WHUFC.com
Seeing one youngster after another breaking through into his first team has
delighted Gianfranco Zola
10.04.2009
Gianfranco Zola is in no doubt that his talented crop of youngsters has the
potential to go all the way to the very top.
With Glen Johnson, Michael Carrick, Rio Ferdinand, Joe Cole and Frank
Lampard all established England internationals, Zola knows the standard the
club's academy is capable of producing but sees no reason why the likes of
James Tomkins and Jack Collison cannot follow suit. Crucially all are on
long-term deals and committed only to helping West Ham United to the next
level in the years to come.
Zola said: "We have players with the potential to be as good as the others.
Don't forget that when Frank, Joe Cole and Carrick started they were playing
for West Ham. They were more or less the same as these guys. They were young
players who were very good but nobody knew they would become champions like
they are now.
"You could tell they were potentially good players but you don't know. Now
is the same situation. The players can potentially be top players but it is
down to them to develop. They are just starting. This is just the beginning
for them and they will have to put in a lot of work over the next few years
and that will determine whether they will be champions or not. It's as
simple as that.
"I haven't got a magical ball where I can see into the future but I would
like to say that they can achieve as much as they want to. I built up my
career always on the belief that it's down to how hard I work to achieve
what I want to achieve. If they work, they can be whatever they want. That's
what I tell them every day. You get what you work for, it's as simple as
that."
The manager's whole philosophy is based around working with young talent and
he described it as a "big pleasure" to be realising his managerial dream
alongside Steve Clarke at West Ham. "We've been working with these players
and we have seen them progressing. We remember the way they were when we
started and to see them doing so well makes us very proud and very pleased."
"Having them come through together is the key. I'm relying a lot on that.
From my experiences that I've had in football, if you build up the right
atmosphere in the team and have the mix of experienced, positive players and
young players coming through, it creates an environment where everyone
performs at his best.
"That's what's happening here. The results are proving me right so it's
something I believe a lot. I think that's the key and the secret in our
results this year."
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Captain's Blog - A great week
WHUFC.com
Lucas Neill summed up the spirit at Chadwell Heath ahead of what is likely
to be a lively London derby
10.04.2009
This has been a great week for the club. It was fantastic to have Junior
Stanislas mark his full debut for the first team with a goal against
Sunderland. It was fully deserved. He was a great threat and to top off Tony
Carr and the West Ham Academy's day, James Tomkins scored his first goal.
It was well deserved and the icing on the cake after some really mature
performances of late and credit to Tony Carr and everyone at the academy who
continue to breed fantastic talent. They are good honest kids coming through
who have dreams of playing for the club. Certainly the more Junior's and
Tomka's that come through, the better.
We have also got Josh Payne knocking on the door and Mark Noble is a credit
to the Academy as are all the big names playing elsewhere before them. It is
a tag that the club has - the Academy of Football. It is not unjustified.
When a squad is depleted, to be able to turn to guys that look good in
training but are still very young is great credit to everyone associated
with the club.
I wish them all continued success. As long as they keep their heads down and
keep working hard and make the right sacrifices, they have every chance of
realising their dreams.
It would be stating the obvious to say that Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday is
a big game for the club. We can be very proud of the club's achievements
thus far and in particular the strength we have shown. We have had some
difficult times in that we have struggled for numbers in training games let
alone putting a team out for the league.
We showed last week that we have a strong squad capable of getting results.
I played defensive midfield and loved it but more importantly I enjoyed
getting off a plane from Australia and seeing the team keeping a clean sheet
and winning the game.
We know exactly what we need to do in the last seven games of the season and
what is great that, even though we are weak in squad size, we are really
strong in spirit. It is a compliment to everybody associated with the club
that we find strength in times of need. We are going to need that strength
this weekend against what most people would class one of the biggest games
of the season. We are taking on a local rival and the players understand how
important the result is.
For three reasons this game is huge. Firstly because it is a derby with our
rivals and if we win, not only will we send West Ham fans into ecstasy, it
will also give them bragging rights until the game comes around again next
season. Secondly we need to avenge the disappointment of the 2-0 loss just
before Christmas. Thirdly if we can draw or win the game it will mean that
Tottenham won't gain any points on us and a victory would pretty much finish
their chances of catching us for seventh place which is the most important
thing.
We are in a good position now where as long as we keep the teams chasing us
away by drawing or beating them, it is going to be very hard for people to
catch us. We still also have one eye on trying to close the gap on Everton
ahead of us.
For all sorts of reasons this is a massive match and what an exciting game.
Two teams in form, two teams not conceding many and scoring a few and it is
going to be interesting. The atmosphere is going to be electric, we are
really looking forward to it.
This week I also visited a Cancer Research UK laboratory with Bobby Moore
Fund founder Stephanie Moore and it was a really educational afternoon. In
particular, we went into the lab that was trying to find a cure for the
cancer that claimed the life of the legendary Bobby Moore.
To be standing next to Bobby's widow Stephanie Moore and talking to the
actual people who are trying to cure bowel cancer was a privilege but it was
also amazing that you were in a laboratory that could be saving millions of
lives by making a breakthrough in science and medicine. It was a fascinating
day and it was great to be able to support Stephanie, accept the hospitality
of Cancer Research UK and again promote the Bobby Moore Fund, which is
important to us all.
Thanks for all your support last week and your support to come on Saturday.
Let's hope we head home from White Hart Lane with a win.
Lucas Neill
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Tomkins targets Tottenham
WHUFC.com
James Tomkins is taking aim at a seventh-place finish ahead of the derby
date at White Hart Lane
10.04.2009
James Tomkins has said everyone in the squad is relishing the opportunity to
take on Tottenham Hotspur this weekend in the club's push for Europe.
The 20-year-old boyhood Hammers fan completed an important 2-0 victory
against Sunderland last Saturday with his first goal for the club. The win
lifted West Ham into seventh place and left the club in with a strong chance
of qualifying for next season's UEFA Europa League. It also moved them six
points clear of this weekend's opponents Spurs with just seven games to go.
"It's a massive game for the club," Tomkins said. "We are pushing for that
UEFA spot and it's a massive game for the fans as they are our local rivals.
"There's a great confidence in the team at the moment and a good team spirit
as it has been all season. It's good at the moment and everyone is just
enjoying their football. Seventh is the aim. We've got a target there that
we are heading towards. Each game is vital now that we pick as many points
up as we can. Next game is Tottenham, which we are all relishing."
While he was delighted to get his name on the senior scoresheet for the
first time in his rapidly flourishing career, Tomkins insisted the team's
success was more important than his own individual achievements.
"It was a feeling I'll never forget. It's something you dream about as a kid
and I'm never going to forget it. I've been here since I was eight so it was
massive to score a goal, but the three points was even more important. It's
a feeling that you can't really describe. It's such a buzz. I've been
dreaming about that moment for a long time.
"Obviously myself and Junior scored but the most important thing was the
three points. We are chasing seventh spot and that's what we're aiming for."
Tomkins is one of eight Academy graduates to play for the first team this
season alongside Mark Noble, Jack Collison, Junior Stanislas, Kyel Reid,
Zavon Hines, Josh Payne and Freddie Sears, and the England Under-20 defender
believes it will not be long before that list grows even longer. Marek Stech
and Bondz N'Gala have both been on the bench and are close to a call.
"We've had a lot of vital players who have been injured so it is a chance
for youngsters to impress. There are more coming through, Josh and Junior,
there are a lot of good youngsters here at the club and a good backroom
staff that are helping us through."
While he is keeping one eye on his fellow youngsters' development, Tomkins
remains fully focused on keeping his own place in Gianfranco Zola's team -
no mean feat considering Wales international James Collins was on the
substitutes bench against Sunderland.
"I feel that I'm playing well at the moment and growing more confident with
every game. It was a great boost for me to start in front of James because
he's played well all season. I have been getting a good run in the team and
I'm full of confidence and just want to keep improving."
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Dyer closing on a start
WHUFC.com
Kieron Dyer has fond memories of winning at White Hart Lane and could be key
this weekend
10.04.2009
Kieron Dyer is closing on a full 90 minutes for West Ham United, according
to Gianfranco Zola.
The manager has been greatly impressed by the England attacker's return to
fitness and form and is looking forward to realising the best from his No7.
Dyer's cameos against Blackburn Rovers and Sunderland have particularly
whetted the appetite before the short trip to face Tottenham Hotspur on
Saturday. On his last appearance at White Hart Lane in January 2007, Dyer
played the full 90 minutes in a thrilling 3-2 win for Newcastle United.
"Kieron has had a game last week and the week before," Zola said. "We are
trying to make it as easy as possible for Kieron. I don't think it would be
good for him if he played more than he's playing right now. Every game we
are trying to give him more time because we have faith in him.
"We know that he's OK but we also know that he hasn't played for a long time
and cannot play for 90 minutes. We are increasing the time and also working
hard in training and looking forward to having the possibility of playing
him a little bit longer. I want to see him on the pitch for a long time."
The manager is mindful that Dyer has not started a game since August 2007
because of his double leg break and related minor setbacks that frustrated
his recovery. "He was out for a year and then he was coming back and he got
injured. Then he came back again and he got injured again. When the muscles
stay for so long without being used properly you come back and pick up small
injuries and every time you have to work at below 100 per cent.
"As soon as you come back you can't be at your best. If he gave 100 per cent
straight away he would get injured. That's what happened. Now, fortunately,
he has been progressing very well and I'm looking forward to playing him for
a full 90 minutes before the end of the season."
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Zola seeking Dyer resolution
Hammers boss says midfielder needs more time
Last updated: 10th April 2009
SSN
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola admits he is doing his best to try and get
long-term injury victim Kieron Dyer match fit as soon as possible. Dyer
missed most of last season and a large slice of the current campaign after
battling back to health following a double leg fracture against Bristol
Rovers in August 2007. The former Newcastle flyer is one of the most
dangerous midfielders when on form, but Zola has conceded he is still some
way short of a 90-minute outing despite four substitute appearances.
With Scott Park and Radoslav Kovac doubtful to feature against Spurs it had
been thought Dyer could fill the void, but Zola knows it takes time for a
player to fully recover following such a spell out of action. "We are trying
to make it as easy as possible for Kieron. It would not be good for him if I
played him more than I am right now," said Zola. "Every game we are trying
to give him more time because we have faith in him. We know he is a good
player. But he hasn't played for a long time and still cannot play 90
minutes. "Every time we are increasing the time on the pitch and also
working hard in training with him. I'm looking forward to the possibility of
playing him a little bit longer. I want to see him on the pitch for a long
time. "He was one year out, came back and got injured again. Then he came
back and got injured again. When that happens, because the muscles haven't
been used for a long time, you pick up small injuries. "Every time you have
to work you are not 100%, you can't give it your best. If he gives 100%
straight away he would get injured. "Now, fortunately, he is progressing
very well and I'm looking forward to playing him for 90 minutes. Obviously I
don't remember him at his best but I'm hoping I can see it this year."
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Zola - Tomkins can be great
Young defender already 'playing like a veteran'
Last updated: 10th April 2009
SSN
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola believes that James Tomkins has the
potential to become a world class defender. The 20-year-old, a product of
West Ham's renowned academy, scored a goal in the Hammers' Premier League
victory over Sunderland last Saturday. Tomkins, who has been a first-team
regular since returning from a loan spell at Derby, has impressed Zola with
a maturity that belies his age. "I believe he can be very good. He's only 20
but playing like a veteran. He is so confident. He is a very complete
defender," he said. "His attitude is very good and he has a lot of good
competition for a place here and that has made him a better player. He can
be a top defender."
Seven other academy graduates have appeared for the West Ham first-team this
season, a group of players Zola believes are crucial to his squad. "We have
a group of good young players coming through and that is the key for us,"
the Italian added. "It creates the kind of environment where everybody is at
their best and the results are proving me right. "We have players here who
potentially can be as good as the others who have become champions now."
The Hammers will travel to White Hart Lane for a London derby on Saturday
and Zola believes the task of marking Robbie Keane will provide Tomkins with
some more valuable experience. He said: "It will be a very interesting match
for him because he won't be up against the normal type of striker. "Robbie
is a clever player who likes to move around and get the ball, so it will be
a good test and I am looking forward to seeing how he copes. "It will be
important to control Robbie Keane and I am confident he can. I have a lot of
faith in my players and he can do a good job."
Zola witnessed a young John Terry progress through the ranks during his time
at Stamford Bridge but is hesitant to draw comparisons between the current
Chelsea captain and his latest prospect at centre-back. "John Terry was a
different story. He was more energetic and powerful, whereas Tomkins is
calmer and more in control," he added.
"John Terry was full of energy and power and had to learn how to control
himself. Tomkins is more relaxed. He thinks and is an intelligent player. He
is more composed."
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Hammers kids fail to wow Harry
Redknapp hails former West Ham youngsters
Last updated: 10th April 2009
SSN
Harry Redknapp does not believe the current crop of West Ham youngsters are
in the 'same class' as the group he managed at Upton Park. The likes of Mark
Noble, Freddie Sears and James Tomkins have all broken through in recent
times but Redknapp feels the players he helped develop during his time in
charge of the club were much stronger. Redknapp thinks West Ham would now be
regularly challenging for UEFA Champions League qualification if they had
kept hold of Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole, Michael Carrick and
Glen Johnson. Asked about Gianfranco Zola's youngsters, Redknapp said: "They
are not in the same class. No one will have five British kids as good as
that lot again. "Four players who grew up at West Ham - Ferdinand, Lampard,
Joe Cole and Carrick - played in last year's Champions League final.
"It makes you upset when you think they should all be playing for West Ham.
"West Ham have great support and they should have held on to those players.
They could have built a team around them which would have challenged
regularly for a Champions League place. "From the fans' point of view, it
was a big blow to see them all go. "None of them cost the club anything and,
if they had stayed, who knows where West Ham would be now? "Until that crop
came along, West Ham hadn't produced many good young players since Paul Ince
came through the ranks in 1986. Those five all became great players."
Redknapp, now at the Tottenham helm, has been impressed by West Ham this
season and believes manager Zola deserves much of the credit. He is looking
forward to facing the Hammers on Saturday but admits it will be an emotional
experience. "It's a club I went to at 15 so it's always a special club for
me and will never be any different," Redknapp said. "I'm pleased to see them
do well again this season and the football they have played has been
excellent. "They have turned it around great. Their manager was a great
player, a fantastic fella who everyone in the game loves. "No-one dislikes
Zola because he is a special character. "It's great to see him do so well.
It was difficult to go there with his background as a Chelsea man but he's a
professional and the fans have appreciated what he has done."
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Tottenham Preview
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 10th April 2009
By: Preview Percy
And so to Spurs at White Hart Lane for a match that appears to have escaped
the notice of the TV companies and the Metropolitan Police giving us a 3pm
Saturday kick-off.
One of the more amusing things about this season has been watching Spurs
bumping about the relegation zone. I don't suppose any of us would have
given much of a monkey's but for their supporters who have this strange
pre-occupation with size. A quick perusal of the posts by those who venture
onto the kumb forums seems to suggest that it is illegal for a Tottenham fan
to go more than five minutes without mentioning the words "big club" like
some sort of mantra. In that respect, Tottenham as a club are like that
bloke down your local who is forever boasting of his conquests but nobody
can ever remember having actually seen him with a woman.
Despite the often hilarious series of results earlier on in the season, I
think most of us in our heart of hearts never really thought they would go
down, however funny that would have been and they've steadied the ship
enough to reach the mid-table mediocrity that all but their fans consider to
be their rightful place. They currently lie in 11th spot some six points and
four places behind us though their current form has been fairly decent with
them winning four and drawing one of their last six, the defeat coming last
week up at Blackburn where ref Walton's performance lived right down to
expectations.
Mr Walton's efforts brought forth a predictable burst of nervous twitching
from the Spurs manager, who appears more like Jack Douglas with every
interview. (Note for younger readers Jack Douglas was the comedian whose
whole act seemed to be based on the fact that he had some sort of
uncontrollable muscular tic which would end up with him spilling liquid
(normally paint) over his boss. With, as they say, hilarious consequences).
Mr Redknapp has been holding forth about what a tragedy it was for West Ham
to have sold the likes of Rio & co, strangely omitting to dwell on the fact
that it was he who was manager when Rio was sold, his reported pay-off of
£300k obviously softening the blow of losing the country's best defender.
Mr Redknapp wasted little time on his arrival at Spurs buying back players
who left for better things but failed to make the grade at bigger clubs
(that'll annoy them) – Keane and Defoe both returning to the comfort zone of
N17 where the massed ranks of grease-stained anoraks and shell suits greeted
their return with strange glee. Defoe will be absent with injury of course
and Keane was partnered up at Blackburn by Darren Bent who is apparently
worth £16-17m. That may have been a case of "horses (or donkeys) for courses
as the former Charlton striker's style of play is probably more suited to
facing Blackburn's somewhat basic approach to football. That being the case
we may see a start for Pavlyuchenko instead of Bent this weekend.
Player of the season at White Hart Lane so far this season has to be 'keeper
Gomes. Redknapp moaned about ironic applause given to the keeper earlier in
the season, forgetting that he himself had said that the keeper would have
been dropped if he'd had anyone else to pick. Gomes seems to have little
spells where he handles the ball like it were a bar of soap. Most Spurs
supporters have no idea how soap handles when it's wet so it's little wonder
that they don't understand what Gomes' problem is. Strangely, Gomes seems to
be preferred to Cudicini who must be feeling a bit fed up with the
situation. I mean being considered no.2 to Cech is one thing but Gomes???
In front of Gomes we are likely to see Ledley King who has a nice little
thing going on with his knees which means that he only has to turn up to
work once a week or so – twice if Fabio fancies a chat, but only for a swift
cuppa. King will be partnered by Woodgate who is preferred to Dawson. One
player who will be missing will be Wilson Palacios whose second yellow last
week earned him some time off. Palacios's sending off may have been some
sort of apology on the ref's part for his earlier error in awarding Spurs a
penalty following some sort of hallucination. The penalty came from a cross
by Lennon who goes through hot and cold spells through the course of the
season. Another one to watch is Modric who shows enough from time to time to
make people wonder what he would look like playing for a half decent team.
In Spurs' favour for this one of course is our injury list. Spector's bout
of concussion has ruled him out already and Parker and Kovac, both of whom
missed last week, are both rated doubtful for this week as well, with Kovac
probably not wanting to risk his blonde locks in the dandruff-filled
atmosphere of White Hart Lane. The team will therefore largely be a matter
of who is fit and another start for Stanislas may be on the cards if there
are no returns to active duty from the treatment room and Tomkins may have
to start at right back if Neill is employed to stiffen up the midfield. Up
front the less than convincing or dynamic duo of "Schnorbitz" Tristan and
DiMichele will start. Tristan did show a few touches last week but it was
hard explaining to a non-regular that the lazy jog employed as he "chased"
down a loose ball was in fact an example of Tristan going flat out. Of
course he'll be getting used to walking pace over the next 32 months, the
magistrates failing to believe that old "I wasn't driving, I was adjusting
the heating" excuse when the breathalyser alarm sounded.
The bare bones state of the squad makes it difficult to be too positive for
this one which, after all, is their cup final bless 'em. I thought similar
last week but reckoned without the lack of fight from Sunderland who were
woeful. Spurs may be average in every respect but they are playing better
than Sunderland at the moment. One thing we're not short on at the moment is
spirit though and Mark Noble in particular always seems up for this one and
if that feeling can transmit to the rest of the side I can see us battling a
point so let's go for a 1-1 to set 'Arry twitching as he lines up his next
putt on the Wii machine.
Enjoy the game!
Last season 0-4 – A horror show as Boa-Morte loses the plot and Ferdinand
loses concentration. Some Spurs fans went for a wash to celebrate.
Danger Man: Lennon – in a half-decent spell of form at the moment.
Look out for: a big club – apparently there is one in N17 somewhere. Must be
annoying for Spurs fans that.
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Zola : JT is my own JT
The Sun
By CARL LONG
Published: Today
GIANFRANCO ZOLA reckons James Tomkins is West Ham's answer to John Terry but
warned the homegrown Hammers ace to expect his toughest test today at
Tottenham.
Tomkins, 20, signed a new long-term deal at Upton Park this week after
impressing Zola with mature displays at the heart of the Hammers defence.
Manager Zola said: "James is the complete, modern defender. He is 20 but he
plays like a veteran. "John Terry was very energetic at his age but James
has more composure. He reads the game well and looks calmer and more in
control." A win over Tottenham would keep Zola's men on course for a Europa
League spot but the Italian has warned rising star Tomkins to be on his
guard against striker Robbie Keane. Zola said: "James can become a very,
very good defender but Keane will give him a good test. In Robbie he will
find a completely different striker — he is very clever. "Being in the right
position is key. This will be a big test but I have faith in him to cope
with it."
Basildon-born Tomkins has been at the heart of a Hammers defence that has
conceded just once in their last five matches. And as the quest for Europe
gathers pace, Zola expects his young star to be hearing from Fabio Capello
soon. He added: "I am sure England are following his progress. He will be a
top player if he keeps on progressing and I am sure he will hear from them."
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Harry's Kids are a cut above
The Sun
By VIKKI ORVICE
Published: Today
SPURS boss Harry Redknapp claims West Ham's current crop of young guns are
not in the same league as the ones he managed at Upton Park. Redknapp hosts
the Hammers today with his Tottenham team in 11th place, six points and four
places behind his old club. But he insists the kids working under Gianfranco
Zola cannot be compared to the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Joe Cole, Frank
Lampard and Michael Carrick, who he guided during his time in the East End.
He said: "People have a misconception of West Ham as a great academy. "It
was a club that produced young players a long time ago — it used to be a
conveyor belt in the days of Bobby Moore and Trevor Brooking. "But they went
11 or 12 years without producing a player before I went back. "When I was
there, we produced six great kids that went on to play for England. If you
ask me whether the current crop could compare with the ones I had, my answer
is no chance — never. "Four of mine played in last year's Champions League
final and the other two are England internationals so that was a freak
occurrence."
Now Redknapp would like to see Tottenham start nurturing more home-grown
talent. He added: "There's nothing like producing your own players. "Spurs
have done it in the past with guys like Glenn Hoddle so it would be good to
get back to that. "Ledley King and Jamie O'Hara are the only ones at the
moment so, hopefully, there will be more."
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Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp marks down West Ham's latest youngsters
Spurs manager says they cannot compare with his graduates
'Misconception' that Upton Park now produces great talent
The Guardian, Saturday 11 April 2009 Article history
Harry Redknapp has warned West Ham not to expect their latest batch of
youngsters to eclipse the achievements of his own 'golden generation' at
Upton Park. The east Londoners have reinvigorated their reputation for
developing native talent by introducing James Tomkins, Freddie Sears, Jack
Collison and Junior Stanislas to their first-team squad this season, but
Redknapp insists they could never match the quality of the academy graduates
developed during his seven-year tenure.
Redknapp oversaw the blooding of Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard, Michael
Carrick, Joe Cole, Jermain Defoe and Glen Johnson before leaving in 2001,
with all six since establishing themselves as England regulars. The
Tottenham manager has the chance to gauge the merits of Gianfranco Zola's
class of 2009 at close quarters today when the Italian brings them to White
Hart Lane, but he doubts whether they can hope to enjoy the same levels of
success as their predecessors.
"I've been asked whether West Ham's current crop could compare with the ones
I had and my answer was 'no chance'," said Redknapp. "They have good kids at
West Ham now but the fact that we produced six top players was a freak
occurrence. They were all world-class players and you can't get carried away
and say it's going to happen again. The six are all internationals and a
couple are among the best players in the world.
"It was an incredible group and you'll never get that again. Only the great
Manchester United generation in the 1990s could compare to that – the likes
of David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt and the Neville
brothers.
"It's a misconception that West Ham is a great production line of young
players. It was a club that produced youngsters a long time ago – it used to
be a conveyor belt in the days of Bobby Moore, Frank Lampard Snr and, later
on, Trevor Brooking, but they had gone 11 or 12 years without producing a
player before I took over there in 1994."
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MY KIDS ARE BETTER THAN YOUR KIDS By Darren Lewis 11/04/2009
The Mirro
HARRY: MY GREAT KIDS
Harry Redknapp has crushed talk of a new golden generation at his old club
West Ham. The Spurs boss developed Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole
and Michael Carrick during his time at Upton Park. All four played in last
season's Champions League Final between Chelsea and Manchester United. In
addition, Jermain Defoe and Glen Johnson - who also started under Redknapp -
are in Fabio Capello's England plans for next year's World Cup. Redknapp
believes that, in contrast, Gianfranco Zola's youngsters Jack Collison,
James Tomkins, Mark Noble and Freddie Sears have too much to live up to.
Speaking ahead of Tottenham's home game against West Ham, Redknapp said:
"The youngsters now will never be as great as the ones I produced."
"When I was at West Ham, we produced six great kids that went on to play for
England. I was asked whether the current crop could compare with the ones I
had and my answer was 'no chance - never'. "Four played in last season's
Champions League final and the other two are England internationals so that
was a freak occurrence. It's great to see kids coming through. Noble has a
great attitude and is a good player who loves playing for West Ham. Tomkins
and Sears as well. They have good kids there. "But comparing them to the
great generation of the 1990s, it's not possible - they were so good,
worldclass players, all of them. "You can't get carried away and say it will
happen again. The six are all top players and a couple are among the best in
the world. "You'll never get that again - only the great Man United
generation can compare - Beckham, Scholes, Giggs and the Nevilles."
West Ham are boosted by the fact they have not lost away in the capital this
season. But Spurs are undefeated in their last four Premier League derbies.
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Tottenham boss Redknapp full of praise for Zola's West Ham
11.04.09 | tribalfootball.com
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has praised Gianfranco Zola for the way he has
lifted West Ham United. Redknapp said: "They have turned it around great.
Their manager was a great player, a fantastic fella who everyone in the game
loves. "No-one dislikes Zola because he is a special character. "It's great
to see him do so well. It was difficult to go there with his background as a
Chelsea man but he's a professional and the fans have appreciated what he
has done. "The fans understand the game and will appreciate the type of
football he is playing. "They demand a certain type of football having been
brought up on passing and what people consider playing the right way.
"They don't just kick it and hope, they play football and Zola has continued
on that theme."
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