12:43pm Monday 28th June 2010
JORDAN Brown’s 10 years of hard work at West Ham United have paid off as the Benfleet player has signed his first professional contract with the club.
The 18-year-old old left back was spotted playing for Kingdown Rangers as an under-eight and was snapped up by the Hammers.
He has progressed in the Iron’s academy and was captain of West Ham’s youth side for much of last season.
But while Brown is delighted to have secured a one-year pro deal, he knows the hard work is just beginning if he is to carve out a senior career at Upton Park.
“It’s been a long time coming, but now I’ve signed my first contract it has made all the hard work worthwhile and is a good start,” he said.
“It hasn’t really sunk in yet, but it’s the best news I’ve heard. This is what I’ve always wanted to do.
“I’ve been confident the whole way through and have always worked hard to pursue my dream.
“I've seen loads of boys come and go, some of whom were really good players, so to come through is something special.
“It’s only a start, though. I’ve only got a year and I’ve got to impress. Hopefully I can do my bit, just like every other player wants to do their bit.”
The attacking left-back has been a central figure in Tony Carr’s youth team for the past two seasons since making his debut against Millwall in January 2008.
Brown, who is the cousin of Sunderland and England midfielder Kieran Richardson, has also featured seven times at Barclays Premier Reserve League South level since making his debut as a substitute at Portsmouth in April 2009.
The teenager started playing as a forward and also featured as a left winger and a centre-back before adopting his preferred full-back role three years ago.
“It’s a new start for me and a new start for everyone,” Brown added.
“This season, I want to be in the reserves on a regular basis and I also hope to go out on loan because I’ve never played for any club other than West Ham — apart from Kingdown Rangers, of course!”
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