THAT FRANK LAMPARD is already the Chelsea manager may make you feel old; that his side last night faced a striker younger than Facebook and Euro 2004 is guaranteed to send you fumbling through your mind for years you never realised had passed.
Lampard’s first game in charge ended in a 1-1 draw with Bohemians at Dalymount Park last night, with 14-year-old striker Evan Ferguson impressing off the bench for Bohs.
Ferguson was introduced just after the hour mark and impressed against a Chelsea defence featuring familiar names like Kurt Zouma and Davide Zappacosta.
Leading the line alone, he twice cut in from the left-hand side of the box with a stepover, jink and a drop of his shoulder.
The second of these led to a vicious shot that whipped narrowly wide of the far post.
He then had the awareness to dummy Keith Ward’s late pass for Eric Molloy, who scored Bohs’ equaliser a minute from the end.
A product of St Kevin’s Boys, the schoolboy club whose graduates include Robbie Brady and Jeff Hendrick, Ferguson has been involved with Bohs’ U15s and U17s and has been capped up to U16 level by Ireland.
He is being tracked by a series of clubs in England, and The42 understands Liverpool are among those keen for his services. It’s also understood he is due to train with Brighton and Hove Albion later this week.
While Evan may soon leave the League of Ireland, his family are steeped in it. His father Barry played at centre-back with Bohs, Sporting Fingal, and Shamrock Rovers having won two FAI Cups and a League Cup with Longford Town in the early part of the last decade.
“Evan is a highly sought after young prospect”, Bohs boss Keith Long said after last night’s game.
“There are a lot of Premier League clubs in the UK interested in Evan. His father Barry played in the League for Longford and quite a number of teams, so he comes from a good background.
He is highly thought of, and this was an opportunity for him to come in and get a cameo appearance tonight, and I thought he did very well. He obviously looks older than his years in terms of his physique, but he is 14 years of age and will be 15 in October. It was an opportunity to come in and play and give him a taste what the future may hold for him.
“For the goal, it’s a nice little step over. Some of his combination play with Keith Ward was quite good, his hold-up play was quite good. He is a talented boy.”
Elsewhere, the scorer of that goal, Eric Molloy, is on trial with Bohemians at the moment and Long was tight-lipped about the likelihood of his staying long-term.
Having played in the League with Wexford Youths, Molloy moved to New Zealand to play with Team Wellington in 2016. Last year, he became the first Irish player since 2008 to appear at the Fifa Club World Cup.
“We asked him in to play tonight, he has been training with us for the last couple of days”, said Long.
“Eric is familiar with the League, he was part of Wexford Youths’ promotion-winning team and played in the Premier Division with Wexford before he went down to New Zealand.
“He has trained with us for a couple of days, he has taken his goal really well, and that’s an opportunity for us to have a look at him.”
Overall, Bohs’ performance was worthy of a draw against a Chelsea side that mingled inexperience with ring-rust and fatigue beneath a heavy training load. Whereas this was a pre-season friendly for Chelsea, it’s a mid-season run-out for Bohs and Long was keen to emphasise where his side’s attention lies.
“It was a good night for the club, there was a big crowd here, I think it’s a good performance and we deserved to get the equaliser.
“We have been lucky this season that our gates have been quite strong, and it’s not uncommon to have a sell-out here.
“It’s good to get a team the calibre of Chelsea across, so credit must go to the people at the club who organised it and got a team like Chelsea across.
“I said to the boys beforehand, ‘Go out and play, go out and fucking play’, excuse me. But try and play, express yourself, don’t be overawed and don’t be looking up at these guys. We have some good players too, and they have to believe in themselves.
Our focus is UCD on Monday. This was a chance for players to come in and play well, and keep us in a good frame of mind going into the UCD game. And that’s what it is about for us. Tonight is a good game to have, get plenty of game time for players and hopefully, it won’t interfere with our preparations for Monday.
“It’s great that we have a Premier League club here, but really, it’s about Monday for us.”
After Molloy’s equaliser, the Bohs fans belted out a chorus of ‘You’re getting sacked in the morning’ in Lampard’s direction.
When it was brought up with him after the game, Keith Long laughed.
“Once it’s not me!”
Super attitude….Fair play to him and best of luck with the rehabilitation…. Others could learn a thing or two from people like Jamie
Great article and a Fantastic attitude to have , great to see , I wish him all the best in his recovery , his never say die attitude will help him so much ! A True warrior ..
Two things you can never reach is heart and determination .. It’s something this chap was born with
I sincerely hope all goes well Jamie. An unbelievable attitude to adversity. Hat tip to you .
Jamie if you were a cork minor and u21 you have the goods mentally and physically. All the very best with everything mate.
Inspirational stuff. Keep brave Jamie, you’re a credit to everything that is great about sport.
I hated reading this story to be honest. I find myself giving out about the smallest things in life. It is hard to believe this kind of thing can happen overnight especially to a person who was playing sport at the highest level. It just proves once again how fragile life is and how were here to live it. Keep the faith Jamie, you’ve given one person a different perspective for the future. Best of luck.
Inspirational young man. The very best of Luck to you.
Wow. inspiratonal.
An utterly remarkable attitude. So many of us could learn from this young man. Every good wish for your recovery I hope you achieve your goals
Inspirational stuff
Best of luck in your recovery Jamie your a brave young man, an inspiration and a credit to your family.
This guy really puts the “The only disability in life is a bad attitude” motto into practice. Great story and really hope he pulls through with his recovery!
We all need to not worry about the small silly things in life. From a fellow 21ish year old Jamie all the best in your recovery, your an absolute shining inspiration to everybody.
Great Athlete, incredible Man.
Absolute respect, big lad. You have the heart of a feckin lion. All the very best to you and your family.
Serious respect!
Jasmine your an inspiration to a doorway of possibilities. You are so brave and ambitious I bet in a while you will be much improved. Keep up the brilliant work.
What an inspiring article. Young people who ruin their lives with drink n drugs should spend 1 day with Jamie n it might open their eyes. Best of luck Jamie from all in Ballinhassig.
Just curious but why would people click RED on this article this guy has gone from leading a full physical active walking life to a complete change which I can’t even think what it must have been like for him. I hope all goes well for him Keep going wan’ts your attitude gives up then it’s a step back. I work with special needs children & adults i know how hard it can be for them to do simple things but they never give up & we as so called normal able bodied people could learn a lot from them. Keep going never give up.
Incredible resolve and inspirational story. Most people think they have regular (mostly petty) day to day problems but when you hear a story like Jamie’s it shows what true courage and determine really is! Best of luck bud!
Jamie you are inspirational . Keep the chin up and best of luck with everything in the future
Best of luck with your recovery Jamie. Children had great fun with you last Easter at hurling camp in Ballyvourney.
Hope to see with us again. From all in Laochra Og
Best of luck Jamie your an Inspiration from KILLAVULLEN GAA CLUB
Best of luck Jamie, Inspirational stuff ! great hurler with great attitude !
From one Kilbrittain man to another !
Excellent attitude! maybe I didn’t read it properly but is he still in a wheelchair?
Heroic attitude. Inspiration
Inspiring article ,what a brave young man , head up Jamie may God guide and protect you ,wishing you all the best for the future from all in the Kingdom
Truly remarkable attitude from this young man, he is a fine example of a human being. All the best with your rehabilitation, I’ll be praying that Plan A is not too far away.
Best of luck Jamie …slowly but surely is the motto…..you have a great attitude
Best wishes Jamie, here’s to the day we’re watching you playing in Croke Park!
What an honest interview. I wish Jamie the best of luck for his future and I wish him good Karma.
Best of luck in your recovery, Dunlaoirthe is the best place in the country to get better. Not not only have the rebels but the whole country behind you…
Jamie you are an inspiration to us all…and only 21 years..what maturity..I hope and pray that you will be back on your feet before too long..
Know this young man’s family, all top drawer. If ever there was someone who could beat this it’s Jamie Wall. Our thoughts are with you all.
Stay positive jamie you will get dark days and fed up , and the why me .. you are a inspiration strong in mind , heart and determination. .praying for you xx
Great article Jamie- inspirational stuff. Well done