West Ham should be deeply grateful to the sunny state of Barking for it has given us Bobby Moore, Trevor Brooking, Bobby Zamora and current academy manager Kenny Brown. Paul Konchesky also hails from the East London suburb and recalled his upbringing in an interview for Blowing Bubbles: ‘I’ve been a West Ham boy since day one. My Mum is a mad fan herself and took me to games when I was old enough.’
Paul used to stand on the North Bank but used a prop to improve his view: ‘I stood on a milk crate so I could see over.’ And he has vivid memories of players who became his idols: ‘Obviously George Parris and Tony Gale but Julian Dicks was my role model. He was always someone I looked up to and inspired me as a footballer.’ Although Paul made his name as a defender he played much further up the pitch in his younger days: ‘I used to tackle quite hard and liked everything in front of me so was always influenced by Julian’s style of play.’
Sunday League Legends and the Move to Charlton
Paul played for legendary Sunday League side Senrab and proudly recounts his fellow alumni: ‘I played with John Terry, Ledley King, Jermain Defoe and Jlloyd Samuel; we all came through the grassroots system and had a fantastic time. ‘Playing over Wanstead Flats was always challenging especially as they had to clear away what the cows had left behind.’
It was fortuitous that so many talented young players were gathered in one team, and Paul attributes much credit to coach Gary Northover who scouted players from other local teams: ‘I originally played for a different team and so did Bobby Zamora and we all eventually ended up at Senrab.’ And although Paul was part of West Ham’s youth setup he was soon on the move: ‘When I was 13, I had a chance to play for Charlton Athletic but was torn about leaving the club. I’m a West Ham fanatic and it’s really tough to leave the club you love especially as a kid.’
Breaking Records and Returning Home
However, he saw the advantages of such a move: ‘I thought at the time their youth system was getting players in the team to sell on; and there’d be more opportunity for me to play in the first team. Luckily enough three years later I played in Charlton’s first team having just left school.’ Appearing for Charlton at 16 set a club record as the youngest ever first team player. However, Paul admitted he was a bundle of nerves on the day: ‘I was in the squad but expected other players to return from injury. I found out I was playing only two hours before the game. I was petrified but when I got my first touch in the game my nerves settled down.’
After six years with the Addicks he made a transfer request which raised questions on his relationship with manager Alan Curbishley: ‘You just want to play and sometimes you get frustrated. At the time I was in and out of the team. ‘I was in my early twenties and at that age you need to play every week. I just wanted an opportunity and wasn’t getting it. Curbs’ wasn’t going to let me play, so I decided to leave and prove I can do it week in and week out. ‘Luckily enough that summer West Ham came calling and I was happy to rejoin them.’
The Pardew Era and Dressing Room Bonds
Paul was signed for a fee of £1.5 million in July 2005 and immediately felt he’d come home. Alan Pardew was manager and Paul is full of praise for his former gaffer: ‘I hadn’t met him previously and you often wonder whether managers say things just to make you feel good. But thanks to Pards I loved my first year at West Ham. ‘The squad and people at the club created a fantastic atmosphere. There was a strong sense of togetherness which was also due to Pards. We socialised, worked and played as a team. ‘I think we proved it on the pitch especially in the first year as we got to the Cup Final.’
There were a number of big characters in the dressing room: ‘Anton Ferdinand was a huge presence as was captain Nigel Reo-Coker. I was lucky enough to be there when Mark Noble graduated from the youth team and we ended up rooming together. Yossi Benayoun was also a funny lad but flew under the radar to a certain extent.’ There was always a friendly welcome for new players which helped them to settle in: ‘We had a good group and felt like brothers. It didn’t matter who played as everyone supported each other because it was the team that mattered.’
That Debut at Upton Park
Following promotion in 2005 the players were eager to prove they could live with the big boys in the Premier League: ‘On the opening day of the season we played Blackburn and beat them 3-1.’ It was an emotional experience for Paul as he played at Upton Park for the first time as a West Ham player: ‘The night before the game we stayed at a hotel in Canary Wharf and I remember travelling by coach to the game. It was so tight as we edged past the fans who were singing and screaming.
‘Then coming onto the pitch with the sound of I’m forever blowing bubbles. It really did leave me with a lump in my throat. ‘I was one of those boys that stood behind the goal singing along. During the game, I remember going down the wing and Robbie Savage is trying to shield the ball out of play. I push him into the boarding then he starts to chase me. But it was fine from then on, I loved every minute of it.’
The Best Left Side in the League
West Ham’s first season back in the Premier League was a notable success. A 9th place finish was much better than many expected for a newly promoted club, and Paul was very clear about the reasons for that success: ‘Obviously the new players and existing squad really gelled. It was driven by the manager who worked us hard. ‘So you’re always on your toes and want to play in the Premier League. If I wasn’t performing someone else would replace me. Clive Clarke and George McCartney were both good players who could easily have stepped in.’
Alan Pardew was effusive in his praise for the partnership that Paul had with Matthew Etherington down the left flank. He actually said there was no better in the Premier League. A comment that would have either given Paul more confidence or put him under greater pressure: ‘I think he gives you a good bit of both. When it’s said publicly you can feel people’s eyes on you. So you always need to be at the top of your game, but to hear it from your own manager gives you a big boost.’ The partnership was assisted by Alan Pardew as he set them clear targets: ‘Me and Matty got on really well down the left, but the manager had a vision of how the left back and left winger should operate. For instance, in the first half he’d say you need to get 10 crosses in between the two of you. Instead of scoring goals it would be the number of crosses we put in.’
The 2006 FA Cup Final Heartbreak
The highlight of Paul’s time at West Ham was undoubtedly the FA Cup run in 2006. Unsurprisingly his recollections of Cup Final day are more vivid than ever: ‘I remember walking onto the pitch. I stood in the middle and looked around. I’d never played at the Millenium Stadium before. ‘It was all new to me and the surroundings were so impressive. It was hot and sunny, there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. Just talking to the lads I could tell we were ready for this. We wanted to do well for ourselves and for our supporters. It had been a fantastic season but could we get over the line?’
It was a pulsating game that dripped with tension and incident. West Ham were 2-0 up until Djibrel Cisse pulled a goal back for Liverpool. Steven Gerard equalised in the 54th minute and the sides were locked at 2-2. Paul’s big moment arrived ten minutes after the equaliser. Mattie Etherington laid off the ball to Paul on the left who gently pushed the ball forward. A chipped cross-cum-shot looped into the far corner of the goal. But was it a cross or a genuine attempt on goal?: ‘To be honest I saw Reina off his line. So I put it in the top corner and the rest is history.
‘I thought it was around the 86th minute, so if we can hold on for a bit longer we’re home and dry. Well I can see a gold medal around my neck and the trophy in my hands. But then I realised it was only the 64th minute and was absolutely devastated.’ West Ham held on until the 91st minute but fell victim to a wonder strike from Steven Gerrard. It was a mortal blow as West Ham had been the better side over 90 minutes. Extra time couldn’t separate the teams and proceeded to a penalty shoot-out. An exciting finale for neutrals but absolute torture if your team is involved. Paul was one of three players who missed a penalty but is still haunted by the memory: ‘It was devastating to miss for your team in a cup final. I’ve not been able to watch the game ever since. ‘I’ll watch about 20 minutes and that will be it. One of us could have been the hero but you just feel like a villain when you miss. It was a proud day for the club regardless of the result.’
The Arrival of Tevez and Mascherano
The following season Alan Pardew was sacked which completely altered the team dynamic. However, Paul remains uncertain as to the precise reason for his departure: ‘It’s a tough one to pin down, especially after such a strong finish in the Premier League and getting to the Cup Final. It takes two or three years to settle in the Premier League, and we were struggling in the bottom three at Christmas.’ The signing of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano was another factor that undermined Alan Pardew’s position as manager.
Paul himself was shocked by the development: ‘We were training and didn’t even know they were in the building. They just turned up and that was difficult for Pards to take. ‘For West Ham fans watching on, it must have been fantastic to see two world class players coming in. But it caused a lot of tension between the manager and the board.’ Both were hugely talented footballers but Paul thought the level of effort sometimes differed: ‘Mascherano took English lessons whereas Tevez didn’t bother. But he was never really given a proper run in the team.’
The “Casual” Hayden Mullins
Hayden Mullins effectively kept Mascherano out of the side which spoke volumes for his professionalism and consistency. Paul was always impressed by his approach to the game: ‘We used to call Hayden ‘Kas’ because he was so casual and relaxed. ‘On the pitch he just got on with it. But did the dirty work and that never really gets noticed. Hayden had done well for us and the manager didn’t seem minded to change it.’
This caused a certain amount of friction especially as Carlos Tevez was beginning to play regularly. Paul noticed a difference in Mascherano at this time: ‘In training he seemed to be fine. But then he would go into the manager’s office with his interpreters. ‘So probably kicked off in private but when playing he was quite relaxed and chilled. He was a good trainer and I would have loved to have played in that team with him because he was a great player.’
Tension with Alan Curbishley
Paul’s former manager Alan Curbishley eventually replaced Alan Pardew. He felt some trepidation because of their history at Charlton and was brutally realistic about his prospects: ‘He just got rid of me out of one club and I felt the same thing was going to happen. I was gutted when he turned up as I knew my days were numbered.’ He effectively lost his place to George McCartney and rarely played under Curbishley.
Paul is refreshingly candid about their relationship: ‘I wanted to play and went to speak to him. But he obviously didn’t like me and I didn’t like him. So I had to dig in for the last three or four months just to support the boys and train properly.’ Paul is convinced of the reasons for his omission: ‘I think it was personal. We’re all professionals and get paid for trying to get back into the team. But I don’t think I was given a fair crack of the whip when he first came in.’
Life After West Ham
Paul moved to Fulham for a fee of £3.25 million in July 2007 and had mixed emotions about his departure: ‘I was gutted, but had to leave for my own career and to play regular football. I could have stayed at West Ham for two more years but wouldn’t have been happy. Thankfully Fulham were willing to pay the fee required by the club.’ Paul went on to play for Liverpool, Nottingham Forest and Leicester before finishing at Billericay Town. Since retirement he has held a number of roles on the management and coaching side.
‘When I first stopped playing I mentored the under 16s, but the Academy manager said why don’t you start your badges. I was one of those idiots who didn’t start until I retired. ‘Then I was asked to watch players on loan and report back to West Ham which was a great experience. I loved giving my knowledge to players going on loan because I’ve been on loan myself. I went to the West Ham women’s side while I was doing the loans. The manager at the time, Olli Harder needed someone to help him through to the end of the season.
‘It was good for me because I’d just completed my badges. The following year I went to assist him properly for the whole season. ‘When he left I took over management of the women’s team for a year. I learned a lot and developed as a person and coach really. So I’ve had different experiences at the club and enjoyed every single one of them.’
Ambassador Roles and Pie & Mash
Paul still finds time for the kids: ‘I coach during the summer with Josh Cullen and I’m really enjoying it because you see the progress they make. I’m working as a club ambassador which I love. I also do the meet and greets at the stadium.’
The pie and mash shop in Brentwood is also going well: ‘My Mum runs it and is decorated with West Ham memorabilia. Pablo Fornals did an interview there so we shut down especially for the occasion. He gave us a signed shirt which we have displayed in the shop.’
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