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Much has been made, during this summer window, of the troubles West Ham have encountered in shipping out their’ want-away’ players: Those who have decided, even though they are paid money that the rest of us can only dream of – that they wish to quit the club that has shelled out a fortune for their services. Aaron Wan Bissaka, reportedly, the latest to down tools and join that clan, before shipping out to Aston Villa today on a loan deal that may yet land him back at West Ham’s door in 10 months’ time. Along with Jean Clair Todibo who decreed he’d never play for Nuno again after being substituted against Newcastle. More the antics of spoilt children than professional footballers. Compare and contrast with two lifelong Hammers who have recently exited. Loyalty displayed by Freddie Potts and most recently George Earthy demonstrates what it really means to be part of the West Ham family rather than a hired gun who kisses the badge one week and agitates for an exit the next (mentioning no names, Mr Paquetá). It just goes to show that you can buy talent but loyalty is a rare commodity indeed. George Earthy’s words today, upon being sold, are humbling, poignant and a reminder indeed that few, indeed, really ‘get’ this club and what it means to wear the shirt: “As a lifelong West Ham United fan, who had a Season Ticket for as long as I can remember and was once a mascot walking out at Upton Park with Mark Noble, all I ever dreamed of was playing for the first team one day…. …To the fans, I just want to say a huge thank you for your support. From getting knocked out on my debut in front of you all, to then scoring the next time I was out there, was something special, and made even better knowing I had your support along the way. As one of you, I know exactly what this Club means, so to be able to represent it as a first team player was very special. I’m leaving, but I’ll be a West Ham fan forever. It’s my Club, it’s been my home, and I was just lucky enough to have fulfilled my dream.” ( whufc.com) In an age of mercenaries who come in, take the cash and then agitate for a move to make their agent – and themselves – multi- millionaires in the process, George Earthy represented everything that is good about this wonderful club. We wish him every success in his future career whilst just harbouring a tinge of regret that we didn’t perhaps get to see the best of him, which is hopefully still to come.