First Team Squad
Player profile and performance records.
James Tomkins (Defender)
James Tomkins
Basildon, EnglandPosition: Defender
Born: 29th Mar 1989 (Basildon, England)
Signed: 1st Jul 2005 (£0)
Contract: 4 years (signed February 2015)
Previous Club: Academy
KUMB Awards: Player of the Year 2011/12; Young Player of the Year 2010/11, (runner up) 2009/10, 2008/09, (third place) 2006/07, 2007/08; Most Improved Player (runner-up) 2011/12, 2013/14, (third place) 2008/09, 2010/11.
Centre-half Tomkins is considered to be one of the brightest prospects currently emerging from Tony Carr's academy.
Already a veteran of several England youth teams, the 6'3" defender made his first-team debut during the 2006/07 pre-season friendlies and looks set to have a big future ahead of him.
Still only 17, Tomkins became the youngest player to score for the reserve team when he netted as a 16-year-old in only his second appearance.
HOME GROWN: Tomkins scores his first goal for West Ham
James Tomkins is yet play any matches this season.
James Tomkins did not play for West Ham during this season.
James Tomkins did not play for West Ham during this season.
James Tomkins did not play for West Ham during this season.
James Tomkins did not play for West Ham during this season.
James Tomkins did not play for West Ham during this season.
James Tomkins did not play for West Ham during this season.
Stoke City
1-2: Sunday, 15th MaySeemed as if his mind was on other things for some reason. Cost us a goal as a result.
Manchester United
3-2: Tuesday, 10th MayCameo appearance similar to that of Obiang
Swansea City
1-4: Saturday, 7th MayDid a decent job out of position but we lose the attacking impetus a proper full back provides.
West Bromwich Albion
1-1: Saturday, 30th AprilSeemed as if his mind was on other things for some reason. Cost us a goal as a result.
Watford
3-1: Wednesday, 20th AprilSeemed as if his mind was on other things for some reason. Cost us a goal as a result.
Leicester City
2-2: Sunday, 17th AprilDid not play.
Arsenal
3-3: Saturday, 9th AprilNot always at ease in an unfamiliar right back role but stuck to it well.
Crystal Palace
2-2: Saturday, 2nd AprilDid not play.
Everton
3-2: Saturday, 5th MarchCertain newspaper men in the press conference were going into raptures over Stones. However, the goal apart, Tomkins played just as well.
Tottenham Hotspur
1-0: Wednesday, 2nd MarchTerrible error for Tottenham's third goal when he received the ball from Adrian and passed it straight to Christian Eriksen. Surely facing being dropped after his Watford error too.
Sunderland
1-0: Saturday, 27th FebruaryReasonable game but we’ll draw a veil over that shot from 30 yards shall we?
Blackburn Rovers
5-1: Sunday, 21st FebruaryReasonable game but we’ll draw a veil over that shot from 30 yards shall we?
Norwich City
2-2: Saturday, 13th FebruaryReasonable game but we’ll draw a veil over that shot from 30 yards shall we?
Liverpool
2-1: Tuesday, 9th FebruaryHad barely warmed up before being replaced following a nasty clash of heads with Joe Allen.
Southampton
0-1: Saturday, 6th FebruaryA busted eye last week and what appeared to be a thigh strain this week, enforcing his removal.
Aston Villa
2-0: Tuesday, 2nd FebruaryPlayed much of the game as an ou-and-out winger as there was nothing to do from a dfensive perspective.
Liverpool
0-0: Saturday, 30th JanuaryHad barely warmed up before being replaced following a nasty clash of heads with Joe Allen.
Newcastle United
1-2: Saturday, 16th JanuaryLooked quite comfortable at right back. I was a bit concerned that the enforced move across to the centre might disrupt his concentration. That concern proved to be misplaced.
AFC Bournemouth
3-1: Tuesday, 12th JanuaryDefended manfully but provided little going forward, hence his replacement on the hour mark.
Wolves
1-0: Saturday, 9th JanuaryThey thought they had done their homework in targeting him. However he stuck to his task well.
Liverpool
2-0: Saturday, 2nd JanuaryThey thought they had done their homework in targeting him. However he stuck to his task well.
Southampton
2-1: Sunday, 27th DecemberGiven that he’s neither a right back nor a left back by trade he put up a creditable show in both positions defensively speaking, though his defensive priority mindset does reduce our attacking options from out wide when he plays there.
Aston Villa
1-1: Saturday, 26th DecemberA decent job since he was forced to retire at half time with a swollen eye.
Swansea City
0-0: Sunday, 20th DecemberDid a decent job out of position but we lose the attacking impetus a proper full back provides.
Stoke City
0-0: Saturday, 12th DecemberSeemed as if his mind was on other things for some reason. Cost us a goal as a result.
Manchester United
0-0: Saturday, 5th DecemberSeemed as if his mind was on other things for some reason. Cost us a goal as a result.
West Bromwich Albion
1-1: Sunday, 29th NovemberSeemed as if his mind was on other things for some reason. Cost us a goal as a result.
Tottenham Hotspur
1-4: Sunday, 22nd NovemberTerrible error for Tottenham's third goal when he received the ball from Adrian and passed it straight to Christian Eriksen. Surely facing being dropped after his Watford error too.
Everton
1-1: Saturday, 7th NovemberCertain newspaper men in the press conference were going into raptures over Stones. However, the goal apart, Tomkins played just as well.
Watford
0-2: Saturday, 31st OctoberSeemed as if his mind was on other things for some reason. Cost us a goal as a result.
Chelsea
2-1: Saturday, 24th OctoberWith Collins he had an outstanding afternoon keeping Costa very quiet. In front of Hodgson, who will still prefer Smalling even though he’s not very good.
Crystal Palace
3-1: Saturday, 17th OctoberCoped well with the Palace attack in the first half and just had mopping up to do in the second half.
Sunderland
2-2: Saturday, 3rd OctoberReasonable game but we’ll draw a veil over that shot from 30 yards shall we?
Norwich City
2-2: Saturday, 26th SeptemberReasonable game but we’ll draw a veil over that shot from 30 yards shall we?
Newcastle United
2-0: Monday, 14th SeptemberLooked quite comfortable at right back. I was a bit concerned that the enforced move across to the centre might disrupt his concentration. That concern proved to be misplaced.
Liverpool
3-0: Saturday, 29th AugustLooked quite comfortable at right back, So much so that I would seriously consider starting him ahead of Jenkinson.
AFC Bournemouth
3-4: Saturday, 22nd August(Replaced Ogbonna) His introduction didn’t improve things any defensively.
Leicester City
1-2: Saturday, 15th AugustDid not play.
Arsenal
2-0: Sunday, 9th AugustNot always at ease in an unfamiliar right back role but stuck to it well.
Arsenal
2-0: Sunday, 9th AugustPlayed out of position at right back but did a fantastic job. Rarely beaten on his side, which Arsenal oddly failed to target.
Astra Giurgiu
1-2: Thursday, 6th AugustSilly boy. His reaction gave his marker the chance to con the ref and could have cost us, especially as he constituted our main goal threat from corners.
Astra Giurgiu
2-2: Thursday, 30th JulySilly boy. His reaction gave his marker the chance to con the ref and could have cost us, especially as he constituted our main goal threat from corners.
Norwich City
1-0: Tuesday, 28th JulySilly boy. His reaction gave his marker the chance to con the ref and could have cost us, especially as he constituted our main goal threat from corners.
Charlton Athletic
0-0: Saturday, 25th JulySilly boy. His reaction gave his marker the chance to con the ref and could have cost us, especially as he constituted our main goal threat from corners.
Birkirkara
0-1: Thursday, 23rd JulySilly boy. His reaction gave his marker the chance to con the ref and could have cost us, especially as he constituted our main goal threat from corners.
Birkirkara
1-0: Thursday, 16th JulyFC Lusitanos
1-0: Thursday, 9th JulyFC Lusitanos
3-0: Thursday, 2nd JulyWhilst he did a decent job; with Reid, made Kane largely anonymous; I'm starting to get very cheesed off with his play-acting. First minute of stoppage time, Soldado's high boot catches JT on the... arm! The arm, James, the arm! But you start clutching your damn head again! Cut out the blatant cheating, you prize twit!
Newcastle United
0-2: Sunday, 24th MayWhilst he did a decent job; with Reid, made Kane largely anonymous; I'm starting to get very cheesed off with his play-acting. First minute of stoppage time, Soldado's high boot catches JT on the... arm! The arm, James, the arm! But you start clutching your damn head again! Cut out the blatant cheating, you prize twit!
Everton
1-2: Saturday, 16th MayWhilst he did a decent job; with Reid, made Kane largely anonymous; I'm starting to get very cheesed off with his play-acting. First minute of stoppage time, Soldado's high boot catches JT on the... arm! The arm, James, the arm! But you start clutching your damn head again! Cut out the blatant cheating, you prize twit!
Manchester City
0-2: Sunday, 19th AprilWhilst he did a decent job; with Reid, made Kane largely anonymous; I'm starting to get very cheesed off with his play-acting. First minute of stoppage time, Soldado's high boot catches JT on the... arm! The arm, James, the arm! But you start clutching your damn head again! Cut out the blatant cheating, you prize twit!
Chelsea
0-1: Wednesday, 4th MarchCrystal Palace
1-3: Saturday, 28th FebruaryDidn't get close enough to Murray on Palace's 3rd. Caught out once or twice more, too, but given how much space was left in front of him...
Tottenham Hotspur
2-2: Sunday, 22nd FebruaryWhilst he did a decent job; with Reid, made Kane largely anonymous; I'm starting to get very cheesed off with his play-acting. First minute of stoppage time, Soldado's high boot catches JT on the... arm! The arm, James, the arm! But you start clutching your damn head again! Cut out the blatant cheating, you prize twit!
West Bromwich Albion
0-4: Saturday, 14th FebruaryTidy enough, but might be wondering what he's let himself in for in signing a new contract after this!
Southampton
0-0: Wednesday, 11th FebruaryManchester United
1-1: Sunday, 8th FebruaryOutsranding, as the senior partner in central defence.
Liverpool
0-2: Saturday, 31st JanuaryBristol City
1-0: Sunday, 25th JanuarySound as a pound. Made several vital interceptions and headers.
Hull City
3-0: Sunday, 18th JanuaryAfter suffering at the hands of the pacy Aluko, actually put in a pretty decent performance.
Hull City
3-0: Sunday, 18th JanuaryMuch much better in the second half after a pretty average first 45.
Hull City
3-0: Sunday, 18th JanuaryHad a torrid opening 15 minutes but slowly grew in confidence. Removed with a quarter-of-an-hour to play as a precautionary measure having felt a slight twinge in his hamstring.
Everton
2-2: Tuesday, 13th JanuaryMan of the Match. Need I say more?
Everton
2-2: Tuesday, 13th JanuaryBack in to replace the injured Winston Reid with an exceptional performance; the block from Mirallas, shortly before Everton's opening goal was first-class.
Swansea
1-1: Saturday, 10th JanuaryThe pick of the three centre halfs on the field today. Made one outstanding tackle in his own penalty box before forcing Neil Taylor to clear a header off the line.
Swansea
1-1: Saturday, 10th JanuarySolid display from the young defender, very composed and passed well from the back.
Everton
1-1: Tuesday, 6th JanuaryDid not play.
Everton
1-1: Tuesday, 6th JanuaryDid not play.
Arsenal
1-2: Sunday, 28th DecemberHas had some off-colour games recently, but saved us a number of times today with blocks, tackles, and covering. Picked up a soft yellow for what looked like shoulder-to-shoulder to me, and will now have a one match suspension.
Leicester City
2-0: Saturday, 20th DecemberSince he was forced to apologise for feigning injury against Everton, Tomkins has been excellent. He was solid again today and was unfortunate to be penalised for Johnson's cheating.
Sunderland
1-1: Saturday, 13th DecemberErratic lately. Stupid against Everton, pick of the defence against the Geordies, awful for 20 minutes against WBA, a less-than-good day this time.
Sunderland
1-1: Saturday, 13th DecemberSince he was forced to apologise for feigning injury against Everton, Tomkins has been excellent. He was solid again today and was unfortunate to be penalised for Johnson's cheating.
Swansea
3-1: Sunday, 7th DecemberOnce again, seemed to have more defending to do than Reid. Happily, didn't have even 3 dodgy minutes today.
Swansea
3-1: Sunday, 7th DecemberAnother good runout. I'm not saying he's England class but frankly if Smalling is ahead of him in the pecking order there's something amiss.
West Bromwich Albion
2-1: Tuesday, 2nd DecemberAwful in the first 20, better (mostly) for the rest, thumping second goal.
West Bromwich Albion
2-1: Tuesday, 2nd DecemberMan of the Match for some against Newcastle, this ws another solid performance from Tomkins. The goal - his first for some considerable time - was the icing on the cake.
Newcastle United
1-0: Saturday, 29th NovemberPick of the defence, apart from one missed tackle right at the end.
Newcastle United
1-0: Saturday, 29th NovemberA fine game. Hopefully he's got this face-clutching thing out of his system now. MOTM for me.
Everton
1-2: Saturday, 22nd NovemberHad a very solid game as well, but should be thoroughly ashamed of himself for his awful acting!
Aston Villa
0-0: Saturday, 8th NovemberDid not play.
Aston Villa
0-0: Saturday, 8th NovemberDid not play.
Queens Park Rangers
2-0: Sunday, 5th OctoberWith no-one really being outstanding today, his calmness and solidity at the back, plus that rather crafty little dink to the back post for our second, wins him my MotM. If not for the cynical yellow, I might have been tempted to make that an 8...
Queens Park Rangers
2-0: Sunday, 5th OctoberEasy day at the back and did very well for the second goal.
Liverpool
3-1: Saturday, 20th SeptemberGood defensively and set up Reid nicely for the first.
Liverpool
3-1: Saturday, 20th SeptemberAn industrious Borini got no change out of him, nor did the erratic Balotelli. Excellent under what pressure the Reds mustered, dangerous in attack, distribution good today too.
Hull City
2-2: Monday, 15th SeptemberNot an awful game, but the central unit of he and Reid isn't working well at the moment, for which he must share the responsibility. Left in no man's land for Hernandez' goal.
Southampton
1-3: Saturday, 30th AugustDidn't do anything horribly wrong, but who is leading the defence?
Southampton
1-3: Saturday, 30th AugustSeemed to be constantly giving his man a yard as if there were some sort o exclusion zone to be enforced.
Crystal Palace
3-1: Saturday, 23rd AugustFine defensively – had his header gon ine in the second half we'd probably have run up a cricket score. Nd not an Indian one at that.
Crystal Palace
3-1: Saturday, 23rd AugustLucky not to be booked on 20 for a clumsy challenge, but generally tidy on his return. Perhaps should have scored.
Sampdoria
3-2: Saturday, 9th AugustMalaga
0-2: Sunday, 3rd AugustSchalke
0-0: Saturday, 2nd AugustSydney FC
1-3: Saturday, 26th JulyWellington Phoenix
1-2: Wednesday, 23rd JulyIpswich Town
0-0: Wednesday, 16th JulyStevenage FC
2-2: Saturday, 12th JulyManchester City
0-2: Sunday, 11th MayTottenham Hotspur
2-0: Saturday, 3rd MayMade Adebayor look very ordinary. Which of course he is.
Tottenham Hotspur
2-0: Saturday, 3rd MayAside from one super tackle after 12 minutes, had a pretty quiet afternoon against a pretty toothless Tottenham.
West Bromwich Albion
0-1: Saturday, 26th AprilDid OK up to the point were a thumping challenge gave him a dead leg. Came off just after the half-hour.
Crystal Palace
0-1: Saturday, 19th AprilNot for the first time, our best defender.
Arsenal
1-3: Tuesday, 15th AprilVery solid. Was caught a little in two minds for their third, otherwise might have been a contender for MotM.
Liverpool
1-2: Sunday, 6th AprilA little unlucky with the first penalty, though it was correctly awarded. Made sure Suarez had little opportunity to shine today, and there's a lot of DC's this season who have failed to do that!
Sunderland
2-1: Monday, 31st MarchThe pick of the defence; not much got past him or away from him.
Hull City
2-1: Wednesday, 26th MarchThe pick of a not very good bunch. He at least seems to have put Saturday's poor performance behind himself immediately.
Manchester United
0-2: Saturday, 22nd MarchNot one of his better games. Nearly cost us badly with one horrible cross-field pass, and was fouled off the ball far too easily by Rooney for their first. Did OK after that, but didn't really redeem himself.
Stoke City
1-3: Saturday, 15th MarchEverton
0-1: Saturday, 1st MarchA couple of great challenges in an entirely solid display. Wrongly booked for a good tackle just inside the Toffee's half.
Southampton
3-1: Saturday, 22nd FebruaryAnother decent showing – despite being harshly penalised by Clattenburg for their goal.
Southampton
3-1: Saturday, 22nd FebruaryResponsible for the free kick from which Southampton scored. Un-something for the rest of it...
Norwich City
2-0: Tuesday, 11th FebruaryMan of the Match. Brilliant challenge on 22 mins to stop Johnson. Several other important interventions, no errors. Top man!
Aston Villa
2-0: Saturday, 8th FebruaryMuch the same as Collins, without the booking or the dodgy free-kicks.
Swansea City
2-0: Saturday, 1st FebruaryExcellent performance – the perfectly-timed tackle on Bony was worth the mark on its own.
Swansea City
2-0: Saturday, 1st FebruaryThe pick of the defence, but the width if that slender first half tackle on Bony.
Cardiff City
2-0: Saturday, 11th JanuaryDisappointing due to sending off.
West Bromwich Albion
3-3: Saturday, 28th DecemberInjured after only eight minutes.
West Bromwich Albion
3-3: Saturday, 28th DecemberNot his day.
Sunderland
0-0: Saturday, 14th DecemberFights solidly for the cause - came bursting out of defence with some good runs.
Sunderland
0-0: Saturday, 14th DecemberThe run provided some light relief in amongst a pretty solid performance.
Liverpool
1-4: Saturday, 7th DecemberDestroyed for pace by Stirling once and lucky to escape scot-free. Doesn't look half as assured without Winston Reid alongside him. Injured early on in the second half.
Crystal Palace
0-1: Tuesday, 3rd DecemberWell played.
Crystal Palace
0-1: Tuesday, 3rd DecemberStill prone to being caught by the long ball, but dealt relatively comfortably with Palace's main threats.
Chelsea
0-3: Saturday, 23rd NovemberThe best of the defenders, not that that was saying much.
Chelsea
0-3: Saturday, 23rd NovemberSolid enough.
Norwich City
1-3: Saturday, 9th NovemberPut in some sterling tackles but shouldn't have gone to ground when faced by the goalshy Fer.
Aston Villa
0-0: Saturday, 2nd NovemberCaught out of position a couple of times, which could have been punished early on, but provided a much better attacking threat with intelligent passing out from the back and once he settled into the game looked solid.
Aston Villa
0-0: Saturday, 2nd NovemberAnother good day at the office. Has anyone seen Benteke?
Aston Villa
0-0: Saturday, 2nd NovemberA good game – dealt with Benteke well generally.
Swansea City
0-0: Sunday, 27th OctoberCouldn't be faulted.
Manchester City
1-3: Saturday, 19th OctoberAs uncertain today as he had been sure footed against much lesser opposition two weeks ago.
Tottenham Hotspur
3-0: Sunday, 6th OctoberHandled a tricky Tottenham attack well
Hull City
0-1: Saturday, 28th SeptemberSolid and an aerial threat.
Everton
2-3: Saturday, 21st SeptemberDid not play.
Everton
2-3: Saturday, 21st SeptemberDid not play.
Southampton
0-0: Saturday, 14th SeptemberDid not play.
Stoke City
0-1: Saturday, 31st AugustDid not play.
Cheltenham Town
2-1: Tuesday, 27th AugustPretty much bossed the defensive side of things throughout – though his unfamiliarity with his new ‘keeper may have been a contributory factor for the goal.
Cardiff City
2-0: Saturday, 17th AugustDid not play.
Cardiff City
2-0: Saturday, 17th AugustDid not play.
Pacos de Ferreira
2-1: Saturday, 10th AugustComments to follow...
Eintracht Braunschweig
3-0: Saturday, 27th JulyComments to follow.
Colchester United
2-1: Tuesday, 16th JulyComments to follow...
AFC Bournemouth
2-0: Saturday, 13th JulyComments to follow...
Boreham Wood
3-0: Wednesday, 10th JulyComments to follow...
Cork City
6-2: Sunday, 7th JulyComments to follow.
Southampton
1-1: Saturday, 13th AprilComments to follow...
Swansea City
1-0: Saturday, 2nd FebruaryMuch better. It looked a bit more like the partnership of old with Reid today.
Queens Park Rangers
1-1: Saturday, 19th JanuaryA cold afternoon – warmed himself up by clattering Traore later on. Failed to heed the warnings that Remy might beat the offside trap early on.
Manchester United
2-2: Saturday, 5th JanuaryBy and large a good game but the ball over his shoulder is one to which he is always suspect – and so it proved late on.
Norwich City
2-1: Tuesday, 1st JanuaryLooks much happier when he’s playing centre back.
Everton
1-2: Saturday, 22nd DecemberHad some dodgy moments against Moses but stuck to the task and eventually saw off his tormentor.
Chelsea
3-1: Saturday, 1st DecemberI know I’m repeating myself but I really don’t rate the player as a midfielder. Central defender yes but he never looks comfortable in midfield. He spent 45 minutes chasing shadows and his withdrawal was necessary for us to get the result.
Wigan Athletic
1-2: Saturday, 27th OctoberLooks no more like a right back than my Jack Russell. And at least the dog is mobile. Looks a threat from set pieces as always though, we just need someone who can consistently deliver to him. Like, say, a extremely expensive winger perhaps? Now where might we find one of those…?
Southampton
4-1: Saturday, 20th OctoberNever quite looks totally comfortable at full-back.
Arsenal
1-3: Saturday, 6th October(Replaced Demel, 73)
As has often been the case in the past he was a fish out of water playing at right back in place of the injured Demel.
Sunderland
1-1: Saturday, 22nd SeptemberDid not play.
Norwich City
0-0: Saturday, 15th SeptemberDid not play.
Fulham
3-0: Saturday, 1st September(Replaced Collins, 67)
Still feeling his way back into the side having missed a fair chunk of pre-season due to the Olympic Games. Solid if unspectacular - as a centre-half should be, really.
Fulham
3-0: Saturday, 1st September(Replaced Collins, 67)
Slotted in well for Collins. I mentioned competition for places earlier – here’s a player who knows what I mean. Not that I would begrudge him the fantastic experience for one second but I wonder if he has a slight tinge of regret at the moment that he missed much of pre-season to join the Olympic squad?
Swansea City
0-3: Saturday, 25th AugustStill adjusting to life in his Central Defensive Midfield role. He is showing signs that he could be effective in this position, but it's strange that he is asked to play this role despite us having a player in this position on the bench who has Champions League experience. Occassionally gave the ball away, but made his presence felt.
Aston Villa
1-0: Saturday, 18th August(Replaced Nolan, 73)
Looked quite good in that controversial midfield role, though that has to considered against the quality of the opposition I suppose.
Austria Wien
1-3: Saturday, 7th JulyMatch notes to follow.
Blackpool
2-1: Saturday, 19th MayAnother MOTM performance from the defender who also posed his usual threat from set pieces up front.
Cardiff City
3-0: Monday, 7th MayYet another outstanding performance at the back. Happy to deal with Cardiff’s Stoke City impersonations (long throws and all) all day long.
Cardiff City
2-0: Thursday, 3rd MaySimply outstanding and a strong candidate for the forthcoming KUMB.com Player of the Season award. Strong inthe air and some perfectly-timed tackles on the ground.
Hull City
2-1: Saturday, 28th AprilDespite the occasional assault on his eye socket he looked his usual assured self.
Brighton & Hove Albion
6-0: Saturday, 14th AprilComfortable in defence and always a danger when joining in the fun up front at set plays.
Reading
2-4: Saturday, 31st MarchDifficult one to mark this. Outstanding first 45 but he’s a fish out of water in midfield and it showed. Even if, as is rumoured, the boss doesn’t rate Lansbury surely he’d have been a better bet when Noble left?
Leeds United
1-1: Saturday, 17th MarchDid nothing wrong in the first half and produced some nice touches before going off injured. Hopefully he isn’t out for long as he is crucial for us.
Doncaster Rovers
1-1: Saturday, 10th MarchSteady Eddie as usual – though the sponsors’ MOTM award was pushing it a bit.
Doncaster Rovers
1-1: Saturday, 10th MarchNo big errors, yet the sloppy goals keep going in.
Watford
1-1: Wednesday, 7th MarchHad a tough night up against Chris Iwelumo, the target for every Watford delivery into West Ham's final third.
Cardiff City
2-0: Sunday, 4th MarchDecent though his exploits in midfield have been he looked a lot more comfy back in defence.
Crystal Palace
0-0: Saturday, 25th FebruaryThat he lasted the full ninety after the blow to the head he took was impressive, though it was hardly surprising he looked a bit groggy throughout.
Blackpool
4-1: Wednesday, 22nd FebruaryLooked like he had been playing defensive midfield for years. Won countless amount of tackles and was a driving force in the middle of the park. Great header for his goal. MOTM.
Southampton
1-1: Tuesday, 14th FebruaryAnother solid and composed display given he is being played out of position. Still looks a little unsure of his role but tidy enough on the ball and always good defensively.
Millwall
2-1: Saturday, 4th FebruaryThough his distribution was sometimes a bit off, this was probably a consequence of the unfamiliar role that he was asked to play. It didn’t help that the ref kept getting in his way – so much so I thought he was having a man to man marking job done on him. Made some telling clearances helping out his mates at the back.
Millwall
2-1: Saturday, 4th FebruaryConsidering he was played in a position completely alien to him, he grew in stature as the game went on.
Nottingham Forest
2-1: Saturday, 21st JanuaryAnother very solid performance. Making very few mistakes nowadays and signing a new contract with us is a major boost. A classy centre back.
Portsmouth
1-0: Saturday, 14th JanuaryAnother fine performance – though had Benjani been brought on earlier he might have been tested more. MOTM from a pretty average selection really.
Derby County
1-2: Saturday, 31st DecemberProbably the pick of a poor bunch on the day. Ludicrously booked after Moss ignored a blatant foul late on.
Barnsley
1-0: Saturday, 17th DecemberThe senior pro in terms of back four leadership, he bore the responsibility well. I see Newcastle are the latest to (allegedly) make enquiries as to his availability. If it were down to me I’d refer them to the answer given in the celebrated legal case of Arkell v Pressdram (1971).
Burnley
1-2: Saturday, 3rd DecemberHe had a poor game last time out and whilst this was an improvement, he still wasn't up to his high standards of the first third of the season.
Derby County
3-1: Saturday, 26th NovemberCaught a bit between two stools for the goal and there were a couple of passes that weren’t quite up to his usual standard. However, it was good to see him bringing the ball out of defence so well.
Coventry City
2-1: Saturday, 19th November£3million you say, Warnock? Jog on.
Hull City
2-0: Saturday, 5th NovemberAnother fine performance marred only slightly by picking up a yellow for kicking the ball away towards the end.
Blackpool
4-0: Saturday, 15th OctoberThe fact that the wily and experienced Kevin Phillips was largely anonymous and, eventually, substituted should give you a clue as to how well he played.
Crystal Palace
2-2: Saturday, 1st OctoberContinues to mature. Will benefit from having Faye’s experience alongside him for an extended period.
Ipswich Town
0-1: Tuesday, 27th SeptemberGenerally ok at the back, though Ipswich obviously did their homework, keeping him well shackled at corners when we were attacking. Just about MOTM for me but that’s not much of an accolade in this one.
Peterborough
1-0: Saturday, 24th September(replaced Taylor, 90+1) On for the injured Matt Taylor he slipped in at centre half, pushing Winston Reid out to left back and McCartney into midfield. None of it made a great difference for the few minutes of added-on time.
Portsmouth
4-3: Saturday, 10th SeptemberLooking good. Even the late introduction of another beanpole striker didn’t seem to disrupt his afternoon.
Nottingham Forest
4-1: Sunday, 28th AugustOnce again, simply imperious in the air (bar one or two minor errs that it would be unfair to dwell on). A threat at both ends of the field, this is a player Sam Allardyce will be very keen to hold on to post-transfer deadline day.
Leeds United
2-2: Sunday, 21st AugustAnother fine performance – shaded the MOTM award for me.
Watford
4-0: Tuesday, 16th AugustScored his goal, looked assured all evening, but unfortunately came off with looks like a possible minor hamstring strain.
Doncaster Rovers
1-0: Saturday, 13th AugustAn assured performance from one who now seems to have adopted the “senior partner” role in the centre of defence. Seems to be working well with Reid at the moment and a decent partnership in the back four is a must.
Doncaster Rovers
1-0: Saturday, 13th AugustAnother exceptional performance from the youngster who continues to improve week by week.
Cardiff City
0-1: Sunday, 7th AugustDecent 90 for the centre half who will score from a corner one day proving me right. Sterner tests than today’s will come however.
Sunderland
0-3: Sunday, 22nd MayWas doing ok until his untimely injury. The beneficiary of a chant containing the dubious rhyme of 'East Lon-don' with 'better than Up-son'...
Blackburn Rovers
1-1: Saturday, 7th MayDid not play.
Chelsea
0-3: Saturday, 23rd AprilDid not play.
Manchester City
1-2: Saturday, 23rd AprilFar and away our best defender. A good off-the-line clearance, strong in the tackle and in the air for most of the game.
Bolton Wanderers
0-3: Saturday, 9th AprilGiven a torrid time by Petrov. Played manfully and looked stronger at centre back.
Manchester United
2-4: Saturday, 2nd AprilDid not play.
Tottenham Hotspur
0-0: Saturday, 19th MarchDid not play.
Stoke City
1-2: Sunday, 13th MarchNever shirked his duties in an unfamiliar role.
Stoke City
3-0: Saturday, 5th MarchI’ve never felt he has been comfortable out of position in the past. However, a few early wobbles aside, he looked happier as the game went on and even found time to get forward in the second half.
Liverpool
3-1: Sunday, 27th FebruaryA fine game marred only slightly by the mess up with Jacobsen for their goal.
Burnley
5-1: Monday, 21st FebruaryComments to follow.
Blackpool
3-1: Wednesday, 2nd FebruarySo assured and composed at the heart of the defence, (the real) JT looked a player beyond his years. Man of the Match.
Nottingham Forest
3-2: Sunday, 30th JanuaryDid not play.
Birmingham City
1-3: Wednesday, 26th JanuaryComments to follow.
Everton
2-2: Saturday, 22nd JanuaryComments to follow.
Arsenal
0-3: Saturday, 15th JanuaryComments to follow.
Birmingham City
2-1: Tuesday, 11th JanuaryComments to follow.
Barnsley
2-0: Saturday, 8th JanuaryGenerally ok though he did seem to be out-muscled a couple of times.
Newcastle United
0-5: Wednesday, 5th JanuaryComments to follow.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
2-0: Saturday, 1st JanuaryAbout a year ago he had a complete nightmare against these opponents. His confidence appeared shot and he was left out of the team. In recent weeks he's shown his true colours.
Everton
1-1: Tuesday, 28th DecemberComments to follow.
Fulham
3-1: Sunday, 26th DecemberComments to follow.
Blackburn Rovers
1-1: Saturday, 18th DecemberComments to follow.
Manchester City
1-3: Saturday, 11th DecemberComments to follow.
Sunderland
0-1: Sunday, 5th DecemberComments to follow.
Manchester United
4-0: Tuesday, 30th NovemberTwo decent showings in a row will do wonders for his confidence which took a bit of a hit last year.
Wigan Athletic
3-1: Saturday, 27th NovemberA nice confidence-booster for the youngster who kept it simple throughout.
Liverpool
0-3: Saturday, 20th November(Replaced Ilunga, 76 mins) Comments to follow.
Blackpool
0-0: Saturday, 13th NovemberDid not play.
West Bromwich Albion
2-2: Wednesday, 10th NovemberDid not play.
Birmingham City
2-2: Saturday, 6th NovemberDid not play.
Arsenal
0-1: Saturday, 30th OctoberDid not play.
Stoke City
3-1: Wednesday, 27th OctoberLike Da Costa, he got steadily better as the game progressed. Unlucky not to score.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
1-1: Saturday, 16th OctoberDid not play.
Fulham
1-1: Saturday, 2nd OctoberDid not play.
Sunderland
2-1: Tuesday, 21st SeptemberOk but got dragged around by their forwards a bit too much on occasions. Would struggle against a better team.
Stoke City
1-1: Saturday, 18th SeptemberDid not play.
Chelsea
1-3: Saturday, 11th SeptemberDid not play.
Oxford United
1-0: Tuesday, 24th AugustNervy start but got much better. Ended well with some good surges into the opposition's half.
Bolton Wanderers
1-3: Saturday, 21st AugustDid not play.
Aston Villa
0-3: Saturday, 14th AugustA horrible peformance and one that is likely to see him benched for the forseeable future. You just can't afford to make sloppy mistakes - as JT did - at this level.
Deportivo La Coruna
0-0: Saturday, 7th AugustComments to follow.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
1-3: Tuesday, 23rd MarchOne almighty cock-up, but otherwise fine. A fairly catastrophic almighty cock-up though.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
1-3: Tuesday, 23rd MarchActually did okay if you ignore the faux pas that gifted Wolves the lead. Which obviously, you cannot.
Arsenal
0-2: Saturday, 20th MarchComments to follow.
Chelsea
1-4: Saturday, 13th MarchDid not play.
Bolton Wanderers
1-2: Saturday, 6th MarchA right ‘mare against Davies – barely won a header all afternoon and as for the second goal...
Manchester United
0-3: Tuesday, 23rd FebruaryMade a couple of superb last-ditch tackles on Wayne Rooney but questions will be asked with regards to his positioning for the first two goals.
Hull City
3-0: Sunday, 21st FebruaryAppears to have gone “back to basics” – opting for safety first on every occasion. There are occasions when he is capable of doing more with the ball – suggesting a lack of confidence at the moment maybe?
Hull City
3-0: Sunday, 21st FebruaryHas a tendancy to always play back to the keeper, but was tight at the back with Upson and West Ham never looked like conceding.
Hull City
3-0: Sunday, 21st FebruaryAppears to have gone “back to basics” – opting for safety first on every occasion. There are occasions when he is capable of doing more with the ball – suggesting a lack of confidence at the moment maybe?
Birmingham City
2-0: Wednesday, 10th FebruaryA bit nervy in the first half but gained confidence as the match progressed.
Burnley
1-2: Saturday, 6th FebruaryStarting to look more the part as the games go on. Despite conceding two goals, perversely he had little to do, such was the bluntness of the opposition attack.
Blackburn Rovers
0-0: Saturday, 30th JanuaryNot bad on the floor but given a harder time when Roberts came on.
Portsmouth
1-1: Tuesday, 26th JanuaryComments to follow.
Aston Villa
0-0: Sunday, 17th JanuaryComments to follow.
Arsenal
1-2: Sunday, 3rd JanuaryComments to follow.
Tottenham Hotspur
0-2: Monday, 28th DecemberComments to follow.
Portsmouth
2-0: Saturday, 26th DecemberComments to follow.
Chelsea
1-1: Sunday, 20th December(Replaced Gabbidon, 19 mins) I was a bit concerned when he came on after 20 minutes as he’s not been in the best of form so far this season. However he had a decent match.
Bolton
1-3: Tuesday, 15th DecemberComments to follow.
Birmingham City
0-1: Saturday, 12th DecemberComments to follow.
Manchester United
0-4: Saturday, 5th DecemberSimilar to Gabbidon really, Seemed well placed to cut out at least one cross. Didn’t.
Burnley
5-3: Saturday, 28th NovemberDid not play.
Everton
1-2: Sunday, 8th NovemberDid not play.
Aston Villa
2-1: Wednesday, 4th NovemberDid not play.
Sunderland
2-2: Saturday, 31st OctoberUsually so good in the air he struggled a bit in this one.
Arsenal
2-2: Sunday, 25th OctoberWon just about everything in the air in the second half. Decent match.
Stoke City
1-2: Saturday, 17th OctoberComments to follow.
Fulham
2-2: Sunday, 4th OctoberOne of the few to emerge from the afternoon with any credit. About time one of those headers hit the target though.
Manchester City
1-3: Monday, 28th SeptemberI rate the kid highly but he was poor tonight. What was he doing for the first goal?
Bolton Wanderers
1-3: Tuesday, 22nd SeptemberA decent game.
Liverpool
2-3: Saturday, 19th SeptemberGiven a torrid times by Torres and must bear a bit of responsibility for the first goal.
Wigan Athletic
0-1: Saturday, 12th SeptemberOk defensively but will be having nightmares over the two free headers that should have seen him mark his accession to first choice defender with a goal.
Blackburn Rovers
0-0: Saturday, 29th AugustDid not play.
Millwall
3-1: Tuesday, 25th AugustSeemed to know what the game was all about.
Tottenham Hotspur
1-2: Sunday, 23rd AugustDid not play.
Tottenham Hotspur
1-2: Sunday, 23rd AugustDid not play.
Beijing Guoan
2-0: Friday, 31st JulySolid enough against unconvincing opponents.
Liverpool
0-3: Saturday, 9th MayWasn’t at all fazed by having to deal with Torres.
Stoke City
1-0: Saturday, 2nd MayI’m running out of ways of saying “old head on young shoulders”. The partnership with Upson, from whom he just shades MOTM for me, is developing nicely.
Chelsea
0-1: Saturday, 25th AprilCame for one or two that he’d have been better off hanging away from. Contnues to improve though.
Sunderland
2-0: Saturday, 4th AprilPreferred by Zola to Collins, the youngster fully justified his continued selection. If he looked a little less confident when moved over to right-back after Spector’s injury, he compensated for that by keeping it simple. Deserved the goal and could have had more.
Blackburn Rovers
1-1: Saturday, 21st MarchA mature performance from the youngster. How many blocks did he put in?
West Bromwich Albion
0-0: Monday, 16th MarchSolid enough defensively but lacked imagination when bringing the ball out of defence.
West Bromwich Albion
0-0: Monday, 16th MarchThe way he reads the game reminds me of a young Bobby Moore.
Bolton Wanderers
1-2: Saturday, 21st February(Replaced Collins, 16 mins) Never looked in trouble after coming on for the injured Collins. I am sure he will become a regular first-team player next season.
Manchester City
1-0: Saturday, 21st FebruaryA good few headers in and looked a lot more solid than of late.
Hull City
2-0: Wednesday, 28th JanuaryDid not play.
Hartlepool United
2-0: Saturday, 24th JanuaryStarted nervously but settled down to play his part in this comfortable victory.
Newcastle United
2-2: Saturday, 10th JanuaryDid not play.
Barnsley
3-0: Saturday, 3rd JanuaryA good run out for the youngster though the communication with his senior partner at the back sometimes seemed lacking.
Middlesbrough
1-1: Saturday, 1st NovemberDid not play.
West Bromwich Albion
2-3: Saturday, 13th SeptemberDid not play.
Aston Villa
2-2: Saturday, 10th MayHad a tough time up against Carew and Young. Stuck to the task though.
Manchester United
1-4: Saturday, 3rd MayOne missed header that contributed to Ronaldo’s second but otherwise continues to show maturity at the back.
Manchester United
1-4: Saturday, 3rd MayPlayed with maturity way beyond his years, Lucas Neill could learn a thing or two from him, particularly when it comes to sticking your body on the line and staying to your position.
Newcastle United
2-2: Saturday, 26th AprilAnother very solid performance from JT, looked extremely capable, wasn't flustered under pressure. First goal not his fault.
Newcastle United
2-2: Saturday, 26th AprilGot slightly the wrong side of Martins for the first goal but this was one of the few blips in an otherwise fairly assured performance.
Derby County
2-1: Saturday, 19th AprilA couple of early passes aside this was a useful home debut. Not afraid to put himself about up front either when set pieces merit.
Portsmouth
0-1: Tuesday, 8th AprilDid not play.
Sunderland
1-2: Saturday, 29th March(replaced Spector, 74) Did ok under the circumstances. Appeared to actually relish the defensive battle.
Everton
1-1: Saturday, 22nd MarchAn interesting debut, outfoxed for the goal by the wily Yakubu but otherwise faultless - and so close to scoring.
Blackburn Rovers
2-1: Monday, 17th MarchDid not play.
Blackburn Rovers
2-1: Monday, 17th MarchDid not play.
Arsenal
0-2: Tuesday, 1st JanuaryDid not play.
James Tomkins did not play for West Ham during this season.
James Tomkins did not play for West Ham during this season.
James Tomkins did not play for West Ham during this season.
James Tomkins did not play for West Ham during this season.
James Tomkins did not play for West Ham during this season.
James Tomkins did not play for West Ham during this season.
James Tomkins did not play for West Ham during this season.