It’s well known that West Ham have a very strong academy set-up, currently teeming with quality youngsters waiting for their first-team opportunity. One of those is young defender Kyle Knoyle, who shone on the weekend at Charlton having been thrust into the starting line-up at the last minute.
We were fortunate enough to speak with Kyle about life at West Ham.
Did it come as a shock to you when you were drafted into the starting eleven minutes before kick-off against Charlton, or were you excited by the prospect of stepping up to the plate at such short notice?
‘It did come as a bit of a surprise to me being so close to kick-off, but there’s no time to dwell on it. I knew I had to come in and do the job that would be asked of me because that’s what I’m there for, but I was excited by the prospect because it’s a great opportunity that I’ve been waiting for to show the manager what I can do and what I’m capable of!’
We predominantly see you play as a full-back in the back four of the defence. Do you have any preferences in terms of left-back or right-back, or are both just as good?
‘I’m a versatile player that can cover many positions; it’s something I’ve done throughout my career at West Ham which has helped me develop into the player I am today. I’ve played across the whole back four and even right wing at times, but my main position is right-back. It’s where I’m at my best and where I see myself playing throughout my career.’
With a lot of young full-backs coming through, such as Alex Pike and Lewis Page, are you enjoying the competition for places?
‘They’re both great fullbacks and to compete against them for places in the team is great motivation for myself; it drives you to improve and helps you become a better player knowing that if you’re not performing to the level required then you’ll be replaced. Therefore, it keeps you on your toes, makes you work harder to get the shirt then once you get it to keep it and stay in the team.’
We saw the U21 side unfortunately suffer relegation at the end of last season. Do you think the lads can bounce straight back?
‘Last season was a difficult season for the U21 side. We had a very young squad towards the end as there was a lot of transition going on at the time, so the team wasn’t really settled but towards the end of the season it started to click beating the likes of Chelsea and Man City which goes to show the quality we have in the side. We’ve got a very strong squad and I’m more than confident that we can bounce back up.’
What are your footballing aspirations; for both club and country?
‘My aspiration this season is to comfortably make the transition from U21 football to first team football. My dream will always be for an opportunity to arise where I can get games for the first team at West Ham, but if it’s felt best by the club that I need to get some Football League experience first, then I will just do my best for the U21s until a suitable loan option becomes available that the club feel is right for me. With regards to my international aspirations, I am firm believer if I get my club football right, international opportunities will come and it is always an honour to play for your country.’
