Tony Carr

Tony Carr is currently a coaching advisor to the Premier League. He previously spent 41 years in charge of West Ham’s youth academy and is recognised as one of the most influential figures in English football coaching, having helped shape the playing careers of Frank Lampard, Rio Ferdinand, Tony Cottee, Joe Cole, Michael Carrick, Glen Johnson, John Terry and Jermain Defoe. A former graduate of the academy himself, his footballing career was cut short by injury and he joined the club’s staff as director of youth development in 1973, a role he held until 2014. He guided West Ham to FA Youth Cup glory in 1981 and 1999.