Mark Noble’s Delight | This Hammers’ Future Prospects On The Rise

Back to events on the pitch – briefly!  It seems West Ham have got themselves a special young man wearing the coveted number 9 shirt once again, even if it is, for now, only in the under 21’s.

The Hammers youngsters achieved their third consecutive win against senior opposition in the National League Cup and now top their division. Three goals now in three games is an impressive spell for striker Josh Ajala.

Featured on the West Ham web site, Ajala is shown cooly slotting home after good approach work by Kamarai Swyer, following an Emeka Adiele interception:

Ajala grabs his third goal in as many games in the National League Cup 🪄 pic.twitter.com/V4MnvrDBpj

— West Ham United (@WestHam) January 7, 2025

It is not the first time these two have combined well for the West Ham u21’s: If they can continue their development and stay fit they look, along with several other young prospects, to have a far better route through towards the first team now that Graham Potter is on board.

The new head coach is known to champion the development of young players throughout his career so there must have been something of a cheer when his succession to the role at West Ham was clear.

Mark Noble must have been delighted with the appointment of Potter, as the Hammers’ Sporting Director has long championed the creation of a ‘pathway’ for the academy players through to first team football.

Along with the likes of Earthy, Potts, Scarles, Orford and Casey, the young Hammers must have a far better opportunity now of making it in Claret and Blue.