When watching the superb entertainment on show at both the Madjeski Stadium and Stamford Bridge this week it was frustrating to see that the youths on show were mainly imported talent.
Are you on Facebook? Excellent, so are we http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/ForeverWestHamcom/200938616608282
Our club is famed for its academy, in years gone by we have produced such talent as Joe Cole, Michael Carrick, Frank Lampard and Rio Ferdinand to name drop but a few. But how is the latest crop of Tony Carr’s young guns getting along.
With the development squad on fire already this season, the future is looking bright as always. With attacking areas in particular looking strong with Elliott Lee, Robert Hall and Matthias Fanimo all coming through our fantastic youth system.
So what is Sir Carr’s trick, modest as always the man born in Bow claims it is all down to his right hand men and the catchment area of Essex and East London. During an interview in 2004 for the Daily Telegraph he said, “No way is it all down to me. It’s very difficult to say why we’ve been so successful in youth terms; I suppose it’s down to a number of factors but, most importantly, our recruitment area of east London and Essex is really fertile.”
Looking for experience? Just want to be heard outside of the Boleyn? We are currently looking for writers, drop us an email at foreverwestham@snack-media.com for more details
Carr and one of the best scouts in the business Jimmy Hampson are continuing their fine work. Looking down at the team sheet and the bench in particular you can see that the youth system is still working fine and dandy. Although I don’t think any are ready for a first team just yet, bar maybe young Hall, it is reassuring to see that our youth system can still produce.
The latest player off the conveyer belt is Leo Chambers, the tall centre half who has appeared on the bench next to his pal and fellow youth teamer Robert Hall. Chambers is known for his calmness on the ball and his reading of the game. Whilst we have all seen Robert Halls skills on display in league cup games, skilful and fast Hall is definitely one for the future.
Looking at the younger age group and the under 18s, Tony Carr and Jimmy Hampson fine work seems to have continued with players like Amos Nasha and Nathan Mavila who was poached from Wycombe in the Summer are looking to have a bright future.
Mavila who was previously interviewed by Jordan French on this very site, is an attack minded right sided player who has already scored for the Hammers in the Barclays under 18s league. Speaking to the official site he said, “”I was attracted to West Ham because of the opportunities available at the club and also because I knew a few of the people here. I didn’t just want to go somewhere and not feel at home. London is closer to home but, at the same time, it’s easy to feel not at home.”
Ever dreamt about getting paid for reading about West Ham? Well now you can make dreams a reality http://bit.ly/ffc-foreverwestham-lp
Whilst Nasha is a commanding centre half and is already being touted as the next Rio Ferdinand, no pressure there then! But whisper that quietly as we will have the big boys circling after him. Nasha impressed the Hammers faithful in the preseason win at Southend.
In the words of Andy Gray, “Tony Carr tick a boo son”. You sir are a legend.
Come on you Irons!
Tweet me @Bowdenwhu
Follow Amos Nasha @AmosNasha
Follow Nathan @N_Mavila
