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The pictures show Rio Ferdinand in action during the game against Everton on 26/2/2000.
Club Career: 122 League apps. (+5 as sub), 2 goals
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| West Ham Utd.: |
1995-1996 |
Played |
1 |
Scored |
0 |
goals |
(Premiership) |
| |
1996-1997 |
Played |
15 |
Scored |
2 |
goals |
(Premiership) |
| |
Bournemouth: (on loan)
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1996-1997 |
Played |
10 |
Scored |
0 |
goals |
(Division 2) |
|
|
| |
| West Ham Utd.: |
1997-1998 |
Played |
35 |
Scored |
0 |
goals |
(Premiership) |
| |
1998-1999 |
Played |
31 |
Scored |
0 |
goals |
(Premiership) |
| |
1999-2000 |
Played |
33 |
Scored |
0 |
goals |
(Premiership) |
| |
2000-2001 |
Played |
12 |
Scored |
0 |
goals |
(Premiership) |
| |
| Transferred to Leeds on 27/11/2000 for £18, 000, 000 |
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Photograph taken on 11th. September 1997 by Nigel French. © G.Herringshaw.
Rio Ferdinand was yet another fine example of the excellent youth system that has produced such quality players for West Ham United over the years. In recent times, not only had Ferdinand come up through the ranks at Upton Park, but also Joe Cole, Frank Lampard and Michael Carrick to name but three. He made his debut for the Hammers in the last match of the 1995-96 season - a 1-1 draw at home to Sheffield Wednesday - whilst still a raw, yet immensely talented seventeen year-old. The following campaign saw Rio loaned out to manager Harry Redknapp's old club Bournemouth where the youngster was able to gain valuable experience of first team football. On his return to Upton Park he forced his way into the managers plans and featured in thirteen of the last fifteen League games of the season, scoring goals against Blackburn Rovers and Coventry City. His excellent form throughout the 1997-98 season earned him a place in Glenn Hoddle's England squad for the World Cup finals in France but, at still only nineteen years of age, he had to be content with looking on from the sidelines. As Rio continued to turn in eye catching performances in the West Ham rearguard it was inevitable that the offers would come flooding in for the gifted youngster. Rumours abound that some of Europe's biggest clubs were after the signature of one of English football's most exciting talents but West Ham stood firm and insisted that Rio was going nowhere. That was until November 2000 when, after turning down an earlier bid of £15 million, they finally succumbed to a massive bid of £18 million from Leeds United. I guess every player has his price. (David Scranage)