Adam's Fear

Adam Newton fears for his West Ham future after failing to win a regular place in the Notts. County side on loan.

But his determination to carry on fighting for his Hammers' career is as strong as ever.

Adam has been at Notts. County since the winter and had hoped that a few months in division 2 would stand him, like Jermain Defoe, in good stead for next season - the last of his Upton Park contract.

But he admits:

"Things are not going too bad and also not going too good, because I haven't been in the side as consistently as I would have liked, but hopefully in the last couple of games before the end ofthe season I will get a look in now.

"I think I've started about 7 and been on the bench 7 times as well but because the squad was pushing for promotion the manager felt he needed a stronger squad and added a few top names like Geoff Thomas and Colin Calderwood and a couple of others.

"That increased the numbers and the value of the squad and I found myself pushed down the pecking order which is a bit unfortunate really.

"The idea is to prove to myself I can play in division 2 and then Harry Redknapp will hopefully see that, take it into account, and consider me for squad selection at West Ham but if I'm not playing here then it will be difficult for me.

"I know I can do it at Notts. County but it's up to the manager to give me a chance, but it's up to him.

"I've got another year at West Ham and I was looking to that to push on."

Adam, who made his debut at Coventry in september 1999, adds:

"I'd hoped that Notts. County would have done me good but I don't know where I stand - with me not playing as regularly I don't know how West Ham will look at it.

"In the last couple of weeks things haven't gone Notts. County's way and they have fallen a bit behind in the promotion race.

"So gradually the pressure has been getting off a little bit and they are playing with a bit more confidence and not worrying about promotion.

"Unfortunately I have been playing in Notts. County's reserves which is disappointing but I'd rather be playing than standing around doing nothing."

He still keeps in touch with other Hammers' players of his age group and says:

"I speak to Michael, Shaun, Terrell Forbes and I caught up with Steve Purches and Jermain Defoe the other day."

He also came on as sub against Swindon and Gary Alexander on easter monday and says of the former Hammers' striker:

"Fortunately he missed a penalty early on but other than that he looks well.

"He has gone down to go back up and once he gets on scoring terms hopefully people will see what he is really like."

Is going down to go back up [hopefully] on Adam's mind this summer?

"I wouldn't comment on that just yet," he says "because I would like to prove to them I want to stay - but at the end of the day it is up to them.

"I would like to follow fellow youth players Joe and Michael in the side and doing well - hopefully I can join them one day."

Adam was on the bench 5 times earlier in the season without coming on and, of course, keeps up with events at Upton Park.

"It's nice to get on the bench for someone as young as myself but when you are there you want to get on the pitch and unfortunately it didn't come - hopefully it will soon.

"Unfortunately West Ham have been dragged down into the relegation battle and I think we just need one or two wins and we should be alright," he reckons.

"I'm quite surprised with the entertaining team we've got, and I'm not too sure why we are there.

"I thought we could have done a bit better, but the squad has been depleted.

"It was unfortunate at the start of the season, we weren't playing too badly but we weren't getting the results which matters.

"It's the same again now - but that is just the way football goes."

And a summary of his time in the midlands?

"I am a bit downhearted because it is my goal, my dream to play for West Ham but I'll keep plugging away and see what happens."