OPINION
West Ham vice-chairman David Gold has heaped praise on West Ham midfielder Josh Cullen after his successful loan spell at Charlton this season.
The senior Hammers figure took to his Twitter account on Saturday to praise the 22-year-old midfielder for being instrumental in getting Charlton to the League One play-off final.
“Josh Cullen is hoping to strike it lucky when he returns to Wembley for Sunday’s League One PlayOff final against Sunderland the winners earning a place in the Championship The on loan West Ham midfielder has been instrumental in leading Charlton to Wembley. Good luck Josh. dg,” wrote Gold.
Gold then returned to social media on Sunday to dub Cullen’s display against Sunderland in the final as outstanding.
“Charlton 2 Sunderland 1 Josh Cullen was outstanding Congratulations Josh. dg,” wrote the businessman.
Josh Cullen is hoping to strike it lucky when he returns to Wembley for Sunday’s League One PlayOff final against Sunderland the winners earning a place in the Championship
The onloan West Ham midfielder has been instrumental in leading Charlton to Wembley. Good luck Josh. dg pic.twitter.com/30HD04VF2r
— David Gold (@davidgold) May 25, 2019
Charlton 2 Sunderland 1
Josh Cullen was outstanding
Congratulations Josh. dg pic.twitter.com/DROZJAhTKv— David Gold (@davidgold) May 26, 2019
Cullen wowed in his 32 appearances for Charlton while on loan as not only did he add a bit of steel to their midfield due to his strong tackling ability, but he was a threat in front of goal due to his crossing ability.
The 23-year-old racked up eight assists for the Addicks and stood out in the play-off final against Sunderland as he was the one that created the match-winning goal to win promotion for Lee Bowyer’s side.
So there’s no denying that Cullen is worthy of Gold’s praise after a successful campaign out on loan, however it is debatable whether he is good enough for the Hammers.
The 23-year-old has shown all the signs he potentially has the skills to play for the Premier League side but it’s hard to be sure until he is tested in the division on a regular basis.
Cullen has managed to make three appearances in the Premier League for the Hammers in England’s top division during his career so far, but his playing time only totals seven minutes in those outings.
Yet despite this it seems Gold is a fan of the 23-year-old, and surely his public support of the midfielder is his way of sending a message to Manuel Pellegrini.
The Hammers vice-chairman would clearly be in favour of Cullen at least getting a chance in pre-season and you feel he is indirectly urging the current West Ham boss to be the person to give him one.