Oliver Scarles has committed his future to West Ham with a new long-term contract.
Scarles has been part of West Ham’s recent success at youth levels and made his senior debut in November 2022, as the Hammers won 3-0 away to FCSB in their final group match en-route to that season’s Europa Conference League title.
Reflecting upon his progress with the Hammers since he joined at 11 years-old, Scarles spoke of his pride at graduating through the youth ranks and making his senior debut.
“I’ve loved every minute of my experience at West Ham since I joined as an eleven-year-old boy. I know the Club inside out. It’s the best thing that’s happened to me.
“I’ve had some great memories so far, winning the FA Youth Cup with the boys, making my debut for the first team in the Conference League, so I’m hoping to build on those memories and progress at this Club even further.”
Scarles though is focused on continuing his development with the Under-21s squad, after a back injury kept him sidelined in the second half of last season.
“At the moment with the U21s, the goal is to keep performing well and finish as high as possible in the league,” commented Scarles.
“By continuing to put the work in, I’m hoping to eventually break into that first team. Hopefully we can make it into Europe and there will be even more opportunities!”
Scarles also credited former captain and current Sporting Director, Mark Noble for his support and advice.
“Nobes has been brilliant. I’ve always been able to text him when I needed some guidance. He’s always been around for all of the boys to talk to.
“He’s had a massive impact on my career. He’s always believed in me and I can’t give him enough credit for that.”
Noble in-turn spoke of his confidence that the now 18 year-old is capable of becoming a first-team player.
“I remember as a player going to Chadwell Heath and watching the younger age groups train, and you could tell Ollie had what it took to play in the first team,” reflected Noble on Scarles’ potential.
“He’s already done that in Europe, under David Moyes, and he’s been in and around the first team ever since. It’s so important that we as a Club do the right thing and ensure the best pathways for our players and Ollie is definitely one of them.
“I’ve sat with him many times and talked about the high hopes we have for him. It’s over to him now. We’ve shown that belief with this contract extension and now it’s up to him to keep working hard.”
Noble proceeded to praise Scarles for his versatility and self-belief as he continued: “He’s a clever footballer. It’s something that stands out about him and enables him to play in various positions on the pitch.
“He’s been fantastic for our U21s. He’s got high aspirations himself, which is exactly what we want from our young players. We have high hopes for him too.”
Noble however urged supporters to show patience as he concluded: “He’s still only 18, so patience is key. I hope this is the one of many contracts we do for him.”
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