A delighted academy director Terry Westley praised his side's character after West Ham United came from behind to win their Premier League 2 Division 2 play-off final against Newcastle United, and reserved special praise for captain Declan Rice.
Toni Martinez scored twice as the Hammers came from behind to beat the Magpies 2-1 and earn promotion to Premier League 2 Division 1 next season, and Westley, reflecting on "an outstanding season", lauded Rice's influence on the side.
The perfect way to finish the season! 🏆#WeAreGoingUp #COYI pic.twitter.com/88FRXmMdO5
— West Ham United (@WestHamUtd) May 16, 2017
"The boys deserve to be praised for an outstanding season," Westley told whufc.com. "They're delighted but they're spent and they've given it all which shows their real character.
"You work with these boys every day; we know the effort they put in in training and we've had performance when we've had to dig in.
"Declan Rice is an immense captain and an immense leader and he's going to have a huge future in the game, that I am sure about. He is possibly the best player in this league this year."