Young midfielder keen to make an impression...
West Ham loanee George Dobson says the opportunity to play first-team football was the driving force behind his decision to join Walsall.The 18-year-old midfielder moved to the Banks’s on a season-long loan deal yesterday, becoming the Saddlers’ sixth signing of the summer.
A highly rated and exciting young talent, Dobson featured regularly for West Ham reserves last season, helping them win the Under-21 Premier League Cup.
He was also named on the first-team substitutes’ bench for the Hammers’ Premier League games against Tottenham and Everton, although he has yet to make a senior career appearance.
But now Dobson, who was captain of the Arsenal Under-18s team, is relishing the chance to play at first-team level for the first time.
“I had a full season at West Ham last year - it was my first season there - playing Under-21 football,” said Dobson. “I thought this year would be the time for me to go out on loan.
“Getting the opportunity to play 90 minutes, and to play for three points every week, is something that I need.
“I had a season of playing Under-21s but now I feel I need to move on to the next chapter, a new beginning and get a successful loan move in.
“I wasn’t sure when or where, but a couple of weeks ago, Jon (Whitney), my agent and West Ham spoke and we came to the conclusion that this loan would be a good opportunity for me.
“My first impression of the manager was that he was a proper down to earth person. Speaking to him made my mind up straightaway.
“I feel this club could be perfect for me. It’s a family club and everyone gets on really well. Jon made me and my family feel really welcome so I feel it’s going to be the club for me.”
On his playing style, the promising youngster added: “I’d like to say I’m similar to the way Eric Dier plays for England. Sit in front of the back four, good passing range, break up play and give everything for the team.”