‘Very bright’ - West Ham man impresses manager after first start for loan club

West Ham youngster Dan Chesters was handed his first start for loan side Colchester United over the weekend.

The midfielder put in a ‘very bright’ performance according to the U’s interim head coach Steve Ball.

They ended losing 1-0 at home to Rochdale though and have sunk to 21st in the League Two table.

‘Very bright’...

Ball delivered his verdict on Chesters’ performance, as per the Gazette News:

“I thought he was very bright.

“Dan has come into the group and this was his first start.

“I thought he made an impact and for the new manager that comes in, Dan I’m sure will be a really strong option off that right side.

“I think if we can get him and Bez (Lubala) and people like that on the ball in wide areas, we can definitely hurt teams this season.”

Chesters, 20, has been on the books at West Ham for his whole career to date and has risen up through the academy of the London club.

He has been a regular for the Hammers at various youth levels over the past few years and was handed his first professional contract in June last year.

The Hertfordshire-born man then made his first-team debut a few months later in a Europa League clash against Genk and has since played once more for David Moyes’ side.

Chesters was given the green light to leave on loan when Colchester came calling near the end of August and will be hoping to get plenty more game time under his belt after making his first start on Saturday.