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EXCLUSIVE interview with a former Hammer

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Tim Holland talks exclusively to former West Ham and St. Kitts and Nevis international, Adam Newton on the FA Youth Cup, the Knowledge, working in Woking and playing in the Caribbean.

Q. You came through the West Ham academy and were part of the FA Youth Cup winning side of 1999. How do you assess your time at West Ham?

I’d been associated with West Ham since I was 10 so to have the chance to play for the team I supported was as good as it gets. Progressing through the Academy – training and playing with great players each day was something that put me in a right frame of mind to maintain through my career. I learnt so much from Tony Carr, Pete Brabrooke, Frank Lampard Snr & Harry Redknapp and that helped me a great deal. I was fortunate enough to make a few 1st team appearances and that is something I’ll never forget.

 

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Q. What’s your best memory of your time at the Boleyn Ground?

I’m lucky to have a few. Firstly, the night we won the FA Youth Cup in front of a full house at Upton Park was unreal. I got to feel what it was like to play under the lights at Upton Park. Secondly, making my home debut ironically vs Coventry City. We were winning 5-0 already but to be on the pitch was a dream come true. And lastly when we won the FA Premier U19 League trophy. It was another night at Upton Park, not quite as packed as the Youth Cup game, but still had the same buzz to be out on the Boleyn.

 

Q. You had a few loans spells at Portsmouth, Notts County and Leyton Orient. Do you think they helped you progress as a footballer?

Yeah definitely. Going out on loan takes you out of that comfort zone your familiar surroundings. You almost have to go and prove yourself at that club again. But it’s also a chance to play real competitive games and gain valuable football experience.

Q. Who has been the best player you played with and against?

I have to be biased and use former team mates. Each with different aspects – Paolo Di Canio was a genius in training, playing and in the dressing room. Rio Ferdinand because he made everything look so easy. Frank Lampard because of his work rate in training and games. Joe Cole had some skills and talent as a kid and lastly Michael Carrick as he could dictate the pace of any game with his passing and calmness on the pitch.

 

 

Q. You’ve gone onto play for Peterborough, Luton, Brentford and Woking. Where have you enjoyed the most?

I’m still currently playing at Woking at the moment and things are going great. I’m still fit and enjoying it so I can’t say where I’ve enjoyed most until I stop playing.

 

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Q.. Are you enjoying your time at Woking?

Yeah it’s a great little club. We’re only part time and have a small squad but have so many characters. Plus I’m still fit and enjoying it and things are going great. I’m looked at as an older head to help some of the younger lads we have, but the main thing is we all get on and want to do well.

Q. You have the distinction of being one of a small band of England based players that have played for St. Kitts and Nevis. How was that experience?

It was definitely an eye-opener especially as to how they approach the game. Over there, they are a lot more laid back and it’s not really the right way to prepare for a game, but it’s how they do it and was not what I’ve been used to.

 

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Q. A footballer’s career is shorter than most, have you got any plans post retirement?

I’m doing the Knowledge at the moment, hoping when I pass I’ll be my own boss and still have the flexibility to get back into coaching. I hope to be involved in some way where I help people achieve or progress in what they do. 

 

Q. Do you still keep an eye for the West Ham scores? Any predictions for West Ham this season?

 

Every week! I think a top 10 finish is ideal. A FA Cup run would be nice but they have a tough game vs Man United but who knows. I’d still be standing in the Bobby Moore lower with a few mates who are season ticket holders but I don’t have the time at the moment. When I finish playing, one of the first things I’ll be doing is getting that season ticket. Back to where it all started!

 

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