David Progressing

David Forde says he is enjoying the opportunity to play first team football on loan in Ireland.

David, on a three month temporary deal with Derry City, is playing in front of home crowds of around 2000 to 3000, and says:

"It is going all right, not too bad; I have played about six games and have three clean sheets, I think - I am getting tested, and it is good to be playing competitive football, which is what I want.

"Hopefully when I return to England in August I will be flying, but I am not really sure if I will then go on loan again.

"But if the opportunity arises I will, dependent on what is happening back at the club."

With Raimond van der Gouw having left this summer, David is one of three senior keepers at the club, and he adds: "Raimond has left, so that has opened the door a bit."

That still leaves competition with David James, and, if he signs a new deal as he said he would this summer, Steve Bywater; regarding David James, he says:

"I am not quite sure what will happen; it is just paper speculation which you don't really want to read.

"I don't want anyone to leave but if he did it would improve my situation!

"I think it would be business as usual; he will still be getting worked though the standard won't be as high so it is a bit of a tricky one, especially with him being England number one.

"But Sven has said he is happy for David to stay in the first division so the main thing is for him to do the business.

"If you look at the Irish scene there are first division players doing well at international level so it could be all right.

"I have learnt a lot from Jamo and I am still confident that I can break through if is keep working hard."

Regarding his own ambitions, the £60,000 signing from Barry Town says:

"Football is all about luck and with that you never know what might happen - so I am keeping my fingers crossed.

"But I am looking forward to coming back in August and at least I will be match fit then; I don't mind that I won't have had a break because I work in the summer anyway."

As for West Ham's loss of Premiership status, he concludes:

"It is a big disappointment especially for such a big club as West Ham with Premiership players; but these things happen and you have to just get your head up and get on with it.

"It is going to be tough but I am confident we can go up at the first attempt."

* Comments attributed to Joe Cole in a newspaper 'exclusive' on Tuesday have baffled those at Upton Park.

They were actually made much earlier in the month at an England press conference.

Joe is currently on holiday in America.