Mark Noble urged to find Aaron Cresswell replacement despite West Ham United contract extension
We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…
Frank McAvennie has told West Ham to hand Mark Noble the responsibility of finding someone to replace Aaron Cresswell despite his new contract.
The veteran defender has seen the club trigger their option to extend his contract by another 12 months, meaning his deal now expires in the summer of 2024.
But despite his good form towards the end of the campaign, McAvennie still believes that West Ham need to find a new left-back to replace him but feels it’s sporting director Noble who should be tasked with that job because he knows the club so well.
“I think they’re looking for a left-back. Cresswell has stepped up and done alright. Another year at the club, he’ll love that. But I think we need somebody,” he told West Ham Zone.
“We need a left-sided defender, one who can play left-back or centre-half. I think it’s a good deal. I like him. I’d like to see somebody better.
“I’d love to see Kieran Tierney there, that would be ideal. But he’s going to Newcastle I think, it seems like it.
“I think Cresswell has done well. He’s got to bring players in though, whether it’s David or not I don’t know. Let Mark Noble do it. He knows the football club, he knows how to pick a player.
“He can sit and watch a player better than any manager or any scout and tell you if he’ll fit in. It’s not just about being a good player, it’s fitting into the club. And Noble knows that club inside out so let him go and find someone.
“Go and pick players that will fit in at West Ham. If you let someone like him do that then I think the future will be alright.”