Declan Rice's former West Ham youth coach returns looking to cause FA Cup upset

06 January 2024 , 07:15

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Liam Manning was credited with developing Declan Rice in West Ham's academy. (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Liam Manning played a key role in the development of Declan Rice during four years as a West Ham academy coach.

But the Bristol City boss is putting nostalgia to one side as he returns to east London on Sunday looking to spring an upset.

Manning, 38, was in charge of the Hammers’ under-23 side between 2015 and 2019. He is now building a strong reputation in the senior ranks and hopes to steer the Robins, whom he took over in November, towards the Championship play-offs. And while he is looking forward to seeing some old friends, history is irrelevant once the tie gets underway.

“We’re going there to win,” Manning said. “I had a terrific four years there, working with some terrific young talents and staff. I’m sure I’ll see some familiar faces but ultimately it’s about going there to do the best job we can. I have fond memories of the club and the people but it’s about controlling what we can.”

Manning got to know Hammers boss David Moyes during the Scot’s first spell in charge of the club. And he says Moyes, who ended West Ham’s 43-year wait for a major trophy last season, is someone young managers can learn a lot from.

“What an incredible job he’s done,” Manning said. “The club’s been craving some silverware and success for a long time. What he achieved last year was incredible. What he’s achieved throughout his career, he’s someone you can’t not look up to and respect in terms of what he’s done.”

West Ham, who are expecting a sell-out crowd including 9,000 away fans, hope Kurt Zouma, Lucas Paqueta and Vladimir Coufal can return after they missed Tuesday’s stalemate against Brighton.

Michail Antonio could make the bench having been out since mid-November with a knee injury and assistant manager Billy McKinlay said: “He’s done a few days training, easing back in with the team. We’ll assess it. We need to make the right decision for the team and for him.”

West Ham get rare respite after tomorrow’s game with no Premier League fixture until travelling to Sheffield United on January 21. With Nayef Aguerd and Mohamed Kudus at the Africa Cup of Nations, McKinlay thinks the break is coming at an ideal time.

“It will help us a little bit,” he said. “Any small break at any time is appreciated by the players. We’ve had a really busy, hectic schedule but we’re ready for Sunday and we’ll then come back recharged and ready for the second half of the season.”

Alan Smith