Knoyle delighted to sign professional contract

England U18 international Kyle Knoyle has signed a new contract with the Club
West Ham United are delighted to announce that England U18 international Kyle Knoyle has signed a new contract at the Club. 

The right-back, who joined the Academy as a 13-year-old, capped off an excellent season by putting pen to paper on a deal that keeps him in east London until June 2017. 

Describing the moment he turned professional, the talented defender said: “I’m delighted. It’s something I’ve always dreamt of as a kid. It’s an honour to get a contract at a Premier League club, I’m just looking to push on and make the next step to the first team. 

“I’ve been at the club for a while. Getting a professional contract was always the aim, ever since I arrived here. It’s been a great five years so far and hopefully a good future too.

“It’s definitely one of my career highlights. I was delighted when I got my scholarship but this is a step up.”

Knoyle has impressed for both the U18s and U21s, his pace and willingness to get forward proving a real asset, making a total of 18 appearances.

Midway through the season, Knoyle was side-lined through injury yet having overcome the setback, he made the step up from the Academy to the Development Squad: “I feel like I’ve coped with the step up from U18s to U21s very well. I did it the previous season which made the step up this season a lot easier. 

“The injury was probably my lowest point in my career and I’m trying to get back to the level I was at before it. I’ve felt like I’ve put in a lot of good performances recently so hopefully I can keep that going into next season. 

“I would describe myself as a quick right-back who likes to get up and down the pitch. I’d like to think I’m good at one-on-ones, overlapping and crossing. A modern day full-back really.”

In a positive couple of weeks for the Academy, the 18-year-old was quick to cite the impact Reece Burke has made since his run in the first team as well as fellow Dev Squad teammate Djair Parfitt-Williams signing a new contract.

Knoyle, who has played alongside Burke for several years as part of a defensive back four said: “I’m very close to Reece. He lives nearby and to see a teammate do so well drives me to try and do well. I’m delighted for him while trying to get to his level. 

“There’s a good atmosphere around the Academy, 100%. It’s nice to see young players getting opportunities and hopefully I’ll get one soon.”