Declan Rice’s West Ham future was uncertain a few years ago, admits ex-coach
Danny Searle exclusively reveals to SunSport that some staff didn't think Rice had a future at the club a few years ago
WEST HAM were unsure Declan Rice had a future at the club a few years ago, according to ex-Hammers coach Danny Searle.
Rice, 20, has become an integral part of Manuel Pellegrini’s plans this term, less than two years after making his first-team debut.
Searle was working at the Irons’ academy when Rice turned up on trial after he was released by Chelsea.
And the then 14-year-old, still bruised by his experience at Stamford Bridge had plenty of work to do to convince the Hammers coaching staff he was worth a shot.
Searle, currently coaching at Conference side Braintree Town recalls Rice’s desire to prove the Blues wrong.
He exclusively told SunSport: “Declan had a bit of baggage - being told at that age you are not going to get a contract, that’s hard for an adult to take let alone a 14-year-old.
“But you could see a desire he wanted to be a player, when they come from a big club like Chelsea over to West Ham, there can be a snobbery among some kids.
“He wasn’t nailed on to get a scholarship, there were a few at the club who fought his corner because other coaches were unsure of him.
“They were unsure because of the other players coming through like Reece Oxford who was the golden boy at the time.
“Tunji Akinola who is still at the club was the other option and the dilemma was is this fair on Declan as we had already signed two centre halves his age.”
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However, Searle reveals the details of a Youth Team game where everything changed for the current Hammers star.
He continued: “The turning point for Declan was when we played Arsenal and we asked him play as a holding midfielder.
“We beat them 5-1 at their place and he ran the show, he was hands down the best player on the pitch.
“That is when people really started to take notice of him. Even after the game not everyone was convinced.
“The issue was his position, if he is midfielder, then who will he be up against at the club?
“The same question was applied to the central defenders ahead of him.”
Rice made his full debut under Slaven Bilic as a defender early last season in the defeat at Southampton.
His progress accelerated despite David Moyes arriving at the London Stadium to replace Bilic.
He went on to make 33 appearances for the Hammers in a difficult season as they battled to beat the drop.
But this term under Pellegrini he has come of age and has underlined his growing reputation with a string of commanding performances in midfield alongside the experienced Mark Noble.
He even scored his first senior goal his month - the winner against Arsenal, just days before his 20th birthday.
And with his new bumper contract signed, Searle insists Rice has to kick on and not rest on his laurels despite huge interest from the likes Manchester City.
Searle added: “While he has broken through there is always someone behind who wants to come in and take over.
“West Ham have the financial clout to spend 40million on a player, so he has to keep performing.
All the talk four years ago was about his Youth Team pal Reece Oxford.
And while Rice has grown in stature, Oxford after his stunning debut as a 16-year-old at Arsenal has disappeared into obscurity after a failed loan stint at Borussia Monchengladach last season.
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Searle continued: “Declan is a shining light, but one of the best things to happen to him was the rise of Reece Oxford a few years ago.
“While he was getting the plaudits, Declan just went about his business and did what he had to do.
“And if he stays at West Ham, I expect him to captain at some stage.”
Rice’s rapid rise last season was rewarded with an international debut for the Republic of Ireland in a friendly against Turkey.
The youngster qualifies for the Irish through his grandparents but is yet to commit his international future to them due to huge interest from England.
But Searle reckons his old protégée should snub the Three Lions and stick with Mick McCarthy’s men.
He continued: “He needs to sort out his international future as it is not good for him.
“The Republic put their faith in him and have given him some fantastic experiences. If I was him, I would stick to the people that have been loyal.”