Former Reading assistant boss Kevin Keen has lead the West Ham Under-18s to their first FA Youth Cup success in over 20 years.

The Irons, dubbed 'The Academy of Football', beat Arsenal 5-1 and celebrated silverware in front of over 7,000 travelling supporters at the Emirates Stadium.

Speaking after the game, the 56-year-old said: "To get 7,000 out there and to sing like that and be as passionate for Academy football: ‘Wow.’ It was one of the best nights of my life and I'm sure it's one of the best nights of our young players' lives." 

Keen, who spent a decade as a player at Upton Park, began working with the Under-18s in 2019 following a disappointing spell with Southend United.

A vastly experienced coach, he worked under Kenny Dalglish at Liverpool before becoming Steve Clarke's number two at West Brom in 2012.

Joining the current Scotland boss in Berkshire nine years ago, the pair were sacked in December 2015 following a poor spell of resutls and rumours of talks with Fulham.

A prestigious competition; only Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea have won the it more than the Hammers.

Reading have reached the semi-final on one occasion, losing out to Fulham in 2014.