Gerhard Struber could not wait to work with George Earthy when the West Ham United youngster made his much-anticipated return to Bristol City during the January transfer window.
So why, Struber was asked before the Robins face off against Swansea City on Saturday lunchtime, have opportunities been so scarce over the last month?
Earthy has only played three Championship games out of a possible six. He was left out of Bristol City’s squad entirely for the 2-2 midweek draw with Wrexham.
What would YOU tell George Earthy as he struggles at Bristol City? 🔴 🐦
George Earthy of Bristol City in action during the Sky Bet Championship match between Bristol City and Sheffield Wednesday at Ashton Gate on January 24, 2026 in Bristol, England.
He just cannot catch a break right now.
On what was expected to be the first start of his second spell on the banks of the Severn, Bristol City’s FA Cup fourth-round clash against Port Vale was postponed after a pitch inspection.
This is not the way anyone expected things to pan out, especially after Earthy marked his Bristol City return with an assist in a 5-1 January thrashing of Watford. And, for that matter, when Struber raved about his ‘gegenpressing monster’ with a ‘really interesting’ skillset.
Too good for West Ham United’s reserves, not quite good enough for Bristol City’s XI? Where does George Earthy go from here?
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George Earthy during West Ham United v Nottingham Forest - Premier League
Photo by Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images
George Earthy’s lack of minutes explained as WesT ham United loanee waits for a chance
Speaking to Bristol Live, former Barnsley, Red Bull Salzburg and New York Red Bulls coach Struber admitted that leaving Earthy off the teamsheet for that Wrexham clash was not a decision he took lightly.
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“I feel, for him, sad,” Struber said. “He is a big, ambitious boy and he creates [a good impression] in the training good performances and in the games also.
“But in the end, I have a really big competition at the moment in some positions. And then it’s sometimes also a topic of the competition that someone is not in the roster.”
While Earthy was always going to struggle to oust star man Scott Twine, the England Under-21 international has not been helped by the arrival of two more January additions; Delano Burgzorg adds more competition for places after leaving Middlesbrough, while Tomi Horvat has two assists in two games from the attacking midfield role Earthy so covets.
“I think, of course, right now he has to be a little bit patient,” adds Struber. “But also he should work further on a good level.
“[In training this week] he was great. His personality, his character, is top, and I like George Earthy. The time for game time will also come for him, and he deserves it.”
Earthy was so excited to re-join Bristol City
Ollie Scarles is the only Youth Cup winner to establish himself… 🏆
What does the future hold for Earthy, Marshall and Orford?
West Ham's 2023 FA Youth Cup XI
Two years after West Ham thrashed Arsenal in the FA Youth Cup final, only Ollie Scarles has cemented a first-team spot at the London Stadium. Former Under-21 captain, and scorer of a sublime lob in that 5-1 win, Gideon Kodua joined Luton Town permanently a fortnight ago.
The futures of Callum Marshall and Kaelan Casey also appear uncertain. And for those who had hoped to see Earthy get a run of games once it became clear that Lucas Paqueta was heading to Flamengo, his backseat role at Ashton Gate may be something of a wake-up call.
Earthy is an ‘outstanding’ talent, yes. He scored or assisted nine goals in eight games for the Under-21s after recovering from a hamstring injury in the autumn.
But, as so many former reserve-team stars would go on to discover, the step up to regular men’s football is a very steep one.
The good news is that Earthy – the West Ham starlet won Bristol City’s Young Player of the Year award during his previous loan stint – still has over two months remaining to force his way into Struber’s team. And it’s not as if the head coach has any doubts about his professionalism, dedication, or work-rate behind the scenes.
“The place feels like home and so I am really happy to be back,” Earthy said when securing a second spell in the South West, his previous one ending in a play-off semi-final defeat to Sheffield United.
“I am really looking forward to seeing the fans again. They were so good to me, it is special to be back, and I cannot wait to get back in front of them again.”
An eye-catching cameo off the bench in Swansea would be a start.
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