Yorkshire Evening Post's Phil Hay lifts the lid on the Hammers' newest recruit
Yorkshire Evening Post’s chief football writer Phil Hay gives us the lowdown on new recruit Sam Byram
What has been the general reaction from Leeds’ fans to Sam Byram’s departure?
“Sam is held in very high regard with the United fans. As an academy graduate, he has a special connection with the fans. He’s a very talented player, one of Leeds’ best in recent years.
“At the same time, they are not too surprised to see him leave. It’s been a trend for a long time that there best players move on; James Milner, Jonny Howson, Fabien Delph and Robert Snodgrass, and unfortunately given the position they are in, it doesn’t seem like it will change any time soon.
“It was no secret that his contract was running out so it was only a matter of time really, either now in January or in the summer.”
There was a lot of interest in Byram’s signature, particularly from Everton. Do you think he’s made the right decision in coming to West Ham?
“Yes, I think it’s a really good move for him. Given where West Ham are now they won’t be back in the Championship any time soon. It’s obviously a great time to join West Ham with the upcoming move to the Olympic Stadium so I think that’ll be a great help attracting new players.
“With Everton, Seamus Coleman is clearly established at right-back, one of the best in the League so it would be hard to dislodge him. Whereas Carl Jenkinson is on loan and James Tomkins has filled in at right-back so there’s probably more chance of first team football.”
What are his key attributes? What can Hammers’ fans look forward to seeing?
“He’s great in the air, loves to keep it on the floor and can whip in a great delivery. He doesn’t score many but he’s a surprisingly good finisher as well.”
“I also think Sam will do very well under Slaven Bilic, he will suit the style Bilic likes to play well. He’s great going forward, which is why Leeds played him as a winger, but he’s certainly best at right-back.”
Off the field, what’s he like to work with?
“He’s a great lad, he’s extremely likeable. Everyone who you speak to at the Club has a very high opinion of him. All the academy coaches say he’s very down to earth, and a joy to work with. You can tell he carries himself very well, and media wise he’s a good talker.”
He’s still a very young player with a lot of experience already. How much potential does he have?
“He’s a very talented player who I’m sure will do very well in the Premier League. Fabien Delph was probably the most naturally gifted player I’ve seen at Leeds in the last ten years; James Milner was also very special. Sam works incredibly hard and is different to those two, he’s got everything you need to excel at the top level for years to come.”
What has been the general reaction from Leeds’ fans to Sam Byram’s departure?
“Sam is held in very high regard with the United fans. As an academy graduate, he has a special connection with the fans. He’s a very talented player, one of Leeds’ best in recent years.
“At the same time, they are not too surprised to see him leave. It’s been a trend for a long time that there best players move on; James Milner, Jonny Howson, Fabien Delph and Robert Snodgrass, and unfortunately given the position they are in, it doesn’t seem like it will change any time soon.
“It was no secret that his contract was running out so it was only a matter of time really, either now in January or in the summer.”
There was a lot of interest in Byram’s signature, particularly from Everton. Do you think he’s made the right decision in coming to West Ham?
“Yes, I think it’s a really good move for him. Given where West Ham are now they won’t be back in the Championship any time soon. It’s obviously a great time to join West Ham with the upcoming move to the Olympic Stadium so I think that’ll be a great help attracting new players.
“With Everton, Seamus Coleman is clearly established at right-back, one of the best in the League so it would be hard to dislodge him. Whereas Carl Jenkinson is on loan and James Tomkins has filled in at right-back so there’s probably more chance of first team football.”
What are his key attributes? What can Hammers’ fans look forward to seeing?
“He’s great in the air, loves to keep it on the floor and can whip in a great delivery. He doesn’t score many but he’s a surprisingly good finisher as well.”
“I also think Sam will do very well under Slaven Bilic, he will suit the style Bilic likes to play well. He’s great going forward, which is why Leeds played him as a winger, but he’s certainly best at right-back.”
Off the field, what’s he like to work with?
“He’s a great lad, he’s extremely likeable. Everyone who you speak to at the Club has a very high opinion of him. All the academy coaches say he’s very down to earth, and a joy to work with. You can tell he carries himself very well, and media wise he’s a good talker.”
He’s still a very young player with a lot of experience already. How much potential does he have?
“He’s a very talented player who I’m sure will do very well in the Premier League. Fabien Delph was probably the most naturally gifted player I’ve seen at Leeds in the last ten years; James Milner was also very special. Sam works incredibly hard and is different to those two, he’s got everything you need to excel at the top level for years to come.”