7:00am Friday 19th March 2010
Exclusive By Anthony Marshall
TOWN will today complete the signing of West Ham striker Frank Nouble on loan, the Swindon Advertiser can exclusively reveal.
Manager Danny Wilson admitted yesterday he was close to bringing a fresh face into his injury-hit squad, and England Under 19 international Nouble has been landed to try and fire Swindon to promotion.
Wilson was determined to keep his signing under wraps, explaining: “We’ve made a lot of headway (with transfers) and with a bit of luck will have somebody in by tomorrow (Friday).
“I don’t want to jump in too quickly and tell you exactly who it is and where he plays, I would rather have him in the door first, get him under a loan contract and then let you know.”
But the Advertiser understands Nouble travelled from London to Swindon yesterday afternoon to finalise the deal, will join his new teammates this morning for training, and go straight into the squad to face League One leaders Norwich tomorrow.
The highly-rated 18-year-old has made 10 appearance for West Ham this season following his summer switch from Premier League rivals Chelsea.
Nouble also spent the whole of February on loan at West Bromwich Albion, where he featured three times for the Baggies.
With 22-goal top scorer Billy Paynter currently sidelined through a hamstring injury and Vincent Pericard fighting to be fit for tomorrow’s fixture, Nouble’s arrival will be a timely boost to Town’s striking options.
Rookie Charlie Austin has been forced to lead the line on his own against both Brighton and Southampton, albeit with goalscoring success, but Nouble is expected to add another striking option with power and pace among his main assets.
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/trade_directory/