Josh Briggs is excited with his move to West Ham United.
The 16-year-old has penned scholarship terms with the Club and says the core values of the Premier League side, and the Academy, made the decision to switch to east London from Belfast an easy one.
“It's a great achievement to join West Ham United and I am delighted to be here," the centre-back told whufc.com. “I'm very excited to play for this Club and this Academy, and I'm very excited for the season ahead.
“West Ham United is a great Club. It's a traditional club with family values at the core. Everyone is very supportive of each other here, and looks out for each other. There is a high standard across the entire Club, with some exceptional players, and I'm looking forward to developing here."
Briggs is the latest young talent to join West Ham United from Northern Ireland, following in the footsteps of fellow Academy stars Michael Forbes, Callum Marshall and Patrick Kelly, who themselves have made the move in recent seasons.
The newest Hammer is relishing his new home in east London and admits having the trio of fellow Northern Irishmen here has made the move from his lifelong home an easier one.
“I was nervous when I first came over but, once I got used to being here, it's been great. The facilities at Chadwell Heath and Rush Green are quality. We've got everything we need to succeed.
“I've settled into the area well. I'm liking east London. Callum and Patrick have especially been helping me settle in over the last couple of weeks, which has made life a lot easier. They're both great lads. They're a lot of fun and they are big characters too, so it's good to spend time with them and settle in.
“Michael Forbes is also here and I've spoken with him a couple of times, and trained with him once or twice. He's a good lad and a good leader too."
