Interviews - Stephen Holmes
Wed 18 April 2007
Palmerstown Rangers F.C. Player - Stephen Holmes
Has this been the best season in your career?
This season has been a success so far but as Keano would say medals aren’t given out till May and that’s when success can be properly judged. It has been my best season at Palmerstown but my all time best season was under 13 when I won 7 medals at both club and school, which included an all Ireland medal.
How good are Palmerstown Rangers at the moment, in your view?
It’s been a steady progression since I signed. Danny is trying to take the club in the right direction. The core of the team is quite good but there is always room for improvement if we are to compete at a higher level next year. Patrick Brennan has been a big loss in my opinion.
How far can the club go?
Short term I see no reason why we cant be champions in the next few weeks. But over the next few seasons with the right infrastructure I believe Rangers can compete in one of if not the top AUL league.
How would you describe this Palmerstown team?
As I have spoken before it’s the best Rangers team I have been apart of. But areas of the team have to be strengthened to. It’s nice to see new fresh faces like Eastment and Summerville making an impact on the team too. That can only be good for the side.
What/Who inspired you to join Palmerstown Rangers?
Id been out of the game for a year and was eager to get back in when James Richards approached me about joining Rangers. I think its turned out to be a good decision.
What has been the highlight and lowlight of your career at Palmerstown
so far?
Highlight has been this year with consistency and been able to get three
points in places we maybe wouldn’t have in years previous. Also
playing in the front line with a player as gifted as Stephen Fullam.
Lowlight was in my opinion the sudden departure of John Connolly. I was
often mesmorised by his ability in training and used to love watching
him. Sad to see we have parted company with him.
What kind of things are you working on to improve yourself as
a player?
Attitude toward the team. People have numerously stated we are a “pub” team so I have been trying to get more professional and take the club forward rather than turn up just for the laugh. Although I have been slightly disappointed with David Byrne who has a tendency to go out on Friday nights for his bottles of Corona.
Having scored twice recently against Palmerstown Athletic in ‘The
Cage’, would you consider that to be your most memorable game for
rangers?
Em, obviously I was pleased with my performance and the fact with won the game but I don’t know if it has been my best performance. But it was one of the most satisfactory.
Do you feel that most teams are intimidated off heading to ‘The
Cage’?
The cage has been a fortress this year with us taking maximum points in the league there and I believe teams around us are starting to call it the cage too so I think there is an intimidating factor associated with it.
Talk us through your early years as a footballer?
I learned my trade with Oak court Celtic. At the age of eleven signed for St.Pats schoolboys where I won many honours and played the best football of my career. Joined Dublin bus age 15 and had three good years there playing at the top level before I jacked it in for a year age 18. In general just glad to be back enjoying my football.
In the past, many strikers from humble backgrounds have accredited
their hunger for goals to a desire for a better life. What is it that
motivates you?
I was always motivated by people around me. Ive played with some exceptional players and been coached by manages who always seemed to get the best out of players. I’m always hungry to win and that is a motivation factor in itself.
What do you consider to be your greatest attribute out on the
pitch?
Ill never give up. Ill chase down balls that aren’t worth chasing and go for balls that maybe aren’t worth getting. That has spread throughout the team this year as people have seen in some of our wins coming in closing minutes.
Is there anyone outside football you would like to meet?
I have always been a big fan of the Rocket Ronnie O Sullivan.
If we were to interview you again in five years' time, how would
you like to be remembered?
Possibly as the man who spearheaded Rangers into one of the higher leagues with his consistent goal contribution and work ethic. Although I haven’t been as good in front of goal of late I still feel I know where the net is and have a knack of scoring vital goals.
What is your goal for this season with Palmerstown?
BECOME CHAMPIONS!!
What is your happiest memory of 2007?
Watching the great Kauto Star defying all the idiots and critics who criticised him by winning the Gold Cup in style. What a horse… Also turning over the “Great” Colaiste Ide 4-0 in a cup in college.
How important has Danny Quinn been to your career?
He has rejuvenated me and got me wanting to play football again. He is a nice guy and his work at Rangers has been underrated and this is a perfect chance to thank him for his long serving loyalty to the club.
Are you a football fanatic or do you prefer to switch off away
from the training ground?
Ah ill watch any game that’s on the box or out on the field.
You are a big fan of Jason McGill’s, right?
Number 1 fan. He is not the most technically gifted but his presence and humour around the club has been priceless. In my opinion a key component to Rangers success at the moment.
You are one of the most popular and respected players in the eyes
of the fans. Why do you think that is?
Well people generally look at goals and sometimes that’s not the way people should be perceived. Defenders are the unsung heroes but rarely receive credit. I’ve been top scorer since I have arrived so I think that’s why the fans have been singing my name.
You are the top goalscorer for Rangers this year. What is your secret?
Hitting the back of the net. Ah no nearly all my goals have been the makings of someone elses hard work so it aint just down to me. It’s about the service, which by the most part has been decent. Also a constant partnership with Notaro has helped. We know each other’s games well.
As far as you are concerned, what qualities make a good forward?
Hungry, consistent, potent, aggressive and having the will to win.
Has there ever been another forward whom you have considered a
role model?
Diego Almando Maradonna obviously is a class act but others around like Atkinson, Bull, Zola, Ferguson, Le Tissier influence the way you want to play the game.
Is there any part of your game that you would still like to improve?
Heading, I haven’t yet managed a headed goal this season, which is disappointing from a personal point.
What is your earliest footballing memory?
Playing out in the garden in my Canaries jersey. That’s when Norwich were flying high. Italia 90 also.
If you could choose any moment in your career, what would be the
best?
Probably that time I have spoke about when I won 7 medals in a season. That was the pick f the bunch.
Your best game in a Rangers shirt?
Difficult. I have rarely performed exceptional for rangers but I felt I worked my socks off in the game at home to Aylesbury in the cup when we went through in extra time.
Who is the most difficult opponent you have faced so far this
season?
Big Phoenix Rover. For a big lad he is a very good player. I’ve a lot of time for him because he is a driving captain and as results of late have shown he has got his team going in the right direction.
Which player in world football would you most like to star alongside?
Ronaldo at this moment in time is ridiculously good. And I hate Man u.
The best team you have have played against with rangers?
Dingle were a proper outfit last year and deserved to win that league.
What do you want to accomplish in football?
Win more medals, strive to be the best I can and enjoy playing and stay injury free for another couple of decades hopefully. Management is anarea I feel I could have success in also.
What has been your greatest disappointment in football?
Turning 15 or 16 and just losing all interest in football. Let myself go and could have been much better then but hindsight is a lovely thing isn’t it.
What's the best thing about playing for rangers?
The drill tops are nice. Ah no it’s a good club to be at at the moment. Were showing a bit of adventure going forward and we have a bulk of good players.
Your finest goal for Rangers to date?
The one against Athletic was good. I can’t remember many of my goals to be honest.
What's your greatest wish for 2007?
From a Rangers prospective win the league and Danny to bring in some more fresh faces next season to strengthen the squad.
Looking back over the season, what images really stick in your
mind?
All the late winners and points we have picked up late. IE East Wall, Strand, Swords Manor, Aylesbury.
What do you consider to be your best position?
I have mainly been a left winger but I rather play up front and that’s where I would like to stay for the time being.
Do you have any footballing heroes?
Maradonna, Le Tissier
Finally, How do you think Palmerstown Rangers will get on in a
higher league next season, if they go up?
As I have said some new summer signings would be good. Keep the bulk
of this side and I don’t see us doing anything other than push for
another title next year.