Prior to the electric A-League grand final between Adelaide United and Western Sydney Wanderers, I went one-on-one with WSW star defender Scott Neville.
Giuffre: Firstly, congratulations on the making the grand final. How has the atmosphere been around the club?
Neville: Awesome, our last session was in full force. There’s been a good hype around the club rooms.
Giuffre: Granted this is your first year at WSW but what is your opinion on what has been the difference between last season and this season for the club?
Neville: I would have to say the new players have made a huge impact and more importantly the free flowing attacking football we’ve been playing.
Giuffre: How do you compare Tony [Popovic] to other coaches who have coached you in the past?
Neville: Best coach I have ever worked under. He doesn’t leave a stone unturned. He is very driven and it rubs off not only the players but the staff as well.
Giuffre: How do you personally feel as a player being at a club as big as WSW?
Neville: The support from the club and the fans is just unbelievable. Personally for me, it’s the best ran club I have ever played for.
Giuffre: What’s changed for you as a player? We’ve seen tremendous growth and confidence in you this season.
Neville: I have developed and matured quite a bit this season. I’ve learned a lot from Tony. He has such high expectations to strive for greatness that as a player it makes you hungry for success and progression.
Giuffre: What are your long-term goals, where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
Neville: This is a hard one for me. Like any player Europe is a big dream but for me at the moment focusing on the grand final is my main objective. I’m loving every minute at WSW. I have another year left on my contract and I’m excited for what the future may hold.
Giuffre: Who is the sports icon that has influenced you the most?
Neville: My partner and I always talk about this and mine has to be Steven Gerrard.
Giuffre: If football wasn’t an option what else would be your dream job?
Neville: I’m currently studying to become a teacher. So that would be one option but I’ve always wanted to be a fireman if I wasn’t playing football.
Giuffre: Do you have a special routine or superstition before you play a big game?
Neville: I got asked this question today funnily enough, not really but I do drink a glass of beetroot juice before every game
Giuffre: Do you have any advice for the readers who wish to play professional football?
Neville: Follow your dreams. Always work to improve not only as a player but as a person. And more importantly always be open to advice and change.
Look out for my next piece where I go one-on-one with one of the A-League’s favourite son’s Mitch Duke.
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