Alan Curbishley is confident West Ham can keep young players such as Freddie Sears when they establish themselves in the first team.The Hammers have a reputation of developing talent. But the best of the crop often end up playing elsewhere in the Premier League - notably Frank Lampard, Joe Cole, Rio Ferdinand and Jermain Defoe.
Sears scored on his debut against Blackburn in Saturday's 2-1 Premier League win - and there are also hopes of James Tomkins, Jack Collison and Kyel Reid making the step up.
If they do, boss Curbishley wants to keep the youngsters at the club.
"Since I've been here, that hasn't been a threat - and every indication I have is that we want to push forward," he said.
"We'll have to address it if it happens and if we get a few sniffs, but that's part and parcel of the game.
"I understand players have left here in the past - but I think perhaps it was a different situation then. For one thing, last summer was the first time for a while that we have invested as opposed to letting players leave."
Part of the longer-term strategy at West Ham is the appointment of a technical director, with Gianluca Nani set to be named tomorrow in a role to target signings and look at the academy.
"I don't think anyone is thinking of anything other than progressing," Curbishley added.
"That's why we're looking at this technical director and everything else - because I firmly believe that when I have everyone fit we have an opportunity to push forward."
Other homegrown talent currently in the squad includes Mark Noble, who has praised the work of the academy for developing players.
"We've just got to nurture them and hope they can get into the team," he said.
"I think it's all down to the academy.
"They teach you how to play the game properly."
Anton Ferdinand, another academy product, was praised at the weekend for playing against Blackburn - despite picking up a groin strain before the match.
"I just like to let my football do the talking - and I'm sure I did that," he said.
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