West Ham coach says young talent Kyle Knoyle won’t be retained.
West Ham’s Kyle Knoyle in action with FC Astra’s Junior Morais
West Ham United academy coach Terry Westley has confirmed young talent Kyle Knoyle will be released this summer.
The 20-year-old right-back has not had a proper look in at first team level despite the area being a problem position for the club.
Knoyle featured for the under-23 side in their promotion decider against Newcastle last night and earned big praise from Westley for his impressive performance in the win, which he says was even more notable given the circumstances.
West Ham academy manager Terry Westley
Westley told West Ham’s official website: “Kyle Knoyle – who won’t be retained at the end of the season – had the option not to play, but he wanted to and he rolled his sleeves up and said he’d show people what he can do. With that type of career, he’ll go a long way.
“He has shown the character of what you’re looking for in a young player. I’m delighted he’s leaving on a note when he’s a winner, because he deserves that.”
Knoyle made one first team appearance for West Ham, back in 2015 as they put out a second string side against Astra Giurgiu in a Europa League preliminary round during Slaven Bilic’s first couple of months in charge.
Dundee United’s Kyle Knoyle in action with Hibernian’s John McGinn
He has spent time on loan after the past couple of seasons at Dundee United and most recently Wigan Athletic although this latter spell was ruined by injury.
Knoyle has represented England at under-18 level and despite his promise, a move away from the Hammers to find his own path is surely his best option at this stage of his career.
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