---
title: "Oxford hoping to emulate former West Ham graduates"
canonical: "https://readwestham.com/2015/12/17/oxford-hoping-emulate-former-west-ham-graduates/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Matt Mundy"
section: "West Ham News"
published: "2015-12-17T13:19:39Z"
modified: "2015-12-17T13:19:39Z"
---

# Oxford hoping to emulate former West Ham graduates

Reece Oxford celebrated turning 17 on Wednesday by signing his first professional contract.

The talented youngster shot to prominence with a man of the match display on the opening day of the season away win at Arsenal.

![Julian Finney/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readwestham.com/readwestham/2015/12/4834812421.jpg)

A versatile player, capable of playing as a defensive midfielder or central defender, Oxford came through the academy following in Hammer’s captain Mark Noble’s footsteps and notable England stars like Rio Ferdinand, Joe Cole and Michael Carrick.

Upon signing his new deal, [Oxford said he was delighted](https://www.whufc.com/News/Articles/2015/December/16-December/Oxford-s-birthday-wish) to finally sign a professional deal and hopes to one day emulate those who have gone on to make great careers coming through the ‘Academy of Football’.

> I am over the moon to have signed a professional contract. I have been waiting for over a year now to become a pro and I am really happy.

> I hope I can be on one of those pictures one day. I would love to follow in their footsteps.

Oxford has been tipped to do just that, making a name for himself for the under-21s whilst only aged 15 and 16 and getting linked with the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool.

![Dave Thompson/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readwestham.com/readwestham/2015/12/497793676.jpg)

But the England under-17 international says he is focussing only on improving every day in training.

> Sometimes players can fall off a bit when they sign a big deal, but I just want to get better and progress as a player.

> Mark Noble is on my case in training, but for good reasons as he wants me to become a better player. He doesn’t want me to become sloppy or take my foot off the pedal. He wants me to keep progressing.