Trott and West Ham Under-23 clinch title
Nathan Trott, the Bermuda goalkeeper, and his West Ham Under-23 team-mates had plenty to celebrate after their promotion-clinching exploits at St James’ Park on Tuesday.
The visiting side won 2-1 against Newcastle United in the Premier League 2 Division 1 play-off final in which Trott was an unused substitute.
“Going up, well done boys,” wrote Trott on Twitter, the social media network.
“Big effort all season, deserved to get promoted.”
West Ham fell behind in the crunch clash when Tom Heardman grabbed the opener for the home side after 19 minutes.
But they were back on even terms when Toni Martínez, back from a loan spell at Oxford United, equalised just before half-time.
The visiting side grabbed the lead early in the second half when Spaniard Martínez smashed in a second goal.
Newcastle mounted waves of attacks in search of an equaliser but West Ham held on to lift the trophy and clinch promotion to the top division of PL2 next season.
“It literally feels amazing — the best feeling ever,” Declan Rice, the West Ham Under-23 captain, said. “I can’t put it into words.
“First half, we weren’t that good — we were all a bit nervous and tense but second half, we came out and showed exactly what we’re all about. We grafted hard and managed to get the 2-1 win through Toni.
“It’s always been my dream to be a captain and tonight to lift my first trophy as a player, it’s a dream come true.
“It definitely caps off a great season. It’s probably the best season I’ve had in football and it’s probably one of the best days of my life; I’m just so happy!”
Terry Westley, the West Ham Academy director, added: “Going 1-0 down, the boys had to show some character, which we did against Wolves in the semi-final, it just shows what the players are like.
“The boys deserve to be praised for an outstanding season. They’re delighted but they’re spent and they’ve given it all which shows their real character.”