AFR Exclusives

A Football Report Exclusive Interviews

Tue, 05 Oct 2010 00:40:00 -0400

Jonathan Bornstein: Moving On From MLS

(October 27th, 2010)
David Hunt: Capturing a night of jubilation after Brentford defeated Everton

(September 22nd, 2010)
Marvin Sordell’s Adventure in the Championship (a series)

(September 16th, 2010)
Neil Lennon (Celtic FC Manager): “It’s one of the most famous stadiums in the world. To come and play a football game here is pretty special.”

(July 22nd, 2010)
Graham Poll (former World Cup & Premier League referee): “When you see it on Match of the Day you think, ‘Oh that’s a different situation.’ But it’s not. It’s the same one, and you’ve got it wrong and that’s hard to take.”

(July 11th, 2010)
Marvin Sordell (Watford FC): Life in England & his take on the World Cup

(June 29th, 2010)
Kelly Smith (England & Boston): A Disappointing Weekend and World Cup predictions

(June 13th, 2010)
Fraizer Campbell (Sunderland): On England and the World Cup

(Part Two: June 6th, 2010)
Fraizer Campbell: On Manchester United and English Youth Development

(Part One: June 6th, 2010)
Gareth Southgate: “When I was playing, if I played badly I expected to be criticised.”

(June 5th, 2010)
Maurice Edu (United States & Rangers)): Ready to meet the President. Ready for South Africa.

(May 25th, 2010)
Eddie Johnson (United States & Fulham): Man on the Bubble

(May 25th, 2010)
Clint Dempsey (Fulham & United States): Looking Forward and Looking Back

(May 25th, 2010)
David Seaman (former Arsenal & England): “I think England have a fantastic chance”

(May 19th, 2010)
Jorge Jesus (Benfica manager): “Spain, Portugal, and Brazil are my favourites”

(May 19th, 2010)
Marta & Alex Scott: Capturing the battle between Kelly Smith and Marta, the world’s two best female footballers

(May 15th, 2010)
David Hunt: The Brentford FC Midfielder discusses the Life of Another League

(April 11th, 2010)
Landon Donovan: “We’re not going there for a point. We’re going [to Mexico] to win.”

(August 8th, 2009)
Leonardo: “I think we did a lot of things well” despite losing the preseason Milan derby

(July 27, 2009)
Diego Milito: “Eto’o is an amazing player, but nothing changes for me.”

(July 27, 2009)
Julio Cesar: How do you prepare for a preseason Milan derby?

(July 25, 2009)
Clarence Seedorf: “There are no friendly games anymore, my friend”

(July 25th, 2009)
Oguchi Onyewu: “Football is football. It’s universal. It doesn’t really change in terms of what you’re supposed to do.”

(July 26th, 2009)
Oguchi Onyewu: “At Liege I was with some of the best players in the country. In Milan, I’m with some of the best players in the world.”

(July 25th, 2009)
Charlie Davies: “France, I think, is a perfect league for me to step into.”

(July 11th, 2009)
Bob Bradley and Stuart Holden: “Stuart showed a vision amongst a group of young players”

(July 11th, 2009)

Celtic manager Neil Lennon interview after "Football at Fenway" victory over Sporting

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 02:57:00 -0400

After the highly anticipated “Football at Fenway” match at the Boston Red Sox’s Fenway Park between Celtic FC and Sporting Clube de Portugal, which Celtic won on penalties after regulation finished 1-1, Celtic manager Neil Lennon talked about the everything from the match to playing in a baseball stadium. We were able to ask him what he thought about the strong support shown by the Irish Celtic supporters in Boston and about the current situation of his squad, which he admitted needs a few more players. He was adamant that he needed a goalkeeper to replace Artuc Boruc, who has gone to Fiorentina. He also told us how this particular friendly against Sporting was a perfect warm-up for his side’s Champions League qualifying match against SC Braga on July 29th.

As for “Football at Fenway”, well I can only say good things. There was a crowd of over 32,000, and there was a special aura surrounding the event that both teams were certainly aware of. From Liedson skying his penalty kick into the stands that are normally home to home runs to a pitch invader getting tackled around what is normally home plate, this match was quite simply a novelty that provided a truly unique atmosphere for the beautiful game.

Football at Fenway: Glasgow Celtic FC and Sporting Clube de Portugal set to play in landmark match in Boston, Massachusetts

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 03:30:27 -0400

The day before Celtic is set to take on Sporting Lisbon in the first football match at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts in over 45 years, we were able to take in training sessions and a special presentation from the Red Sox organization involving both storied European clubs. This is undoubtedly a rather historic match for Red Sox fans, but it is worth noting that the Portuguese and Scottish players were certainly still in preseason mode Tuesday evening. Celtic were joking around on the pitch, kicking the ball against Fenway’s famous “Green Monster”. Sporting Lisbon were content practicing absurd flicks and skills. Though there was a relaxed atmosphere on the pitch, there were many important men and women supporting the event. From UK Consulate Generals to State Senators, all eyes in the area have been fixated on this novelty match that has already sold over 30,000 tickets. Though the players were not available for formal interview, we captured quite a bit of footage from the pre-match gathering.

And, of course, we’ll be attending the match this evening, providing further coverage including a live blog of the event.

Former World Cup referee Graham Poll answers AFR's questions

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 10:33:55 -0400

We were lucky enough to have the opportunity to ask one of England’s best ever referees, Mr. Graham Poll, a few questions thanks to the guys at the Coral Dugout. So I asked a few of questions, Oliver Sparrow (AFR Senior Contributor) asked a question, and then Mark & Yvonne (two AFR readers following us on Twitter) also submitted their questions. I thought Graham’s responses were great, and the opportunity was a timely one considering the controversy surrounding referees at this World Cup, as well as the fact that Englishman Howard Webb is refereeing the final between Spain and Germany.

Graham’s answer to my first question is above, all of Graham’s answers to our questions are after the jump.

Watford's Marvin Sordell talks about his career, England, and the World Cup

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 10:22:39 -0400

Marvin Sordell is promising striker who plays for Watford. Sordell is not yet a world-renowned superstar, but we’ll certainly be hearing more about his talent over the next few years. He signed his first professional contract with the Championship side last April and played the 2009/2010 season for his club and represented Tranmere Rovers on a 2 month loan spell.

Sordell, at the brisk age of 19, has been compared to the likes of Gabriel Agbonlahor and is set to have a prosperous future ahead of him. He has yet to represent the England youth teams, but if he continues to work hard, keep his feet on the grown and improve he could certainly get the call.

AFR had the great opportunity to talk with the young talent and the interview focuses on his career and the World Cup.

WCR blogs the Showdown in Chinatown

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 10:00:00 -0400

by Nick Lichtenberg, writing from New York City

For the third June running, bohemian sports hero Steve Nash (Canadian, Tottenham supporting basketball star for the Phoenix Suns) hosted the Showdown in Chinatown at the Sara D. Roosevelt Park on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. The fun of the event is seeing what surprise guests turn up for the soccer match that pits international footballers, basketballers and celebrities against each other. So everyone’s favorite Lichtenblogger, myself, braved the heat and humidity to cover the event.

Showdown stalwarts (and organizers) Nash and Captain America Claudio Reyna were on hand again, as was ESPN’s City-supporting Marc Stein.

Reality Football: Welcome to the Game

Sat, 19 Jun 2010 10:00:00 -0400

Reality Football is a photographic project by Alan Powdrill. It focuses on portraits of the unsung heroes of Sunday Leagues, Pub teams and local parks from all over the UK – and their genuine love for the game. The timing of the exhibition allows a stark juxtaposition to the overpaid, world-famous stars of this summer’s World Cup. The comparison was brought into even sharper focus by having the France v. Mexico game playing in a corner of the studio on a flat-screen TV. (As a side point I thought it would have been interesting to have the live match playing on a battered old CRT TV to further illustrate the comparison, but perhaps the studio thought that wouldn’t have shown them in the best light.)

England international Kelly Smith shares her thoughts on the England-USA match

Sat, 19 Jun 2010 00:03:51 -0400

After a truly heartbreaking last-minute 2-1 defeat, courtesy of Rosana’s 93rd minute penalty, to Sky Blue FC at Harvard Stadium Sunday evening, Boston Breakers playmaker Kelly Smith talked about how tough the loss was to take because the Breakers were clearly the better side throughout the entire first half. For Smith, an England international who has played 79 times and scored 34 goals for her country, this result was the culmination of a disappointing weekend. Just a day before, England did not play meet the standards of the English people against the United States, only earning a 1-1 draw.

Like her fellow countrymen, Smith said, “I was disappointed obviously.”

But she continued, “Fair play to the USA, I thought they played an outstanding game. England started well and didn’t really do too much after that. The mistake let the US back in and fair play they pushed for it.”

Despite one poor result, Smith knows from experience that there’s still time for England to recover and have a good World Cup.

Fraizer Campbell talks about England and the World Cup

Sat, 19 Jun 2010 00:00:49 -0400

After talking to Sunderland striker Fraizer about his time at Manchester United and also establishing himself as a top English forward (part one), we were, quite simply, always going to talk about the World Cup.

1. Do you believe England can win the World Cup?

England has quality players and using the right tactics they can win. But England struggle to play together, it’s not gonna be easy when they’re playing against Spain or Brazil. But I think England will get further than they did at the last World Cup.

2. How important is it that Rooney stays injury free?

It is vital that Wazza can stay free from injury because he’s in top form and one of the best strikers in the world! England needs him. Jermain Defoe is also in top form along with Darren Bent, but it’s a shame Darren didn’t make the squad.

Fraizer Campbell Talks to AFR (Part One: Manchester United & Youth Development)

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 03:23:34 -0400

If you somehow don’t know of him already, Fraizer Campbell is a young, incredibly talented English forward who plays for Sunderland. At the age of 22, he is still developing and constantly improving, which is fairly frightening considering how talented he is already. Brought up through the Manchester United academy under Sir Alex Ferguson’s staff before going on loan spells with Royal Antwerp, Hull City, and Tottenham Hotspur, Campbell signed for The Black Cats last season in a £6 million deal.

I was very fortunate to ask Fraizer some questions, especially because he’s enjoying his holidays. I would like to thank him for answering the questions. The first part of the interview focuses on his youth development and his time at Manchester United.

Benfica Manager Jorge Jesus thinks Portugal, Spain, and Brazil are the favourites for the World Cup

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 03:21:36 -0400

After Benfica’s 4-0 thrashing of the New England on May 19th, 2010 Benfica’s manager Jorge Jesus talked about the match, the Liga Sagres Champions’ US tour, and the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. We were on hand to talk to the man that has turned himself into a proper legend throughout Portugal. He has picked Spain, Brazil, and Portugal as his World Cup favourites, think he’s spot on?

An afternoon chat with ITV's World Cup team of Gareth Southgate, Clive Tyldesley, Andy Townsend, & Adrian Chiles

Sat, 05 Jun 2010 10:00:00 -0400

As I turned up at the audience entrance of the London Television Centre on South Bank I was greeted by a seemingly endless line of gaggling middle-aged women. They looked as much like a group of respectable journalists as they did convincing football fans. Perhaps I had turned up on the wrong day? I was just about to accost one of the nattering hags when I heard one of the wider-than-tall security men bellow at me “You looking for the football event, mate?” and was subsequently ushered past the queue and in through the back entrance, VIP style. Turns out the women were queuing to be the live audience for ITV’s god-awful daytime TV show Loose Women. I’d really dodged a bullet, there.

When I arrived at the plush events room I sauntered over to the bar to grab a drink, not paying too much attention to the throng of media types chatting away to each other. Only when I turned round did I realise I was surrounded by TV presenters, commentators and ex-professional football players. I took a swift swig of my saccharine-sweet orange juice and dived in to see who I could grab a chat with. I somewhat awkwardly shoehorned my way into conversation with Jim Rosenthal (ITV sport presenter), Gabriel Clarke (ITV reporter) and Clive Tyldesley (commentator). We spoke of their excitement of the upcoming World Cup and how they thought England would get on. The general consensus was that we would do well to get any further than the quarter-finals, which I think is about accurate given England’s FIFA ranking and their recent performances against the ‘bigger’ teams (Spain, Brazil).

Barack Obama wished the US squad good luck at the White House, and we talked to Maurice Edu about it!

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 02:14:47 -0400

By Eric Beard, writing from Boston (May 25th, 2010)

Maurice Edu said he “had never met this President before” because he met George W. Bush during his days playing college soccer with Maryland. This time around, however, “Mo” seemed a little more excited about President Obama. We were able to chat with the Glasgow Rangers & US Men’s National Team midfielder about what this experience means to him. We also talked to him about what his role is for the US Men’s National Team. The interview is above, and the picture and video of the US squad’s trip to the White House is below. Former President Bill Clinton and current Vice-President Joe Biden joined Obama in wishing the squad good luck. Clinton is a member of the United States 2018/2022 World Cup Bid committee, and was President back in 1994 when the US hosted the World Cup.

Eddie Johnson: A Man on the Bubble (Exclusive)

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 02:11:04 -0400

By Eric Beard, writing from Boston (May 25th, 2010)

Update: Eddie Johnson, has, in fact, not made Bob Bradley’s 23-man roster. Sorry Eddie, my thoughts are with you.

Eddie Johnson, United States Men’s National Team Striker, will know whether or not he is going to South Africa for the World Cup by lunchtime. I was able to talk to the Aris FC and Fulham FC man after the United States-Czech Republic friendly about what it is like to be in his situation because, honestly, it is not a fun one to be in. As a top-class player, hearing whether or not you are in your nation’s 23-man World Cup roster is one of the toughest decisions to wait for.

And again, honestly, I’m not sure Eddie has done enough to make it into Bob Bradley’s squad. It’s so difficult for me to say that because he was such a nice guy to talk to, and I cannot imagine how hard it will be for Mr. Bradley to do so. Eddie said that he “can only everything in the hands of the Lord,” and I, personally, can only wish him the best.

Our Exclusive Interview with Clint Dempsey

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 02:04:47 -0400

By Eric Beard, writing from Boston (May 25th, 2010)

I was fortunate enough to be part of two interviews with one of my role models and best local products I grew up around: Clint Dempsey. One is an interview done alongside Frank Dell’apa of The Boston Globe, and one means much more to me. Perhaps that’s why I had trouble keeping the camera still. I gave Dempsey a proper handshake and then talked to him about Boston, what he has learned from the past year, making it to two cup finals and his thoughts on favorites for the upcoming World Cup. I know Deuce loved Maradona growing up, but he wouldn’t tell me how he felt about him as a manager. He did say, “I don’t like to comment on him… but I wish him all the best because that team has a lot of quality.” Indeed, Argentina won 5-nil in their friendly yesterday against Canada. And that was without Lionel Messi.

I’ve interviewed other professional athletes, so I rarely get star-struck by the process. But there’s just something about Dempsey. He’s not the first world-class footballer I had watched growing up, that honor has to go to the great Carlos Valderama in his final days with the Miami Fusion. I don’t think I’m in awe of Deuce, rather, I’m just proud of the player and man he has become. As my brother and I quote in normal conversation, “Haters want to hate, but man I’m feeling great.” That is, of course, from one of Clint’s early freestyle rapping videos captured by Nike Soccer. As I mentioned before, it’s nice to see how this man has matured.

But despite growing up in Boston, I have to admit that I never really cared much about Major League Soccer. After all, it doesn’t take a genius to see that time is better spent watching Champions League and Premiership football if you’re trying to learn the game from the best. But Deuce, for me, was an anomaly. His skill, his drive, and his swagger were something I had never seen from an American. One of my favorites sayings in football is “Form is temporary, Class is permanent,” and Dempsey became almost a cult figure in my household because his class was simply so apparent.

The Two Greatest Female Footballers Face-Off (Marta v. Kelly Smith) Including an Alex Scott Interview

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 02:00:01 -0400

We were lucky enough to take in a wonderful Women’s Premier Soccer (WPS) match at the historic Harvard University stadium Friday night between the Boston Breakers and FC Gold Pride. Now this was personally our first WPS match we’ve attended, but there was quite a bit of hype surrounding it because it was billed as a match between “The Two Best Players in the World.” These players, of course, are FIFA’s four-time World Player of the Year, Marta, and England international Kelly Smith. We took quite a bit of footage of the atmosphere surrounding the game, footage of the game itself, and footage of player reactions after the game. We were also grateful to chat with Breakers defender, England International, and former Arsenal Ladies player Alex Scott. Alex was great, talking to us about the game, about the hype leading up to it, and “The Marta Show”. Overall, we were very impressed with our first WPS game, and we would love to know what you guys think of the video we made documenting the match. After all, the final score of the game was Marta 2, Kelly Smith 1.

Oliver Sparrow interviews former Arsenal & England keeper David Seaman in London

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 01:55:54 -0400

Interview by Oliver Sparrow, reporting from London (May 19th, 2010)

AFR’s Oliver Sparrow met up with England and Arsenal legend David Seaman on Saturday in London at a press event for the Yahoo! Penalty Shoot-Out game that will be going on throughout the World Cup. Oliver got the chance to take a penalty against the Highbury hero— and of course he converted, cool as you like. After his penalty, Oliver asked Seaman a few questions in front of goal, ranging from Arsenal’s goalkeeper situation to England’s 2018 World Cup bid to the country’s chances in this summer’s World Cup. The interview was captured in the video above, but you can read the entire transcript below.

Landon Donovan discusses the LA Galaxy and the upcoming US - Mexico game (August 08, 2009)

Mon, 31 May 2010 00:39:53 -0400

Bob Bradley and Stuart Holden Gold Cup Press Conference (7/11/09)

Mon, 31 May 2010 00:37:17 -0400

Charlie Davies Interview (July 11th 2009)

Mon, 31 May 2010 00:36:00 -0400