Ferdinand Pens New Deal

Last updated : 04 May 2004 By Mad Reporter
The 18-year-old younger brother of former West Ham defender Rio said he was delighted to have secured his immediate future at Upton Park.

"It didn't take me long to agree the deal, it was just a matter of sorting a few things out," he told the club's official website.

"I started as a schoolboy at West Ham United, and it is great to be given the opportunity to develop my game here."

"It is a great club to learn your trade as has been shown by my brother, Frank Lampard, Michael Carrick, Jermain Defoe, Joey Cole, Richard Garcia, Shaun Byrne, Mark Noble, Chris Cohen and many others who have come through the club's youth academy," he added.

"He is a very good manager who has helped me a great deal in the short time he's been here.

"I have felt more confident because he works so hard - not with just me, but the whole squad."