WHZ View: Anton Ferdinand – scorer of big goals for West Ham
Thursday marked the 36th birthday of former West Ham United defender Anton Ferdinand.
Like his brother, Rio, Anton graduated through the West Ham Academy system under the great Tony Carr.
Between the years of 2003-2008, the centreback made 162 appearances for the Hammers and scored five goals. He played a pivotal role in getting us back to the Premier League in 2005, our infamous FA Cup run the season after and solidifying our top-flight status.
Despite playing in defence, Ferdinard scored some vital goals for the Hammers in his five seasons. In honour of his birthday, West Ham Zone have picked his top three to look back on.
Leaving it late at the Lane
Anton scored his first top-flight goal for West Ham in the 2005 London derby at White Hart Lane. We had trailed since the 16th minute to a goal from the Egyptian striker, Mido.
In the dying seconds of the 90, Ferdinard found space in the Spurs penalty area and rose brilliantly to meet a Paul Konchesky corner. He outjumped even his own goalkeeper, Shakka Hislop, who’d joined the attack and salvage the Hammers a crucial point.
It sparked delirious scenes in the away end amongst the travelling fans.
Belter at the Boleyn
Easily his best strike, a goal any of us would be proud of.
In 2006, West Ham faced Fulham at Upton Park. Ferdinand gave us the lead expertly after 17 minutes. Etherington had floated in a corner, that was half-cleared. Marlon Harewood lofted the ball up with his head on the edge of the box, for Anton to turn and his first time on the volley.
The ball flew in past Antti Niemi. Ferdinand ran to the corner of the Sir Trevor Brooking stand and was mobbed by his teammates. Deservedly so, one of the best goals I’ve seen at Upton Park.
Rate that, Rio
This one was also special. We were trailing 1-0 at home to Manchester United in December of 2007.
A lot happened on that evening, it was Carlos Tevez’s return for the first time. He was met by a standing ovation to which he threw up the crossed arms. A real collectors item followed, the great Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty, he didn’t even hit the target.
He had scored the first, however, not that it mattered in the end. In the second half, Ferdinand rose to meet a George McCartney corner and head in against his brother’s side. It was an expertly taken goal, and set us on the path to winning 2-1 thanks to a similar goal from Matthew Upson.
Thanks for the memories, Anton.
In other West Ham news, our next five matches are crucial.