West Ham youngster Josh Cullen wants to fight for his place in the first-team squad next season instead of being sent out on another developmental loan.
Speaking to the club’s official site at the opening of the new West Ham club superstore, Cullen stated that he enjoyed his time on loan at Bradford last season, but wants to kick on in his progression and secure some first-team opportunities at the Olympic Stadium next season.
The aim is to be in and around the first team squad. I was on the bench a few times last year and now it’s time to kick on with a good loan spell under my belt. I need to make sure I try and cement my place in it. I enjoyed my time on loan at Bradford and it helped me gain experience and learn more about the game. It was my first time away from West Ham and I think that’s helped me grow up as a player. Now I’m just looking forward to getting back to West Ham and kicking on and trying to make an impression during pre-season.
West Ham already have a lot of depth in the midfield area. Mark Noble and Cheikhou Kouyate are, as they stand, your opening day starters in the heart of the midfield. The future of Pedro Obiang is in doubt as he is looking for more regular game-time, but the arrival of Havard Nordtveit from Borussia Monchengladbach will add another body who will be vying for minutes next season.
We saw that Reece Oxford was more than capable of playing as a holding midfielder last season, while Diego Poyet is at the stage in his career where he needs to start playing regularly. Whether it’s with West Ham or elsewhere remains another question. It’s hard to see Cullen at this point in time playing much at all next season.
The Ireland U21 international impressed in his time at Bradford last season making 17 appearances for the club before returning to the Hammers. He could do with another loan at Championship level before making the step up to the rigours of the Premier League.
