Uncompromising defender Michael Forbes traded life in rural Northern Ireland for the bustling surroundings of East London in the summer of 2020 when he penned a two-year Scholarship deal at the Academy of Football.

Six foot two, and well built for his age, the left-footed centre-back found the back of the net on his U18s Premier League South debut for the Hammers, heading home against Tottenham Hotspur in September 2020.

A consistent, mature and composed defender who is also technically adept and a natural leader among the group, Forbes finished his first season in Claret and Blue with 19 appearances for the West Ham youth team to his name, including three league appearances wearing the captain's armband.

He also made his development squad debut as a substitute in the 1-0 win over League One team Portsmouth at Fratton Park in November of that year.

The former Cookstown Youth and Dungannon Swifts youngster had attracted attention from local press in recent years for not only the calibre of his performances, but also the distinctive glasses he used to wear on the pitch - although he has since switched to contact lenses!

Forbes assumed the role of U18s captain in 2021/22, and made his first U23s start in December 2021, helping his side to a 4-2 win over Crystal Palace in South London. The season would end with Forbes making 23 outings for the U18s and three for the U23s, all in Premier League 2 action. 

The defender would sign his first professional contract with the Club at the end of the 2021/22 season.

Forbes would be a regular in the heart of defence for the development team at the start of the 2022/23 season, and would be involved in the senior team squad for the UEFA Europa Conference League Group B clash away to FCSB in November 2022. Unfortunately, a run of injuries ruled the youngster out during the season half of the season, ending Forbes' campaign with 19 appearances in all competitions.