Chadwell. Little Heath. Eden Arena.
Some journey it has been for Academy of Football graduates Conor Coventry and Ben Johnson.
Teammates since ten, now European champions.
“We couldn’t have dreamt of it,” Johnson enthused, from within the celebrations in Prague. “It’s a credit to everyone at the Club. The players, the staff, the fans - the last three years have been so hard, but we have got here and we’ve done it.
“It is a joyous moment and I am so privileged to experience this. It has been a great experience for me and for everyone involved in the squad."
“Since ten, we’ve been mates all the way as well,” Coventry, who helped the Hammers make it six wins from six in the group stage last year, added. “I am buzzing mate, buzzing!”
While both players did not feature in the final, they, like the squad, have more than played their part as the Irons powered through the competition with 14 wins and one draw.
Combined the two talents have featured on nine occasions in the UEFA Conference League this term, with Johnson registering a memorable assist in the 3-0 win over FCSB in November last year.
That night was perhaps one of the finest moments of the run to a memorable triumph for both players, as Coventry and Johnson helped lead a team full of Academy graduates - 13, no least, in the matchday squad - to a triumph.One that saw West Ham become the first side to progress from the UECL group stage with a 100 per cent record.
At FCSB, two debuts in the starting XI came in the form of Divin Mubama and Ollie Scarles, with the duo both putting on exceptional performances in their respective first outings in Claret and Blue.
Kamarai Swyer and Kaelan Casey would also come on for their debuts in the second half, while the introductions of Harrison Ashby (now of Newcastle United), Freddie Potts and Keenan Appiah-Forson meant nine Academy of Football graduates were involved in Romania, including Coventry and Johnson.
Fast forward eight months, and the Academy of Football was still making all the noise, living it large in and amongst the celebrations. Krisztián Hegyi, Coventry, Johnson, Potts and Mubama were all involved in the travelling squad. The skipper, Declan Rice, and the sporting director, Mark Noble also products of Chadwell Heath.
Also in and amongst the celebrations, was Mark Phillips, U18s coach, someone who has watched and worked Johnson and Coventry’s rose through the ranks.
“I taught them everything they know,” joked Phillips, his voice stretched by the hours of celebrations at Eden Arena. “And the skipper, I made them all!”
“I was crying when Dec lifted the trophy, mate. In all the years I have been following West Ham - I couldn’t be prouder.
“The season the youth team has had as well, and now this, I couldn’t be prouder. Last time, we won anything proper, we won the FA Youth Cup too! It’s special. It really is!”
