Not just there to get a taste of the environment, Fearon was handed his senior debut in the Hammers’ opening game of the Summer Series. Despite only being on the pitch for ten minutes, the 18-year-old brought control and energy to the West Ham midfield, immediately endearing himself to the Claret and Blue Army watching around the world.
He continued: “In that first game of the Summer Series, when I was told to warm up, I thought it was a 'just in case' scenario. Then, Bruno [Saltor] started calling out names and I was the last name. I couldn’t believe it, I had to double check and pointed at myself almost in disbelief.
“I went jogging over and my heart was racing. I was shaking when I came on. But once you take your first touch and you’re in the game, it’s all good!
Remember the name, Preston Fearon 🌟 pic.twitter.com/9If7dJ4Rsd
— West Ham United (@WestHam) July 27, 2025
“To be on the pitch was amazing. It was really reassuring to get praise from the coaches after.
“The next morning, my brother made me aware of all the reaction on social media. He’s texting me saying I’m like number two on the sports category trending on Twitter. I remember sitting there with Airidas [Golambeckis] thinking this does not feel real at all.
“Just a month before, I was doing rehab work in the gym at Chadwell Heath. If someone said to me I’d be playing against Manchester United next month, I obviously wouldn’t have believed them.”