Carr named as ambassador

West Ham United are pleased to announce that Tony Carr MBE will be taking up a new ambassadorial role at the Club following a restructuring at the Academy of Football.

The 63-year old has been awarded the prestigious role as recognition of his 40 years of service to the Club, most recently as the highly successful Academy Director. Carr's new position will see him act as consultant to the Club on youth development and remain a figurehead for the Academy at public meetings.

Carr's new position will see the Premier League's Head of Professional Development, Terry Westley, join the Academy as Head of Coaching and Player Development later in July once his duties at the Premier League conclude. Westley will be tasked with maintaining the Academy's world-class reputation for producing outstanding young players, as well as ensuring that a clear path for youngsters to progress to the first team exists.

Of his new role, Carr said: "I'm really looking forward to the challenge an ambassadorial role will bring. It will be a slight change in direction for me, but it will allow me to continue to do all I can to assist with the development of the next generation of young players.

"I will be there as a sounding board if any area of the Club wants to call upon my experience and expertise. As I take a step back from the day-to-day running of the Academy, I wish Terry every success in his new role and I am sure the Academy of Football will continue to produce fine young players under his guidance."

Joint-Chairman David Sullivan and David Gold said: "We are delighted that Tony has accepted this exciting new position at the Club, which is fitting recognition of more than 40 years of service.

"It is important that we plan for the future and Tony's new role will ensure we see a smooth transition in what is a crucial role at the Club.

"West Ham United is famed the world over for producing excellent young players and, having spoken to Terry, he clearly understands how much we, like every other West Ham fan, enjoy seeing our homegrown youngsters break into the first team."