THE INTERVIEWS 7

The Exiled Geordie Interviews..................Colin Iley

Colin Iley joined Billingham Synthonia from Guisborough Town back in 2005. Over the next six years he would go on to make some 285 appearances and scoring 85 goals for Synners. His time with the club saw him win two Durham County Challenge Cups (2009 and 2010), DCC Runners-Up in 2006, as well as reaching the semi-finals of the FA Vase in 2007. Top scorer for the club in three successive seasons (2006/07/08) as well as making the most appearances in 2008 and 2009.
He has since joined Manly United in the NSW Premier League in Australia - http://www.manlyunitedfc.com.eu/
Here, Colin agreed to answer a few questions, enjoy.......

EXILED GEORDIE - To begin with please tell the readers about your move to Australia's NSW Premier League and Manly United. How did this move come about? How are you finding the transition? And what are Manly United and the NSWPL like, even more so in comparison to that of English non-league football?

COLIN ILEY - I felt like a change, I wanted to travel and the chance to train with Manly United came up. The opportunity came through a lad I played with at England Universities, who was playing there at the time. In addition to that, the manager, Craig Midgley used to play for Hartlepool and there were also a few other links via ex-teammates, so that's how it initially came about. I went to Australia and trained there, was offered a contract and I discovered that I loved the country and the lifestyle straight away, so I thought I'd give it a go.
It took a little while for me to adapt as they play a different style of football out here; it's a lot more technical as opposed to the Northern League which is much more physical and high-tempo. Out here, there's a bigger emphasis on physical fitness and technique. The A-League is the top professional football league in Australia and the NSW Premier League is just one grade down from that, so it's a pretty high standard of football which is why you have to be super fit!

Since I've been here, I've come up against some very technically-gifted players but the league is pretty much split into communities, which requires you to constantly adapt your game plan and style of play. For example, two of the clubs in the league are backed and supported by Italians and Italian-Australians living in Sydney, so when you play them, you come up against more organised sides who keep the ball, though the following week you may be playing a Greek side who play a much more direct game.

The football played here is quick but it's just not as physical as the Northern League - which can be played at 100 miles an hour and be more high contact- whereas in the NSW Premier you expect to be pressed constantly when you're in possession.

I've also found that the passion for the game is a lot stronger back in England. Football (or soccer as its known here) is not the country's main sport, it's probably about the fourth choice, so the game's not considered as important over here as it is back in the UK.

EG - During your time at Billingham Synthonia you made some 285 appearances in six years, including most appearances in 2008 (49) and 2009 (51). What are your thoughts on playing so many matches? Any league games of particular standout memories?
CI - I love playing so much, in fact my hunger to play could have been to my detriment, but I was lucky to stay relatively injury-free for so long. If the chance was there, I would play. I love football so playing twice a week for nine months suited me; in fact I averaged about 50 games a season over my six seasons! I had to miss the last 15 games at Synners because I came out to Sydney. I really loved the club and I think it's by far the best club in the Northern League.

I don’t really have a stand out league game. I had so many I really enjoyed playing in which usually included, the team winning, and me scoring and having a good game. (My favourite combination.) I left the club on 85 goals and hope to one day come back and get to a 100 for the club.

EG - With Synners you were a runner-up (2006) and twice winner (2009 and 2010) of the Durham County Challenge Cup. What are your thoughts and the (non-obvious) highlights of these successes?
CI - In the 2006 season, I was dropped in the cup final, despite being top-scorer at the time, but I was only 21 and my first season at the club! So I was on the bench for the game against Whickham. We were drawing 1-1 and the game looked set to go into extra-time, so the gaffer told me to warm up as I would be coming on. But Whickham scored in the 92nd minute so I didn't get to come on. I was gutted.

Our 2009 opponents, Durham City had approached me to sign for them at the start of that season. I turned them down because I wanted to stay with Synners. They ran away with the league that year but came up against us in the final, which we won, thanks to a single goal from James Magowan. It was a great feeling to win it with Synners knowing that I'd stuck with my instincts at the beginning of the season and stayed with the club I loved.

In 2010 we managed to retain the title and it was a real boost to know that we'd made it through to the final unbeaten for two consecutive seasons. I played a part in both goals and was really pleased to have played an important part in the win.

                      

EG – You were a losing semi-finalist in the FA Vase in 2007. Please discuss this particular run which ended in a despairing penalty shoot-out defeat in the semis against AFC Totton. Could anything have been done differently?

CI - It is by far my favourite season I have ever played in, the cup run, the publicity and the team was brilliant. I scored in the first leg semi which took us through to the second leg with a 2-1 aggregate win. But the one standout memory I have from that season was the camaraderie within the team, we had a brilliant team spirit that season, the best I've ever known. We won 2-1 with my goal coming just four minutes from time. They came here for the second leg and won by the same score line. We missed a penalty in the closing minutes of extra time which forced the game into penalties. I didn't want to take one, a decision I now regret, but our keeper John Jackson stepped up to take one and scored, he's a bit of a legend to me.

I'd also like to mention that the club's preparations that season were the best any player could have hoped for, from our accommodation and transport right down to things like the pre-match meal together. The fans came out in force too and we could not have asked for more. We were really nervous ahead of the tie, given what was at stake, but there's not much you can do about nerves.

It was my favourite season and was lucky enough to be offered trials with Scunthorpe United; however I was not offered a contract and remained with Synners until my decision to move to Oz.

EG - Playing for the England Universities for four years, where and when was this? What are your memories of this time?

I was nominated by my university (Teesside) and played for them between that of 2002-2006. I had to go down to Bath for trials and was selected to play in the Home Nations Cup in 2002, which we won. I played in and won the same tournament again in 2004. After that I went to trials for Great Britain - to play in the World Student Games in Thailand, but I didn't get selected. However, as a result of those trials, I was chosen to play for Team Bath by Paul Tisdale. I went down there for 3 weeks but I had to return to the north east to finish my studies at Teesside as I couldn't transfer my course to Bath University. Tisdale is now Exeter City manager and it's great to see that five of six of the lads in the team I played in, have gone on to play professionally in the Football League and further afield - including Australia.

On a personal level, one of my best memories was being voted as University of Teesside's Sportsman of the Year for two years running. The bursaries that came with winning the accolade were obviously very welcome for a student!

EG - Having scored in your last match for Synners, a 4-2 defeat away to Bishop Auckland back in March 2011, how do you feel about your last match for a club you served so long, irrespective of the result?

CI - It was actually a very sad day for me. Bittersweet I suppose as I scored that day and was also given the captain's armband which was a really nice gesture from the manager. I stand by my opinion that Synners are the best club in the Northern League, they have the best chairman, Stuart Coleby who is a true gent, a great committee and a really modern management team. The facilities are great and they have the best pitch in the league. Everything is in place for the club to take the next step up and excel and they are my pick for the coming season. I think they'll shock a few sides this year. They are a fantastic club and I would like to thank them for 6 great years, it was a pleasure to play for them, although I have to admit that it's Madge, the kit lady, that I miss the most! 

(All contents are the property of myself, Peter Mann, writing as The Exiled Geordie. They will not be re-published without the expressed permission of the author himself)

(PHOTOGRAPHS ARE COURTESY OF GRAEME GOODMAN)

THE INTERVIEWS 6

The Exiled Geordie Interviews........
Jamie Chandler


Jamie Chandler is the 22 year old, Geordie born midfielder who began his career at Sunderland at the tender age of nine, before moving to nearby Darlington. He has represented his country as a junior and last season (2011) he put in a man of the match performance at the home of football as helped Darlington win the FA Trophy.
Here, the midfielder took some time out to answer a few quick questions about his career to date......

The Exiled Geordie - Jamie, you spent several years with Sunderland AFC's Academy and Reserves, being offered a professional contract in 2007. What are your thoughts on your time with the Black Cats and that contract offer?
Jamie Chandler - I loved my time at SAFC. I joined at 9 years old and left last summer which was hard to do after all those years but I loved my time there. I have a lot of great memories and friends from my years there and even as a Geordie, have a huge soft spot for the club. I was offered a pro deal from Roy Keane, one of the best midfielders to grace the game and which was an amazing feeling. It didn't quite work out at SAFC but the experience I got from the club will be valuable for the rest of my career.

EG -In 2009 you would be sent on loan to your now current club, Darlington, in 2009. Here you were to make your Football League debut in the defeat away to Aldershot. What do you remember of your league debut?
JC - I remember all of my debut Colin Todd was the gaffer along with Dean Windass, two great ex pros so I knew I'd be looked after well. We lost the game 3-1 but I remember coming on and doing really well and clattering the biggest player on the pitch after a minute of coming to receive a booking which Colin Todd praised me on after the game because no one else got stuck in or into their players.
EG - A few days later would see your first start for the Quakers when at home to Leeds United in the League Cup. Illustrious opponents for such an occasion, so again, what were your thoughts/feelings on this event?
JC - The day before the game Toddy told me I would be starting in the cup vs Leeds live on TV so I was obviously delighted! I had a bit of nerves and excitement but we played really well and should of got something from the game. I was so pleased to get a debut and perform well and it really gave me a confidence boost that I could perform against a good side like Leeds United.

EG - Officially moving to Darlington in 2010, how did it feel that, come the end of your debut 2010-11 season you would not only be the clubs' Young Player of the Year, but also a winner in the FA Trophy? How was the final and cup run for you personally?
JC - Yeah last year turned out to be fantastic for me personally and obviously the club! I was delighted to pick up the accolades of player of the year and the man of match award at Wembley, but really the whole experience of playing every week and in big games, semi finals and cup finals at Wembley was brilliant! Wembley was definitely the best day of my career and will always stick with me. I think I'm still buzzing now.

EG - Few people will know that you made 35 appearances between 2005 and 2008 for the England Under 16's, 17's, 18's and 19's. Do you have any specific match(es), moment(s) and opponent(s), both players and countries from this time?

JC - Yeah I actually clocked up 35 caps for England between those years being the most capped player in an age group which held Daniel Sturridge, Freddie Sears, Theo Walcott, the list goes on. So to be involved with these players and to represent my country was an amazing feeling! My debut against Portugal was on my 16th birthday and was very special, with my first goal vs Iceland as well. Fantastic times I'll never forget
EG - At only 22 years of age there is still time for a successful future. Therefore, what are your thoughts on the coming season both for yourself and for Darlington, and for your own long-term future?
JC - Personally to have a season like last and to pick up personal accolades would be great again. I want to be playing regular and to be able to play at the highest level possible. Doing that with Darlington would be great. For Darlington it's a huge year for us, we should be in the Football League and that's where we have to get to, so this year promotion is the top aim for us!

(The above piece is the work of myself, Peter Mann, writing as The Exiled Geordie. This shall not be copied or used in any other publication unless the expression permission is given myself)

BILLINGHAM TOWN v WASHINGTON

The Exiled Geordie Goes Travelling To...........
Billingham Town

Well with the Mrs on holiday in Austria, the time had arrived for myself to take in my last pre-season friendly so I decided on the closer option of Billingham Town's Bedford Terrace. This had been decided as, when choosing between Town and Synthonia I tweeted both clubs and Town replied. So I took the plunge - in every sense of the word.
The week building up to the match had been rather warm to say the least. However, come matchday, the weather had turned full circle and the north-east as a whole was in for an interesting afternoon. Most matches went ahead amid a cacophony of thunder claps, lightning strikes and torrential rain but some would succumb to the elements as well. Of these falling by the wayside were the Northern League's Cleator Cup final at Spennymoor between Spennymoor Town and Newcastle Benfield (cancelled prior to kick-off), as well as the matches between Whitley Bay and Sunderland XI (abandoned at half-time) and the Newcastle United - Fiorentina friendly (abandoned after an hour).
So that will give you an idea as to what the weather would be like up north. Experiencing it though was something altogether different. But Billingham Town and Washington somehow managed to play (or even wade) their way through it all. And a crowd of somewhere between 30-40 hardy souls was there to witness it.

With the referee kicking off early all thoughts of a decent attempt at a match report went out the window when their was no programme or team sheet available, and clock watching for times would become quite difficult. But, here goes.
Town kicked off and would be on the ascendancy throughout, even though the first real attempt would fall to the visitors but the corner was wasted. This would continue throughout the first half and the game as a whole for both sides as the weather had some effect on those playing.
Dominated by the home side, Billy wasted chance after chance as both free-kicks and corners went begging. The home number 7 wasting several chances when clear through, either by putting wide or aided by the visiting keeper. Their was also a complete miscue by the home sides number 9 when clear on goal and, although the weather was having a visible effect on proceedings, the ball was being played around rather well by Billingham on the main, and in some part by Washington as the visitors held on.

Washington were guilty of a few misses themselves late on in the first half as first an attack was cut out by the Billy defence before a good interchange of passes from Washington right sided players would see the played to their number 8 who just managed to lift an excellent chipped shot over the bar from the corner of the box. Washington's number 4 and 8 picked up niggling injuries during the half as well, but the sides would go in level at 0-0 at the break.

 

The visitors kicked of the second half but it would be the home side that had managed to carry their form from the first into the second half of the match. This was shown when, around five minutes into the second period, the referee felt the need to award the home side a penalty which was successfully taken by number 7 (Glenn Butterworth), who blasted the ball into the top corner well out of the keeper's reach.
A flurry of substitutes followed with Billy making four of their own, including the arrival of Nicky Martin (12), whom I knew from his time at Esh Winning a few seasons back. On most occasions a large amount of substitutions can alter a game in favour of one or the other, but this Billingham side are looking good and should, of the mood takes them, be considered title challengers. Washington couldn't really cope with the constant pressure and on another day the result would have been well into the distance. But, Washington still had chances and got their rewards not long after the hour mark when their own number 7 crafted an excellent goal with a left-foot drive from the edge of the box, giving the home keeper no chance. This gave them hope and the visiting 11 brought a fine save from the home keeper when in a one on situation as the game eased towards its conclusion.

The rain finally eased off as we closed into the final ten minutes and their would be some excitement in the Washington goalmouth as an scramble ensued between Billy's number 16 and 12, and the Washington keeper as the latter somehow managed to come out on top.
The Billy keeper pulled off a last gasp save as the visitors nearly snatched an unlikely victory at the death, but it wasn't to be and the full-time score would read -
BILLINGHAM TOWN 1 WASHINGTON 1