Tony Carr admits there is a real buzz among his players as
they prepare to face Charlton Athletic in the FA Youth Cup third
round this evening.
West Ham United's Youth Academy Director will lead the young Hammers into battle against their London rivals at Upton Park, and says the competition always ensures a sense of eagerness among the squad.
"At the start of every season, the FA Youth Cup is something the boys really look forward to," says Tony. "It's a chance to play at Upton Park - which they don't normally do - and an opportunity to pit their wits against the best in the country.
"Like the FA Cup for the first team, it's a special competition, and we are really looking forward to it.
"We had an empty fixture at the weekend, which was a great help for us, as a lot of the boys have been playing regularly for both the youth and reserve team this season.
"It gave them the opportunity to have a couple of days rest and hopefully be fresh and eager for the visit of Charlton. They are certainly that at the moment - there has been a real buzz among them in the last couple of days.
"It will be a tough game - we beat them in the league earlier in the season, but they had a few of their best players missing that day. I'm expecting a close scoreline, and hopefully we will be good enough to come out on top again."
Kick-off at Upton Park is at 7.00pm, and supporters can gain entrance via the Dr Martens Stand lower tier, admission priced at £3.00 for adults and £1.00 for under-16s/senior citizens.
For a full and exclusive video preview from Tony Carr ahead of tonight's match, go to WHUTV now and head for the Bubbling Under channel…
West Ham United's Youth Academy Director will lead the young Hammers into battle against their London rivals at Upton Park, and says the competition always ensures a sense of eagerness among the squad.
"At the start of every season, the FA Youth Cup is something the boys really look forward to," says Tony. "It's a chance to play at Upton Park - which they don't normally do - and an opportunity to pit their wits against the best in the country.
"Like the FA Cup for the first team, it's a special competition, and we are really looking forward to it.
"We had an empty fixture at the weekend, which was a great help for us, as a lot of the boys have been playing regularly for both the youth and reserve team this season.
"It gave them the opportunity to have a couple of days rest and hopefully be fresh and eager for the visit of Charlton. They are certainly that at the moment - there has been a real buzz among them in the last couple of days.
"It will be a tough game - we beat them in the league earlier in the season, but they had a few of their best players missing that day. I'm expecting a close scoreline, and hopefully we will be good enough to come out on top again."
Kick-off at Upton Park is at 7.00pm, and supporters can gain entrance via the Dr Martens Stand lower tier, admission priced at £3.00 for adults and £1.00 for under-16s/senior citizens.
For a full and exclusive video preview from Tony Carr ahead of tonight's match, go to WHUTV now and head for the Bubbling Under channel…