West Ham Want Compensation for Cole

Most of the papers are running with the story that West Ham are claiming compensation from the Football Association following Carlton Cole's groin injury while on England duty.


On the official West Ham website James Tomkins thanks everyone from his parents to his West Ham United team-mates to Academy director Tony Carr after scoring his first senior goal for the Hammers. Tomkins says the goal is a reward no just for himself but also the many people who have invested time and effort in his football career since he joined West Ham at the age of eight.

"My Mum and Dad were at the game and it was obviously a moment that I need to thank them a lot for. Over the years they have taken me to training and my goal was for them."

"You can see the challenge from the players that have come through at the club, these massive players like [Michael] Carrick, [Joe] Cole and [Rio] Ferdinand. They are brilliant players and Tony Carr has a lot to do with it. He manages the youth team. A lot of the staff are brilliant in terms of boosting your confidence and giving you your chance here."