Interviews - Jamie Richards
Wed 7 Feb 2007
Ex Palmerstown Rangers F.C. Player - Jamie Richards
Firstly, how has the ankle recovery process gone so far?
Very disappointing so far I’m afraid. When I first picked up the injury I thought it was only supposed to be a 6 weeks job according to the specialist. But after 4 months I’m not much closer in returning to action. But I’ve arranged to see a specialist in America to speed up my recovery; it’s actually the same doctor who treated Michael Owen.
While it cannot be easy trying to stay positive after an injury,
has this experience taught you anything?
Most definitely, I have learned that when you are injured you have to work hard in order to get fit rather than just wait for nature to take its course. But you also appreciate the simple things in life, like the sound of a bird chirping in the first day of spring or a child’s laugh.
You very rarely give interviews and very few footballers are as
protective as you are of their private lives. What is the reason for that?
I don’t feel its necessary to whore myself to the tabloids such as the P&C news and the Lucan Gazette in order to gain promotional deals and movie cameos. I am a footballer; its how I’m defined. When people hear my name I want them to think footballer not movie star or male model, which incidentally are two career paths I have been offered due to me being injured and having more time on my hands.
How are things at Glenville?
Things are going great for the club at the moment. We’re currently 6 points off top spot but have 4 games in hand and we have already beaten the top side twice which is a massive boost. We’re also still in the cup after beaten Lucan on Sunday so things are going great guns.
What was your personal highlight in 2006?
Reaching new levels of soundness that I thought were not possible without the aid of hallucinating drugs. On the football field it will have to be winning the league in my first season at Glenville.
What was your best performance last year?
A tough question I have so many to choose from, but it would have to be Pearse Club 61 in the cup away. Unfortunately we lost on penalties but I was satisfied with my own performance.
And your finest goal?
The same game I scored with a controlled shot from a layback from about 20 yards out. The pitch was pretty average and the ball was bobbling but I kept my head over the ball and didn’t try to whack it. Fortunately it went top corner.
What's your greatest wish for 2007?
I have decided to almost write this season off due to my injury but hopefully I can get back to full fitness, stay injury free and fire Glenville to more glory.
Which coach has had the greatest influence on you career to date?
That’s another very difficult question since I’ve had so many good coaches. Obviously Declan Heavy who was my first coach in football had a big influence on the way I naturally play the game. Danny Quinn was great for instilling belief into my head and making me believe in my own ability and my current coach James Russell gets you in to tip top shape but not at the expense of the football side to your game being damaged.
How would you describe what has happened in your own career over
the last year?
I am obviously disappointed with the injuries I have sustained over the season but I feel I have improved as a footballer since I left Rangers so I am still trying to keep positive.
Looking back at last season, what images really stick in your
mind?
Making my debut was obviously a memorable image; my first goal was also probably pretty special also.
What do you consider your best qualities as a footballer?
Passing and tackling would probably be the best parts of my game.
What do you consider to be your best position?
I generally consider myself a centre midfielder, but I like playing in a 3-man midfield with an advanced role.
Is there any part of your game that you would still like to improve?
Every player can always improve and I’m no different. Heading for me is an area I need to improve and id like to get myself a few more goals a season as well.
Do you feel that you're getting better with experience?
Big time. You get stronger as each season goes by and the fact that I just turned 23 I probably have another 4 or 5 years before I reach my peak.
What is your earliest footballing memory?
Nutmegging my dad when I was 4 out in my front garden.
Do you have any footballing heroes?
Stuart Ripley and Jason Wilcox. Rover’s legends.
If you could choose any moment in your career, what would be the
best?
Winning my first league title last season.
Turning to Palmerstown Rangers, what do you feel when you look
back on your time there?
It’s tinged with regret. During my time there I played with some serious players but we just never managed to get it together for a whole season.
What kind of a welcome do you receive from the Rangers players
and fans, given that you play for Glenville?
A very mixed one. Some former players shun me when we ever cross paths but I have to admit I’m still very good friends with a lot of the players in the squad. As far as the fans are concerned I’m not surprised by their reaction to me leaving but there is no need to involve my family in threats I have received. Having to heighten your personal and family’s security is a burden when make a cross-town move like the one I made.
What is your view on Rangers this season?
I think it would take a Devon Loch moment for them not to win the title. I’ve seen them once or twice this season and have been very impressed with what I’ve seen. I think it is one of the strongest squads in terms of numbers and quality that has been down there in many a season. If Rangers can stay focused the title is definitely there for the taking this season.
How do you feel about the management system in place at palmerstown
rangers this season?
It seems to be doing the trick with Danny as director of football and Martin Breen as the new gaffer. The club seemed to go stale for a few seasons and the new management system seems to have revitalised the club and it shows with an increase in attendances down at the cage.
Palmerstown are currently enjoying the best period in their history.
Why do you think this is and how far can the club go?
Its up to themselves on how far they can go. They have a great ground, big stadium, and with the new set up there is no reason why they cant win next years league if they can keep the squad together.
Did you fulfil one of your football ambitions by playing in the
same team as your brother for palmerstown rangers last year?
I probably fulfilled his ambition.
Football is the cause of many an argument. What happens when you
and your brother, don't share the same opinion? Does it ever escalate
into an argument?
We’ve had many arguments down through the years but we try not to have too many arguments about football because it often ends in me giving him a people’s elbow. Then my mam starts giving it large and then I’m like “hey ma, shut it and slap on some steak and get a bit of peppered sauce brewing as well”. Then I chug a Stella whilst wearing a wife beater. I call that move the double wife beater, due to Stella being heavily associated with wife beater vests.
What are the hallmarks of a 'Danny Quinn’ team?
Probably trust, encouragement, reward, loyalty……. And satisfaction.
Id also like to take this opportunity to plug my two new DVD’s that
I have coming out soon. James Richards football workshop volume 2 and
James Richards football wind-ups. Best of luck for the rest of the season
and I hope Rangers can win that elusive league title.