation would, as previously, be wasted. Klug NOT mentioned - read the post correctly please. Langdon Blue ........ merely asking a totally relevant question, in relation to the content of the post.
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Dozzells_Bobblehat added 23:09 - Mar 2 Um blueboy I think I read it totally correctly. You referred to a quote about Klug, saying did he have a say in the matter. How have I misread that and I would still like you to clarify it
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Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 18:22 - Mar 3 "Everyone is talking about Wet Spam." Well, I'm not for one, so that's at least one less than everyone.
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