Anyone know anything about James Simmonds?

[Don Vito]

Anyone out there have anymore infromation on this guy? He's chosen us ahead of England. All I know is that he's 16 and been playing regularly in the Chelsea reserves (obviously a decent side considering their squad). He was due to make his U-19 debut against Italy but has been ruled out with an ankle injury.

There's prob some stuff about him on Chelsea's website but I'm just too busy today to have a look.

[Donal81]

http://www.thefa.com/England/U17s/Players/Postings/2004/02/EngU17Squad_AlgarveTournament.htm


Still looking...

[Don Vito]

Looks like a tug of war:

http://www.fai.ie/article.asp?hlid=248249&Title=Five+changes+in+Under+19+squad&lid=Main+News&sub=Five+changes+in+Under+19+squad&navlid=&sublid=

[eirebhoy]

keep an eye on the sticky at the top of the forum. He's a 17 year old left winger, good dribbler, so has our very own Duffer as mentor. I think its safe to say he didn't choose Ireland for football reasons as we're blessed with left wingers while England only have Downing atm.

[SaucyJack]

got a nice mention on the SoccerCentral message board (http://soccercentral.myfreebb.com/viewtopic.php?t=345)

[eirebhoy]

From the link above:

Simo for Ireland!!!! He is an outstanding prospect. Damien Duff has been giving him lots of encouragement at Chelsea. God bless the "Duffa". He has had to pull out of the game in Bari as he has damaged ankle ligaments but should be back in training in a few weeks.
Brian Kerr presented his Ireland cap at a big do in Dublin, he got his England cap through the post!! No contest.
The FAI sent him a fantastic letter when he declared recently welcoming him and his family ( Kerry and Donegal) God bless Brian!
Choosing Ireland ahead of England came from James's heart. We are all brimming with pride as he is living out all our dreams. Who knows God willing, he may one day be at Landsdowne Road , singing the soldiers song?
Keep an eye out for him
Come on you bhoys in green!!
Whelo (Jame's uncle London, Cork and Dublin)
ps Thankyou to Pat from the RISC who alerted us to this website at the Munster game last saturday

[Adrianovic]

There seems to be a growing trend of young second generation Irish lads declaring for Ireland early on, I suppose praise must be heaped upon Kerr and the FAI for making playing for Ireland such a personally proud achievement - rather than just one in the line as England's snail mail system seems to come across!

We certainly have a lot of left sided players, if he's a brave winger perhaps he'll be converted to central before he hits 20, if not, thats just fine.

Lots of prospects out there!

Ade

[SaucyJack]

kind of funny...on the list of "developing Players" on the official Chelsea site, the pic they have of Simmonds is him with the England jersey on

http://www.chelseafc.com/article.asp?article=250521&Title=Developing+Players&lid=Navigation+-+Players&sub=Developing+Players&nav=&sublid=