The 18-year-old came through Arsenal’s academy, trained around the first team and will now continue her development at West Ham.
West Ham United have announced the signing of Niamh Peacock after the England Under-20 international was released by Arsenal this summer.
Peacock, 18, had spent most of her football life at Arsenal, joining the club at under-9 level after two years with Chelsea.
She had first started playing football at the age of four before joining her local boys’ team Isleworthians, where she was often the only girl.
Peacock herself noted that she had spent “half of my life” at the club, and leaves having captained sides at academy level as well as with England.
Originally a central midfielder, Peacock moved into central defence as she grew and now plays mainly on the left side. She describes herself as a leader and a “forward looking” player, with a game built around organising the back line and playing progressive passes.
Leah Williamson has been an important example for Peacock, both because of the shared position and academy pathway, and because of Williamson’s leadership.
“I’m delighted to join West Ham United,” said Peacock, who will wear the No26 shirt.
“This is a big Club, with big ambitions and a passionate fanbase. I felt that coming here was the best fit for me at this moment in my career.
“Signing my first professional contract is a proud moment for me and my family. I can’t wait to develop my game and become a better player and person.”
Asked to talk through her career so far, Peacock said: “I was at Arsenal for 10 years, but before that I started playing football at the age of four, playing with my Dad and brother in the cages.
“I then went to a grassroots team, joined Chelsea at seven and then moved to Arsenal at nine. I feel the lessons and opportunities I’ve had have helped me to get to this point, so hopefully I can continue that.”
Last season, Peacock spent time with Watford and Portsmouth, making seven appearances in WSL 2 for the latter.
Asked what she had learned from her first taste of senior football, she said: “It was a great opportunity at both clubs to get first-team experience. Especially at Portsmouth, as Jay Sadler gave me an opportunity to make my debut in the WSL 2 at 17, which I’ll be forever grateful for because it taught me a lot, which hopefully I can continue here.”
Peacock has also been part of the England youth set-up. Asked what it meant to represent her country and whether the move to West Ham could help her continue through the age groups, she said: “Definitely! It’s such an honour to play for England. From the age of 15 until now, every time you put on the shirt it’s such an honour, and hopefully I can continue that here.”
Asked whether her leadership skills are something she prides herself on, Peacock said: “Growing up in Arsenal’s Academy, I captained a lot of the age groups, and that taught me a lot about maturity and being a role model. Taking that into a senior environment, it was difficult to adapt to but I feel like with my leadership skills I was able to reinstate myself there.”
On her qualities as a player, she said: “I’m a forward-thinking player. I like to break lines and dominate the ball from the back, but also be dominant in the air in both boxes. I like to put my body on the line for the team and give whatever I can.”
Asked which players had inspired her as a forward-thinking defender, Peacock said: “I feel like a lot of the Lionesses centre-backs, Leah Williamson for instance. Playing with her at Arsenal was a dream come true, and I hope I can use some of their game in my game
We wish her all the best with her career.
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