West Ham was further strengthened last weekend when local youngster Derek Pailing was afforded VIP treatment as the London club hosted Leeds United at their Upton Park ground.

The nine-year-old Mount St. Agnes student, a member of BAA's Pee Wee team, was introduced to both teams before the game, having previously got to visit a Hammmers training session.

The match itself was a stormy affair, Leeds winning 5-1 after West Ham had three players sent off.

Derek's father, Alan, who accompanied him on the trip, is well known to West Ham boss Harry Redknapp and his assistant Frank Lampard who in recent years have been running the annual Bermuda Youth Soccer Camp.

The pair will be returning again next month for the five-day camp at Berkeley Institute school field. Registration forms will be available soon at the Pro Shop on Reid Street.

Day to remember: Mount St. Agnes schoolboy Derek Pailing poses with England international Frank Lampard jr. during his trip to West Ham last week.