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With the inevitable move to the Olympic Stadium for the 2016/2017 season, it’s quite clear to see that the owners and the management team are planning for the future.

This has been very evident this season, with the likes of Aaron Cresswell, Cheikhou Kouyate and Diafra Sakho settling into life in the Premier League quicker than anyone expected. After an impressive start to the season, where at Christmas the Hammers hit the dizzying heights of a Champions League spot at one stage, there was a lot of optimism surrounding Upton Park going into 2015.

However, that has not materialised, and failure to strengthen in the January transfer window in order to maintain the good form has resulted in the east Londoners slipping down to ninth in the table.

Despite Nene joining the club on a short term deal, both David Gold and David Sullivan, as well as manager Sam Allardyce, stuck by their promise of building for the future with the acquisition of 20-year-old Scottish left back Stephen Hendrie.

The Scot, who was signed from Scottish Premier League outfit Hamilton Academical and then immediately loaned back to maintain his fitness with first team football, will join up with the squad in time for pre-season ahead of the 2015/2016 campaign.

With Cresswell performing magnificently for the Boleyn Ground side in his first season in England’s top flight, Hendrie is brought in to do the same. Considering that Cresswell has no competition for that left back spot, Hendrie will sure to be a fierce competitor for a place in the starting XI line up.

The resemblance between former Ipswich Town and Tranmere Rovers left back Cresswell and young prodigy Hendrie is uncanny. Both attack minded, galloping down the left wing in order to create a goal scoring opportunity for their side, helping at the back with there solid defensive displays is just as impressive for these full back’s.

Hendrie has played 23 games so far for the Accies this season, and is certain to complete a century of games by the end of the season for the club over a three year spell. With Hendrie on board, the ‘Academy of Football’ is sure to develop another young talent in to a quality player for West Ham United.