Q1:First off Brendan thanks for taking the time to talk to us today.Now before you signed for the Seagull's very few people had heard of you.Tell us a little about yourself.
A1: Not a problem at all! I am 22 years old and I'm from Chicago. I've played football all my life and it's always been a dream of mine to play in Europe. I studied politics at the University of Notre Dame and recently graduated this past December. Outside of playing football I'm a pretty avid FIFA player and will take on anyone that wants a game! I've been a huge Man United supporter all my life as well.
Q2:You played college football (or soccer in the states) for Notre Dame, what is the standard of college football in the states like ??
A2: The standard of college football is actually a lot higher than what people who aren't familiar with it would expect. There's a lot of good players and coaches involved in university football in the states. There's a really big emphasis on education in the US so a lot of kids will try and finish their degrees before they pursue a career in football. You can't play football forever so its good to have a degree in my hands.
Q3:You were selected by the Portland Timbers on the MLS Super Draft earlier this year.You went on their pre-season training campaign, but you didn't sign for them.Why??
A3: Being drafted to the Timbers was a really great honor. It was great to spend pre-season with the squad. Portland is a great city and they have a really well supported team. When you are drafted to an MLS team, you aren't automatically guaranteed a contract. I spent about five weeks with the Timbers. MLS teams have a limit of 30 players per roster. When I was drafted to the Timbers they had about one or two roster spots available and about eight different guys after those one or two spots. I came to the realization that it was going to take a bit a longer than I had wanted to get in the squad and get a first team roster spot. I also had the chance to go on trial with Shamrock Rovers. Portland asked if I would stay and finish out preseason but I wanted to pursue my options overseas and so I jumped at the chance to come over here to Ireland and try my luck out here.
Q4:You were on trial with other Airtricity League clubs. What was the experience like for you ??
A4: I had a trial with Shamrock Rovers in February after I left Portland. It was my first real taste of the LOI and I was really impressed with the standard. I really enjoyed my time with Rovers and I thank Stephen Kenny and the staff there for giving me the opportunity.
Q5:Many people will want to know,Why pick Ireland to play your trade in ??
A5: I think the LOI is a really underrated league. There's loads of really talented players in the league and I've really enjoyed playing alongside these guys so far. I chose Ireland for a number of reasons. Obviously the language isn't a barrier and Ireland is a pretty easy country to settle into. I really like the people here and everyone at Bray has been really welcoming and friendly which has helped me assimilate a lot. Also I think the LOI is a great launching pad to other leagues in Europe. Like I said, it's always been a dream of mine to play in Europe and when I received the chance to do so I jumped at it.
Q6:Did you know much about the Airtricity League before you came over here ??
A6: Before I came over in February I didn't know much to be honest. I know former Pats player, Ryan Guy's agent pretty well and he had told me a few things about the league. That being said, I've been impressed so far with everything.
Q7:Now your recent move to the Wanderers,How did that all come about ??
A7: After my trial with Shamrock Rovers I had a talk with Stephen Kenny. He was impressed with my performance over the week I was there, but there wasn't really a need for my position within the squad. They have so many talented players over there. He said he would make a few calls for me however so that I could get a club here in Ireland. Among the clubs he called was Bray, and he spoke very highly of me to Pat Devlin. Pat decided to take a chance on me on that recommendation from Stephen and he brought me over.
Q8: Compared to College football in the states is their a big step up to Airtricity League football ??
A8: I would say the league here is a bit more fast paced and physical than college football in the US. I've been fortunate enough to train with a few clubs across Europe and those experiences have prepared me really well for playing here. I can handle the pace of the game pretty well and I think as time goes by I will become more accustomed to the style of play here.
Q9:How have you settled in at the seaside ??
A9: I think I've settled in pretty well. I like Bray. Its a nice little town, but there's enough to do there to keep me busy. Like I said, all the people associated with the club have been great. They've really helped me settle in. The guys in the team are all really great guys and I get on with them well.
Q10:Finally, It's early in your Wanderers career but can you see yourself returning next season ??
A10: To be honest I haven't thought much past this season. If the offer presents itself to return next season it's something I will have to think about. For now I just want to do as well as I can with the opportunity that I have. I just want to concentrate on this season and working as hard as I can for the team so that we can be successful in the second half of the season. If I can do that than the rest will take care of itself.
A massive thanks to Brendan for taking the time out of his busy day to answer a few questions for us and we wish him all the best in his wanderers career.
No comments:
Post a Comment