Just as a short test sticking a piece of wire (2.67 inches long) in there without any radials is probably a good idea.
If the reception becomes better you know the Nooelec antenna is no good an you can start improving the new antenna with some radials 
The radials are meant in conjunction not with the current antenna but just a piece of wire.
(It could improve the current antenna but that is more a shot in the dark than anything else)
It combines to one of these antennas:
The dimensions should be approximately as described here:
(Three Easy DIY Antennas for Beginners - #2 by abcd567)
or here:
(QUICK SPIDER - No Soldering, No Connector)
9" is much too long for radials 
Just making something like the style on this picture is your best bet
Anyway good luck.