|
Graeme's yearThursday, 30 December 2004.
TheFA.com continues our series of interview from across the footballing fraternity with Graeme Dell. The England Futsal coach looks back at the highs and lows of 2004 and tells us his hopes and aspirations for 2005.
| Graeme Dell Profile |
|
The England Futsal team came into being in June 2003 following an invitation to enter the prestigious KL World 5s competition. British University Students' Team coach, Graeme Dell, was appointed England Futsal coach, and the UEFA 'A' License holder has since led England as they try to establish theselves on the international Futsal scene. |
On The Field
Best individual performance: Javi Rodriguez playing for Spain against Brazil in this years FIFA Futsal World Cup semi-final. He showed why he has been at the top for so long and demonstrated great leadership by example.
 Best team performance: Spain in the same game. They were simply awesome and despite it being level at 3-3 after extra time Spain were calm and clinical when it came to the penalties. Spain did their job on the night.
One thing you would like to change: Probably like most National Coaches it’s getting quality time with the players when they are fresh, but we are at the start of our programme and that time will come in due course. Overall I was happy with what we have done at such an early stage.
Best football quote of the year: It has to be from the former Head of Futsal at FIFA, Victor Beceiro, when commenting on the big scorelines of matches between some of the developing nations and the more experienced nations: "When you first start playing international futsal you have to understand it will be painful, it will feel like paying the VAT for five years work up front, but you have to do it to learn"
 Funniest thing in football this year: Probably Wayne Rooney’s first goal against Switzerland in Coimbra during Euro 2004 when the ball struck the post and cannoned back to hit ‘keeper Jorge Stiel on the back of the head before it went in. Lets just say it appealed to my sense of humour.
A name to watch in 2005: Farai Jackson. He’s a goalkeeper, typical of the type of player who will play futsal. Rejected by the ‘big game’ because of his height but nonetheless very agile, quick feet and an excellent shot stopper all of which are essential qualities for futsal. He has impressed many with his rapid understanding and adaptation to the game in such a short period of time.
One rule change you would like: That’s a difficult one as there are so many carefully constructed laws in futsal that make it the exciting game that it is.
 In football the issue of players leaving the field of play after being treated for an injury needs addressing. In my view, if the Referee has given a foul for the offence which lead to the injury then the player should be allowed to remain on the field of play after treatment. If the player is injured under any other circumstances then rightly, in case they’re feigning injury, they should leave the field of play and then rejoin the game.
Professional ambition for the coming year: To get England in to a position where we can seriously challenge the teams directly above us in the rankings which, will be essential for the Euro 2007 pre-qualifiers.
Five-a-side team of the year: Luis Amado (ESP), Falcao (BRA), Joel Quiros (POR), Javi Rodriguez (ESP), Carlos SANCHEZ (ARG)
Off The Field
Celebrating Christmas this year: With close friends for both, whom I haven’t seen for ages which will be great fun and an opportunity to relax.
Best Christmas memories: When I was younger my father was in the toy trade so every Christmas we always got the latest toys before they were launched in the shops in the New Year. Understandably school friends then always besieged the house during the aftermath.
 Favourite Christmas song: The Pogues with the late Kirsty McCall, Fairytale of New York
New Year's resolutions: Now that would be telling and in any case, there are far too many to mention here !
Where in the world would you'd most like to visit in the next year: I am very lucky with my job in that I get to travel a great deal and to some fantastic places around the globe but so far Australia is one place which has so far eluded me both personally and professionally.
Best book read in 2004: Lance Armstrong, Its not about the Bike: My journey Back to Life.
Which band, either past or present, would you like to see live on stage? Oasis.
 Song you would choose on karaoke night: Not that I would, and if you’ve ever heard me sing you’ll know why, but probably: U2, Beautiful Day.
Most like to meet in 2005: Ever since I was a kid I have always wanted to meet The Queen.
TV highlight of 2004: The Olympic Games, although I was also lucky enough to be there.
If a film were to come out next year about your life, who would you like to play you? I know I’ll get some stick for this but it would have to be either Pierce Brosnan, only because I see him as a real James Bond and I like the idea of being James Bond or, Michael Caine. (Now I know that’s going to be one of those answers I’ll wish I’d never have given !)
Log on to TheFA.com over the festive period for more end of year reviews.
GRAEME'S YEAR
30 December 2004
|
|