Robbie Blackwell

Robbie Blackwell is a promising left-back who has made good progress through the West Ham United Academy.

The Billericay-based defender joined West Ham United in summer 2005 and has been a regular in the Under-18s during the 2007/08 campaign. In February 2008 he went on work experience to Colchester United, and promptly appeared in a 2-2 reserve-team draw against Northampton Town. That match also featured former Hammers striker Teddy Sheringham.

Citing Paolo Di Canio as his all-time favourite West Ham United player and his dad Malcom as his inspiration, Blackwell - born 15 January 1990 - has ambitions of playing at the Santiago Bernabeu home of Real Madrid. Closer to home, he would relish the opportunity to come up against Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United.