With the new Football League rules enforced this year that a club can only have a maximum of five substitutes in a league game, many players have found a loan move beneficial to ensure first team football.
The first to move out on loan was a surprise move to Bristol City for Jordan Spence, a man who was impressing at the end of last season in the Premier League. Sam Allardyce deemed him not good enough yet to play in his Championship side even though the club only has three recognised central defenders. Spence has been a consistent performer this season for the Robins playing eight games in a struggling Championship side and could return to Upton Park in January or remain at Ashton Gate until the end of the campaign.
Another promising youngster Frank Nouble is currently on loan at Gillingham and looks in fine form scoring two goals in three games for the Gills. Nouble struggled to get in front of some strong attacking competition at Upton Park and is relishing his chance to prove his worth.
Another young striker Cristian Montano has settled into League One life well scoring three goals in ten appearances for Notts County. County boss Martin Allen is hopeful of extending Montano’s loan to continue the sides’ good form this season.
West Ham’s 19-year-old defender, Callum McNaughton has extended his stay at AFC Wimbledon this week after impressing in his first five appearances at the Dons. McNaughton was sent off in the Hammers Carling Cup exit to Aldershot earlier this season and is keen to put that behind him and have a long term future at Upton Park.
Another youngster to have his loan spell extended this week was Robert Hall, who has scored three goals for high flying Oxford United and was rewarded with a stay until mid November.
The son of former Hammer Rob Lee, Ollie Lee has extended his loan period at Dagenham and Redbridge after scoring twice in his 11 appearances this season becoming a regular in the Daggers midfield.
Herita Illunga and Freddie Piquionne have joined Doncaster Rovers on loan this week and will make their debuts next week to help them gain first team football before returning to Upton Park in January.
Keep an eye on all the loan stars away from Upton Park as they may be needed in a promotion push later in the season for the Hammers.
