West Ham United is delighted to announce that Ollie Scarles has signed a new long-term contract with the Club.
Following in the footsteps of Kaelan Casey, George Earthy, Patrick Kelly, Callum Marshall, Regan Clayton, Gideon Kodua and Lewis Orford, Scarles is the latest member of West Ham’s 2023 FA Youth Cup-winning squad to have committed his future to the Hammers.
At the Club since he was eleven, Scarles has been an instrumental part of the Academy’s success in recent years. A key figure in the squad that won the Premier League South and FA Youth Cup double during the 2022/23 campaign, he also made his senior debut that season, appearing at just 16 years and 326 days old in a 3-0 victory over FCSB in the UEFA Europa Conference League.
Reflecting on his journey, he said: “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.”
After missing the final months of last season due to a back injury, Scarles has made a strong return, playing a key role for the U21s in their strong start to the new Premier League 2 campaign.
“At the moment with the U21s, the goal is to keep performing well and finish as high as possible in the league,” he confirmed. “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!”
A versatile player who can excel in multiple positions, Scarles has impressed many during his time at the Club, including former captain and current Sporting Director Mark Noble.
Commenting on Noble’s role on his development, Scarles added: “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 reciprocated the high praise, making no secret about the high hopes and expectations he has for the 18-year-old.
“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,” said the Hammers’ record Premier League appearance-maker. “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.
“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. He’s still only 18, so patience is key. I hope this is the one of many contracts we do for him.”
Everyone at West Ham United would like to congratulate Ollie on signing his new contract and wish him every success for his future in Claret and Blue.
