Anton Ferdinand Bio Send To Friend  

After five-years at West Ham United Ferdinand signed for Sunderland in August 2008 after the two clubs agreed an £8miilion transfer fee.

Anton, like his brother Rio, came through the ranks at the Hammers to become a solid defender and a terrace favourite.

The centre-back earned a squad number for the 2002/03 season after a string of fine performances in the Under-19 side.

He was handed his full debut in August 2003 when he started the 2-1 victory at Preston North End on the opening day and went on to feature in 26 games that term.

In the 2004/05 season he continued to grow in stature, and he netted the opening goal on the final day - the first of his career - as the Hammers beat Watford 2-1 to book a play-off spot. West Ham went on to beat Preston in the final.

He was considered among the fans to be the most improved player of the campaign with his skill on the ball, aerial strength and pace making him a fine defender.

But he suffered the despair of missing the decisive penalty in the FA Cup Final shoot-out against Liverpool in 2005/06.

The defender was given a rude awakening in 2006/07 when, with West Ham failing, especially in defence, Ferdinand was accused of being 'lazy' and lacking the experience to cope with the top flight. As a crisis unfolded at the club, Ferdinand was fined two weeks wages (estimated at £45,000) for lying about his whereabouts before a crucial game against Charlton.

Ferdinand told the club he need to go to the Isle of Wight to visit his sick grandmother when in fact, he went to South Carolina to celebrate his 22nd birthday and West Ham lost the game 4-0.

Gaining back some credibility with some good performances in the latter stages of the season, Ferdinand is now a vital player for the Hammers. He was sorely missed when a hamstring injury ruled him out for two months early in 2007/08.

One of the best young English defenders around, the former Under-21 international has aspirations to join his brother in the full squad.