West Ham fans won’t believe what Ben Johnson did on his first day at Ipswich after officially leaving the Hammers yesterday.
New Ipswich Town signing Ben Johnson somewhat divided opinion among West Ham fans.
Hammers supporters – like fans of most clubs – love nothing more than seeing an academy star make it into the first team.
That has become an increasingly rare occurrence at West Ham over the Premier League years.
And it is not in keeping with the club’s Academy of Football roots.
Ipswich are getting a committed and decent player who is versatile in that he can play in several positions.
The problem with Johnson at West Ham was that many supporters felt he was a jack of all trades and master of none.
After an excellent contribution during the 2021-22 season, Johnson failed to kick on and really establish himself as West Ham’s first choice right-back.
Johnson failed to truly establish himself at West Ham
Instead he would fill in there, at centre-back, left-back, on the wing and even in central midfield for a spell.
Some of his performances as a substitute last season saw clamour among some Hammers fans for the club to offer him the terms he was demanding for a new contract.
But after snubbing three offers of a new deal, Johnson departed West Ham for Ipswich.
Behind the scenes at West Ham, Johnson took on the mantle of Mark Noble by maintaining the tradition of cleaning the changing rooms after away games.
When his departure was made official by West Ham yesterday, Johnson sent a lovely parting message to the club and even new manager Julen Lopetegui, who reportedly gave the green light for the club to try and persuade the 24-year-old to stay.
In his note to fans, Johnson said West Ham will always be in his heart.
Now West Ham won’t believe what Johnson did on his first day at Ipswich.
West Ham won’t believe what Johnson did on first day at Ipswich
Pictures have emerged online showing the former Hammer arriving for the first day of pre-season training with the Tractor Boys.
The eagle-eyed among Hammers supporters will spot something simply fantastic.
Johnson is seen clutching two pairs of boots, trainers, his washbag and a drawstring bag – like those famously given out when you buy goods from the likes of JD Sports.
Zooming in and fans will see it is a West Ham European Champions bag.
It is quite simply the best thing West Ham fans will see all week.
The bag is emblazoned with images of Johnson and his Hammers teammates holding aloft the Europa Conference League in Prague last summer. West Ham’s first major trophy for 43 years.
Johnson will no doubt take a bit of a ribbing for his bag choice from his new Ipswich teammates.
Johnson lets new teammates know what we are
This ensures, not that there was any doubt, Johnson will receive a very warm welcome when he faces West Ham with Ipswich next season.
He and supporters won’t have too long to wait for that. West Ham welcome Ipswich to the London Stadium on October 5th.
Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna – who was being linked with West Ham before Lopetegui’s appointment – said he is delighted to have Johnson on board.
“He is a young and talented defender with good technical quality, as well as excellent physical attributes,” McKenna said on the club’s official website.
“Everyone who has worked with him speaks highly of his character, so we’re sure he will fit into the dressing room and our environment and culture.”
You can see the images of Johnson going into training with the bag in the post below.