Have West Ham created barriers for Carr’s new generation?

A mid-week game at Upton Park in May saw the assembled crowd witness a peculiar case of déjà vu. Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole and John Terry were among those sporting West Ham’s claret and blue strip that evening. These PL stars and countless others were in attendance for Tony Carr’s testimonial. The club’s Director of Youth Development was granted this special accolade having been associated with the club for over 40 years. It was a proud moment for a man who has tutored stars such as Michael Carrick, Jermaine Defoe, Glen Johnson and many more. Carr’s diligent and tireless work has seen a new generation of youngsters emerge at Upton Park. But with a change in manager and an eventful summer transfer window what are the prospects of James Tomkins, Jack Collison and Zavon Hines continuing their progression this season?

Since witnessing his own playing career prematurely ended by injury Tony Carr has been a constant presence at West Ham. His dedication to grass-roots football and development of young talent, capable of reaching the highest level of the game is an achievement that the club, its fans and Carr himself are rightly proud of. It is a source of frustration that many of the gifted players developed at West Ham went on to depart the club despite commanding huge transfer fees. The BBC dubbed Carr the ‘youth coach who had nurtured £80 million of talent’ in the past decade. As the next generation of young starlets reach maturity are their chances of regularly making the club’s first XI this season in doubt?

Under Avram Grant the club have made five summer signings thereby potentially restricting the playing chances of the recent Academy graduates. Tal Ben Haim and Winston Reid have been signed to boost the manager’s defensive options. This may impinge on the development of Basildon born James Tomkins who was once described by Gianfranco Zola as ‘my JT.’ The youngster made a few untimely errors last season but is positionally intelligent and has aerial strength. Fans would not wish to see his professional development falter.

The acquisition of Pablo Barrera and possible loan signing of Miralem Sulejmani may scupper the playing time of Junior Stanislas and Freddie Sears. Local lad, Sears is one player who has regressed since scoring on his PL debut against Blackburn in 2008. This match winning cameo would be hard to replicate but first team chances have not been forthcoming for the quick forward. Loan spells at Crystal Palace and Coventry City saw him employed sporadically and invariably out of position. How West Ham handle his development over the next season will be critical to his future prospects at the club.

Nonetheless recent Academy graduates including Zavon Hines and Jack Collison have forced their way into the first team picture at West Ham. Currently nursing a knee injury, Collison in particular has shown exemplary qualities, inviting comparisons with Lampard and Carrick. Used on the left of midfield but a strong candidate for a more central role, Collison is an elegant ball player, has a range of passing and goes for goal after commonly finding space on the edge of the box. The player showed dignity and character when returning to the field so soon after the tragic death of his father last year.

It is a convention that when a player or manager joins a new club there is the obligatory talk of a great history and traditions. Avram Grant made no departure from this predictable formula and must manage his youngsters with care. In the traditions of the club Academy graduates should be granted playing time. A balance needs to be struck between youth and experience but Grant will be mindful of not hindering the players who have all received the expert guidance of Carr. Anthony Edgar, cousin of Defoe, who has impressed in pre-season is proof that the production line keeps on coming at the Boleyn Ground.

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