Talented midfielder Marty Gage has been on trial with West Ham over the last few months, after a previous spell at Fulham last year.

Marty, who plays primarily in midfield, was scouted by several clubs when he attended our West London event in October 2017, also including Reading and Wolves.

His Dad, Steve, gave us an update on Marty’s progress at West Ham.

What does Marty think of West Ham so far?

He’s training at the ID centre and absolutely loved it. We’re all West Ham fans including Marty, so he was a bit apprehensive going to play for the club he supports, but he loved it. He thought the coaching was superb and really enjoyed the atmosphere. He’s been training with the u16’s and getting some good comments from the coaches.

How has he coped with the level?

I don’t think he’s had any issue at all, he’s got a background with pro clubs so this isn’t anything new for him. 

Can you tell us a bit more about his background?

When he was 9 he had another trial with West Ham. After that, Marty spent two years at Ipswich and then moved to Norwich where he spent another two years, but eventually it didn’t work out for whatever reason. From there, he carried on training by himself and working at it, which was what made us book a UK Football Trial and it’s all gone from there.

Does Marty still do much training alone, even though he’s at West Ham?

Yes, definitely. Obviously he’s now with West Ham every Monday, but he fits his own training around that. He goes for a swim or a run at least once a week, and he does private coaching as well as a lot of weights and sports at school.

What are his best attributes?

His passing, his first touch and football brain. Sometimes people think he doesn’t see a pass but it’s almost as if he’s a step ahead and passing where he wants to player to be, rather than where he is. He’s got a great work ethic and really wants to learn something in every session he does.

And what about areas to improve?

I’d probably say he needs to work on his tactical side, which is where he might benefit from playing with older players, they could help him with that.

What are your thoughts on UK Football Trials?

I know he absolutely loved it, he was free to play how he wanted. What they said in the talk at the end of the day was spot on and was like a life lesson in itself. Marty got a bit frustrated with his football before but he’s found himself and he’s happy again now.