New deals for young stars

Last updated : 08 April 2009 By Plymouth_hammer

The Academy graduates have been rewarded for their impressive performances this season with improved deals in recognition of their first-team status.

"It's fantastic that the club have shown their belief in me," Noble told the official site.

"We're trying to go forward and push on and we're in a great position at the minute. We've got an important game on Saturday against Spurs and we've got to keep the run going. It's been a great season and we've been doing well.

"The new manager has come in and some of the football at times has been unbelievable and I think people have noticed that. I'm just delighted to have signed and hopefully we can push on and try to get that European place."

20-year-old Tompkins said "It's really great to have signed for this great club so I'm just delighted to get it all sorted. I've come in at a time when we're pushing for a European place and I'm really enjoying my football. I feel I'm getting better with each game i have become more mature and going on loan did me a lot of good."

West Ham United CEO Scott Duxbury said: "I am obviously very pleased we have been able to agree long-term contracts with two important members of Gianfranco Zola's squad.

"We have a clear strategy in place to continue the development of the club in the years to come and integral to this is securing the future of our young players. It is good to see that Mark and James believe in what we are trying to achieve at West Ham United and are excited about the direction in which we are heading."