Jodan Hugill played 22 minutes of Premier League football with West Ham United and is now back in the Championship with Middlesbrough.
To say that Jordan Hugill’s spell at West Ham United did not go to plan would be the understatement of the century.
In truth, the physical forward probably was not ready for the Premier League when West Ham paid Preston North End £10 million to sign him in January 2017 (BBC). And, after playing just 22 minutes of football in England’s top flight, Hugill was quickly farmed out on loan to Middlesbrough a few months’ later.
The Boro-born striker endured a slow start to life at the Riverside, but he has started to get his career back on track of late, scoring three Championship goals in the last month.
In quotes reported by the Gazette, Hugill has now opened up on his difficult time at West Ham, and has seemingly aimed a dig at former Hammers boss David Moyes for his lack of game time.
“I’m really enjoying it at the minute. I went to West Ham and didn’t play much football there, not through any fault of my own, but it was just something I had to get on with. Mentally, it was tough,” Hugill said.
“But I know when I’m playing football I’m happy, and that’s when I play well. That’s a benefit for me, and for the team.”
Whether the 26-year-old will be handed a second chance at West Ham in 2019 remains to be seen.
Like Hugill, Robert Snodgrass appeared to have reached the end of the line at West Ham when he moved on loan to Aston Villa last season. But, after a stellar campaign in the Championship, the Scot has returned to the London Stadium and established himself as a key player under Manuel Pellegrini.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
