Mark Noble has spoken out on West Ham’s summer transfer plans while calling out for his club’s needs for more young and hungry players.
West Ham finish the season with a trip to Watford on Sunday knowing a win could see them place as high as ninth in the Premier League.
The Hammer’s captain wrote in his Evening Standard column: “There will be some players leaving — perhaps four or five — and others coming in. I think it’s needed, if I’m honest. We need some more hungry young players who want do well for the club.”
The 32-year-old has been an integral part of the West Ham squad for yet another year making 30 appearances, being involved in eight goals from midfield.
Noble’s call for more young hungry players has come in a breakthrough season for his midfield partner Declan Rice who has earned his first senior England call up and attracted reported interest from Manchester United.
OPINION
Mark Noble has been around to see it all at West Ham and his opinion clearly matters at the club. With earlier reports claiming Manuel Pellegrini is ready to sell many of his fringe players, Noble’s claim is correct and the call for younger players could prove to be a great shout. Declan Rice has proved this season that age is just a number and if given the opportunity, the experience of coming into the side alongside players such as Noble can only make these youngster’s even better. West Ham already have a strong core of experience throughout their squad and Pellegrini has already proved he is prepared to give young players a chance, as was shown when 21-year-old Grady Diangana started West Ham’s last Premier League fixture against Southampton in a 3-0 win after impressing in the academy. With experienced players such as Pablo Zabaleta signing new contracts, the time has come for Pellegrini to take a chance and bring in some young stars ready for the Premier League.
