Fred's dead, baby

Freddie Sears has become the second youngster to leave West Ham this week 'by mutual consent'.

The 22-year-old striker, who barely featured for the club last season has departed just over a year before the end of his five year contract, which he signed in November 2008 - following goalkeeper Marek Stech who also left this week.

Clearly not a part of Sam Allarydyce's first team plans - the Hornchurch-born attacker made just one appearance for the Hammers in 2012 - Sears has been allowed to move on in order to find a new club.

Since bursting on to the scene in March 2008 when he scored the winning goal against Blackburn Rovers on his first team debut, Sears has scored just two goals for the club - both of which came in the 2010/11 season (against Wolves and Burnley) - in 60 appearances.

Prolific at youth and reserve level, Sears' introduction to the first team was the most keenly-anticipated promotion for several years. However having scored against Blackburn - which he followed by hitting the post in his next game at Everton - he struggled to make an impact.

That led to a string of loan spells - at Crystal Palace, Coventry, Scunthorpe and last season, at Colchester - but he looked just as unconvincing on loan as he had at West Ham.

Speaking exclusively to KUMB.com about Sears' progress two years ago, Academy Director Tony Carr - who had guided the striker's career at West Ham since he was just 11 years of age - was stumped as to why his former protege had lost his magic touch in front of goal.

"The goals dried up; I can't put my finger on it," said Carr. "I don't know, I really don't know.

"Like everything else I think getting into the team is all about having that opportunity and timing is key. Maybe, just maybe, even though he scored the winner [against Blackburn] that day the timing could have been too early for him."

KUMB.com would like to wish Freddie the very best of luck, wherever he ends up next.