West Ham goalkeeper David James can expect a hellish time when he arrives in the sun-kissed Floridian paradise next week.

The England custodian is linking up with Miami Dolphins in a cross-sporting venture set up with the backing of NFL Europe and arrives in the States on June 24.

David James - swapping the football field for gridiron Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY

But according to Basildon-based Dean Gibson, who has played college football in the US, he will find life very different from what he is used to as a soccer star.

The head coach of South East Conference gridiron outfit Essex Spartans knows what to expect from a training camp -- and warns it will be another world compared with Upton Park.

"After everyone is introduced they are put through a vast amount of physical tests for agility, strength, sprinting and so on," he said.

"Once you get through that you move on to boot camp, and in that time he will be taken to hell and back.

"They really put you on the line and that's nothing like what he will have been used to in soccer."

On getting involved in the game, 32-year-old James will find it a different type of discipline as well.

The keeper has been earmarked as a possible quarterback, kicker or wide receiver, but in addition to learning new tactics and rules he will also have to adapt to a far more explosive style of play.

But the link-up should be of benefit to him and to both sports, according to Gibson.

"It will be a great experience and will really boost his physical fitness," he said.

James' trip to Florida has been organised with the backing of NFL Europe, the six-team continental franchise won by Frankfurt Galaxy last weekend.

James himself added: "I am delighted to have been invited -- it's a great opportunity to learn about more about the sport, and put myself up against some of the best athletes in the world."

Published Thursday, June 19, 2003

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