West Ham have once again allowed England Under-19 forward Robert Hall to rejoin League Two promotion chasers Oxford United on loan until 17th December.
Hall was in outstanding goal-scoring form for Oxford earlier this season, netting six goals in ten appearances for the U’s before being recalled by the Hammers for two and a half weeks.
He could potentially make another three league appearances during this loan spell, with the U’s hosting Cheltenham, travelling to Morecambe and welcoming Northampton Town to the Kassam Stadium over the coming month.
Aside from his fine club form, the teenager has also shone for his country, netting the winner as England U19’s defeated Denmark 1-0 at Brighton & Hove Albion’s American Express Community Stadium on 10th November.
This is why I feel the loan system is great for young players searching for first-team experience. Hall and other youngsters like Frank Nouble and Jordan Spence are getting valuable first-team matches under their belt.
You can’t expect youngsters to play reserve or under 18 matches right up until the first team. You need the experience of playing in competitive league matches. Youngsters won’t develop their skills set whilst playing reserves and youth matches all the time. If players can’t prove themselves in the Football League, then they have no chances of proving themselves in the Premier League.
It’s good news that Hall is going back to Oxford, he has been in great form this year, and going back to Oxford could help him get first team appearances for West Ham later in the season.
