How long have you been playing at the Northern Tigers?
This is my sixth season as a Tiger since signing in 2014.
Which clubs have you previously played for?
Prior to the Tigers I spent about ten years at Manly United. One or two years before that were at the famous Belrose-Terrey Hills Raiders and Giffnock FC, a junior club in Scotland.
Who has been the biggest influence in your football career?
The biggest influence on my career would probably be my old man. Obviously a big thank you goes to my mum, without her I wouldn’t have been able to get to training / play games. The easiest thing to do both on and off a football pitch is work hard and I want to thank my parents for instilling this trait in me.
A final mention has to go to Jason Eagar who gave me a go as a teenager back in 2014 and to Mark McCormack who played me higher up the pitch, encouraging me to get into the box more. If it wasn’t for Mark, there is no doubt I would still be without a goal for the club.
What do you enjoy most about playing for the Tigers?
Farinas after 3 points and being in the Kop on a Sunday watching the girls!
On a serious note however there is no doubt the club’s stability and culture are key drivers in its continued success across both the men’s and the women’s teams. There is no politics, people aren’t here for the money, its all about football and working hard for your teammates and coaches. This is the key to the club’s success and ability to continue to make finals year-on-year in all grades.
Ultimately however you play at this level to win games and trophies and it is a slight disappointment that we haven’t capitalised on the numerous finals appearances and strong club championship positions in the past few years.
What position do you play? Have you always played there?
I have always played left back or as far away from the right side as possible. Probably the leagues most un-versatile (not sure if that’s a word) player, I am fortunate that no one ever wants to play left back!
Do you have a favourite club/player? Who/why?
My favourite football club is Ayr United (spelt wrong on my foot) who currently play in the 2nd tier of Scottish football. Glasgow Rangers would be a close second. I have always liked Wayne Rooney despite him being English. Works his socks off, scores goals and loves a challenge.
What is your best football memory?
Winning the grand final with the Northern Tigers in 2015. We had a very good team that year and were far and away the best team in the league. Despite missing out on being promoted that year, it is a season I will never forget. I learnt a lot from the senior lads that year and I hope in both this and future seasons I am able to lead all the excellent youngsters in our squad to success.