Jacob Knightbridge is all about winning.
Having grown up in Brentwood, Knightbridge joined the Hammers at seven-years-old.
From there, under the mentorship of Billy Lepine, Head of Academy Goalkeeping, he has been able to ascend through the 'Academy of Football', having an immense season in U18 Premier League South last year, earning him his first professional contract at the club, the determining achievement of his career.
"It’s an unbelievable feeling," Knightbridge told whufc.com. "It’s something I’ve worked hard for, for over ten years, and something I’ve dreamed of since being a little boy. I’m really happy and I’m really grateful.
"It’s a big moment. It’s something where I can say finally, I’m a professional footballer. I think that determines it from other things I’ve done in my career so far.
"Even though I’ve known about it for a couple of months now, I’d say it’s still one of those things where you’ve got to think twice, or pinch yourself, because it’s an amazing feeling. It’s something you’ve worked hard for, for so many years, and it’s finally come true.
"I went and told all my family straight away and they were all buzzing. All my friends, all my West Ham friends, they were so pleased for me. My Mum, my Dad and grandparents. They’ve known how much it’s taken to get here so they’re very happy."
The young shot-stopper is full of praise for Lead Goalkeeping Coach Lepine, who he says has had a huge influence on his young career so far.
"I joined the Club when I was seven. I’ve had Billy Lepine with me all the way through, as well as other goalkeeping coaches, and I’ve loved every minute of it. There’s been some tough moments, moments where you have to dig in, it’s all paid off.
"Billy has been really good. He’s been like a mentor to me since I was seven. As time has gone on, he’s gone up from the U18s to the U23s, so hopefully next year we’ll continue that relationship and that development."
Knightbridge has enjoyed an incredibly successful season with the West Ham U18 squad, where he highlighted his delight at their winning tendencies.
In 23 matches he kept ten clean sheets, and through his organisational and ariel prowess he was able to lead the team to second place in the U18 Premier League South, and earn a place in the U23 squad.
"It was a brilliant year, coming second in the league. I think, most of all, it was fun winning with my team. I love winning and it was fun to do that with my mates. Keeping clean-sheets, especially in the second half of the season, it was just a great year for us.
"I think we had the most clean-sheets in the league, in half of our games. That’s testament to the goalkeeping coaches – Derren, Jimmy Walker coming in, and Billy – me and Mason Terry kept the most clean-sheets in the league which is really good.
"Clean-sheet, for a goalkeeper, is the thing you aspire to have, so to have 13 was a great feeling."
Having just signed his first professional contract, the sky is the limit for the young goalkeeper, and he aspires to as much. However for Knightbridge, it all starts with hard work.
"It really does start now. We’re getting closer to the first team and hopefully playing some men’s football and, you never know, hopefully in a few years pushing the first team. That’s what I want to do at this Club. I want to play first-team football. It’s been a dream.”
