No Payne, no gain

  • by Staff Writer
  • Tuesday, 3rd March 2009

Josh Payne has expressed his delight at being involved in the first team squad for the first time.

The young midfielder had expected to be lining up at the side of the pitch to act as 'ball boy' for West Ham United 1-0 win over Manchester City but due to a fixture clash with the junior Academy team - who usually provide the ball boys -and the current lack of strength in depth to Gianfranco Zola's first team squad, Payne was an unused sub for the first time.

"I got told I was going to be ball-boy on Friday and then ended up training with the first team at Upton Park on Saturday," he told the club's website.

"Then I got told on Sunday morning that I was on the bench. I was over the moon. To go from youth team to reserves to the first team is great. I had no idea.

"I can't really explain what it was like to be out there with the crowd," added the 18-year-old. "I was nervous but then I get nervous before a youth team game. It was a fantastic experience."

Basingstoke-born Payne has been a regular for the reserves and youth team this season, whilst he spent three months on loan at Cheltenham between September and December last year where he made thirteen appearances.

Talking about his future first team ambitions, he mused:

"I just need to stay on my toes and be ready. Hopefully I can get in the first team but we'll see what happens as I don't want to say too much now. I'll get a few more games under my belt for the reserves and then we'll see."

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