Thank you for making this possible...

I was finger-scrolling on my facebook application on my iPhone, when I saw this feed (pictured below, which I 'prt-scr' hours later though) on the "News Feed" page.

Hardly couldn't believe, I posted the link and ask those friends on my facebook, if I "did it"? With a resounding confirmation from them had assured me I done it!!

Following that, I logged onto the organizers - "Singaporesports.sg" website to gather some more information (as pictured above).

I would like to thanks the "Singaporesport.sg" for the recognition and congratulate both : -

• Grant Harrison (http://www.teamdamnation.com) - 1st runner-up
  
• Lai Wee Kiat (http://fabodylous.blogspot.com) - 2nd runner-up
  

Taking this opportunity I would also like to say a BIG THANK YOU to all of you who have supporting this blog all the way with your thoughts, feedback, comments and discussions we engaged with each other for the betterment of local football.

Also thanks to :-

• My family (for their understanding, especially to my mum who has been wondering why I have been staying up so late behind my desktop almost every night)
• My buddies - Ruiliang and Tianwen (for their support and belief in me)
• Visakan and Yusof (for letting me know this contest and their encouragement to me to take part this contest)
• The FAS and "sleague.com" crew (Guys, thanks for allowing this blog to grow)
• The SPRG Pte Ltd (The invitation to cover the North Queensland Fury tour in last May will always be remembered as a important "milestone" for this blog)
• Delina Kang (whose only vote among the crowds reads KO PO HUI during the judging period)
  
• and many of you out there, who shared with me their views, opinions on the ups and downs of past and present of local football

and to my late father (who I know he's watching over us all this while)...

[Event] Be a Singapore flag bearer at the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ with Sony Ericsson [CLOSED]

(Media Information by Sony Ericsson)

(P.S: Copyright of all images depicted in this blog entry belongs to Sony Ericsson)

This June, one Singaporean child will win a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take to the field at the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ in South Africa!

Sony Ericsson is launching a search for a Singapore representative to hold the FIFA flag up high at a FIFA World Cup™ match - and the winner’s parent gets to go along as chaperon. If the love for football runs in your family, here’s your chance to share a truly unique experience with your child.

From now till 7 April 2010, simply send a fun photo of you and your child demonstrating that shared passion for football and tell us in 50 words or less why your child deserves to be a FIFA flag bearer. You could be on your way to witness that special moment of seeing your child on the pitch in front of the entire world!

The most creative entry will win the Grand Prize of a pair of return economy class tickets to South Africa, 3N accommodation, return airport transfers and of course, the chance to be a FIFA flag bearer and to watch the England versus Algeria FIFA World Cup™ match ‘live’ on 19 June 2010.

Ten consolation prizes of Sony Ericsson caps and footballs will also be selected.

To participate, email your entry to mkgstpromo@sph.com.sg with the Subject: FIFA Flag Bearer. Please include your name, NRIC, address, age, occupation, contact numbers, your child’s name, date of birth and birth certificate number. The closing date is 7 April 2010.

The competition is open to all Singapore citizens and permanent residents and the child entered must be between 10 to 16 years of age.

Please refer below for all terms & conditions.

Terms & Conditions

• Only Singapore citizens and permanent residents are eligible to participate.
  

• Staff and immediate family members of SPH and Sony Ericsson are not eligible to participate.
  

• The child must not be younger than 10 years of age or older than 16 years of age as of 19 June 2010.
  

• The photo (JPG format) should not exceed 2MB. Each child-parent is only allowed one entry. All winning entries will be uploaded on www.facebook.com/sonyericssonsingapore (personal particulars will not be revealed).
  

• Winners will be picked by a panel of judges and their decision is final; they will be notified by 9 April 2010 and must agree to publicity.

• The grand prize winner must be able to travel with a parent or guardian from 15 to 20 June 2010. If winner is unable to travel within this period, there will be no compensation and another winner will be selected.

• The grand prizes excludes incidentals during the overseas trip.

• The organisers’ reserve the right to replace the grand prize with an alternative prize of equivalent value.

The closing date is 7 April 2010

My first Etoile home game....[edited]

Just back from my first Etoile home game at Queenstown Stadium.

Allow me to put up some pictures I snapped, while I try to consolidate my thoughts as it's getting late at the time I'm typing this... Thank you

PICTURES FROM THE DAY

Along Stirling Road, where the Queenstown Stadium is located. I remembered the first time I came to this old arena where I was still a small kid, not for a match though but for coming to age birthday celebration of a maternal cousin.

And this was also the place, I first met Mr PN Sivaji, the ex-national coach whom was the first person I interviewed as a media worker, in person again not for a match but my ITE was having its' sports meet and Mr Sivaji was on his way to his office.

The entrance of the stadium.

The ticketing booth

For $10 - you get a match program and a coupon to redeem an Etoile T-Shirt and a great match that the club always promise.

The merchandise booth.

View from the stand, near to the main entrance of the stadium.

View from the stand, behind the goal-posts.

The French supporters - they picked up the phrase "Referee Kayu" and used it when they deemed appropriate.

This side of the stand tend to be crowded, as it's near to the main entrance (maybe...)

The lucky winner who walked away with the $3,000 cash lucky dip.

AFTERTHOUGHTS....

I must admit it wasn't easy to write something about Etoile.

In fact, this is being the third draft I used after my first Etoile home game last night.

Since making its debut almost two months ago at the local football scene, the French outfit have been everybody's talking point for it's bashful way market itself to the local masses.

Yes, it's unfair to pass the judgement until the verdict is out but some quarters in the local fraternity are worried if Etoile are pricing itself beyond the reach of ordinary folks by charging $10 per admission at their designated Queenstown stadium.

So far, it's mixed reaction for the fans.

For those who are willing to part the red dollar note, insisted that good entertaining football is what it's all about, while those who are budget-cautious would think twice if it's would the trip down to this sleepy part of the island, where amenities and recreational facilities are bare minimum.

Perhaps, that's the reason why one of the key features in Etoile's application is to convert the ageing arena into a lifestyle hub that included a restaurant, a gymnasium, etc. (as what I read from the papers)

Although, at this stage there was no update of this ambitious program in the club negotiation with the landlord, SSC. Hunch feeling is that it might hit a kerb, as this is a not a new idea as other clubs like the defunct Clementi-Khalsa and Super Reds had similar idea for Clementi and Yishun stadium respectively.

However, looking on the brighter side that this proposal given the nod, the means to attract the potential patrons would prove a challenging task ahead.

First of all, there will be limited parking slots outside the ground, which inside a relatively quiet neighbourhood comprises blocks of HDB flats and few rows of terrace houses with nearest available being a few blocks away – the multi-storey car park utilized by the local residents.

As for the public transports, while there are few bus services available and the Queenstown MRT station is merely 10-minute walk away, but ultimately I would think the niche group the club are targeting are those who can drive to the venue.

Nonetheless, I would like to reserve my comment until things get more clearer...

(P.S: Please fee free to correct me if I made any factual mistakes as what I mentioned were gathered from sources, talking among compatriots, etc.).

Trying out on DSLR...

I think I'm more or less determined to get a DSLR camera after my patient is running thin with my Fuji S2000.

Because the S2000 is not a DSLR camera, there are so many limitations that it had become a frustrating chore to use it during my photo-taking at matches.

But before that, I need to have a "try-out" before I decided to opt for which model (likely to be "C").

One of the key settings I learnt when taking action photos is the "white-balance", also it would preferably to be in "manual" mode instead of the "programmed" mode I used with the S2000.

And once in manual mode of the "C" brand, the settings will be fixed and there'll be no altering (unless the "mood-swing" of the S2000).

I should not dwell on too much of these photography technicalities, as it'll take ages to explain, instead, let's enjoy some of the shots I taken just now at the Jalan Besar Stadium, where Home United beat Sengkang Punggol 2-1.

PICTURES OF THE DAY...

Catching up - as Sengkang's coach Aide Iskandar (left) and former team-mate, Abbas Saad having a brief chat before the start of the game. Abbas has been a frequent guest commentator on live games this season.

Uncle "Party-Popper" always made his presence at games with his trademark "party-popper" celebration.

"In-synch" as coach Aide and his counterpart, Paul Lee of Home United (in striped shirt) giving out instructions from their respective technical areas.

"First 30mins was fiery but all ends well" tweeted a friend of my in respond to one of my tweets after the game. Pressure to perform seems to get things hot up in the past few days.

Lions' midfielder Shi Jiayi made his return after injury ruled him out of Protectors' last game against Woodlands

Sengkang's star Murphy Wiredu (pictured above) can't believe what's going on as he headed straight to the dressing room after the end of the first half.

Sengkang's Canadian winger Jordan Webb is always a joy to watch with his running of the ball, and capturing him on DSLR's multi-frame mode is a breeze with the shutterspeed, aperture and ISO being fixed throughout the night (unless adjustments are necessary from time-to-time).

I came to realize why some photographers always positioned themselves near to the corner flag, it's because the lenses they using to take picture (as illustrated above).

Using a 100-300mm lenses, I had to move further behind in order to this shot as it's meant for long-distance shot.

Home United's custodian Lionel Lewis during second half of the match.

... and he played a part in this last piece of action of the match.

The customary handshake after the match...

So I think it's just a matter of time before I put my money to get a decent DSLR with a lenses of 18-200mm, ISO 3200 (preferably with noise-reduction function), but when?

[Feature + Videocast] Nike videos on Launch of environmentally-friendly Nike World Cup National Team Kits, "Mercurial Vapor Superfly II",etc.

(The content of this entry is obtained via the transcript provided by Integrated Marketing Solutions Group [IMSG] - the PR agency for Nike Singapore)

(P.S: The copyrights of the videos depicted in this blog entry belong to Nike.)

The following videos showcase two of the latest Nike products which were recently featured on this blog.

• Launch of environmentally-friendly Nike World Cup National Team Kits (feature write-up of this product on this blog, please click here.)
  
  The clip included interviews with players, Nike officials who share with us the how this revolutionized product could help to save the earth.
  

• Cristiano Ronaldo interview during launch of Mercurial Vapor Superfly II (feature write-up of this product on this blog, please click here.)
  
  Portugal and Real Madrid was featured in this clip when he was in London to unveil "Mercurial Vapor Superfly II" with insights from Nike officials on the how the boots were being developed.

• Brazil National Team talks about their superstitions and childhood
  
  Bonus clip for all Brazilian football admirers, as star like Robinho shares with us what spurs him on to perform better on the field (the unusual way).

AFC Champions League Group G - SAFFC 2-4 Gamba Osaka (JPN)

(In collaboration with Temasek Review Sports, the following match report was written by MJ,who was reporting on behalf of the online portal.)

By MJ
sports@temasekreview.com

Recently-retired Singapore skipper Indra Sahdan Daud (left) tussling for better position with Gamba's defender Sota Nakazawa.

AFC Champions League Match Day 3 saw 2008 winners Gamba Osaka FC come away with their first win of the season following a hard earned 4-2 victory over SAFFC at the Jalan Besar Stadium.

SAFFC twice equalised but eventually the match was settled by a hat-trick from 22-year-old striker Shoki Hirai.

Nakazawa in action again as he fought for the ball with SAFFC's Japanese winger Akiyoshi Taisuke (in foreground)

SAFFC started the match with high energy and were almost rewarded immediately in the 3rd minute when Erwan Gunawan placed a free header straight at the Gamba keeper.

Gamba Dominance
That miss proved to be costly as Gamba recovered from the early scare to score in the 7th minute when Shoki Hirai was put through by skipper Tomakazu Myojin and he coolly slotted the ball in the far bottom corner beyond the reach of the SAFFC keeper Shahril Jantan.

Rysh Roshan Rai (11) started in all of the Warriors ACL group stage campaign.

On the half hour mark, Erwan made amends for his earlier miss when he headed in a cross by Indra Shahdan as SAFFC pulled level against the run of play.

Barely 15 seconds after the break, Gamba regained the lead as a cross from the left was fumbled by Shahril Jantan under the pressure of the statuesque Cho Jae-Jin and Hirai headed the loose ball into the empty net.

The decisive ball from Indra saw Erwan Gunawan levelled the scores for the first time in the 32nd minute.

SAFFC then worked hard to contain the onslaught of Gamba who pinned SAFFC back in their half with slick passing and movement off the ball. SAFFC got back on level terms with their only chance in the second half - Swedish defender Niklas Sandberg escaped his marker and nodded in Ahmad Latiff’s free kick after 62 minutes.

SAFFC’s belief was lifted after the goal and were determined to get a result against the J-league giants. That hope was however dashed barely eight minutes later as a poor clearance in defence was punished by Sota Nakazawa who struck an unstoppable shot from point blank range.

In the 74th minute, SAFFC’s Japanese winger Taisuke Akiyoshi was the given his marching orders from the referee after receiving his second yellow of the night and SAFFC was left to play out the remainder of the match with 10 men for the second consecutive match.

Gamba took advantage of their numerical superiority and put the tie beyond SAFFC with the impressive Hirai completing his hat-trick in the 81st minute. He beat two SAFFC defenders before beating Shahril Jantan at his near post.

Assessment on SAFFC
SAFFC’s two goals against Gamba here was the most an S-League side had ever scored against a Japanese side in a single game. All in all, S-League sides had lost five out of five against Japanese teams, conceding 21 goals in the process.

Close shaving moments as SAFFC defend a Gamba corner in the second half.

The Warriors were never expected to get a result here against the J-League giants despite a recent run of poor form by the Japanese side on their domestic front. Furthermore, they are missing three of their regular first team players, including current Japanese international Yasuhito Endo.

However, SAFFC showed that they were capable of rising to the occasion with a disciplined performance, scoring twice in the process and were level on terms with Gamba until the 70th minute.

This was moment before the visiting side scored their fourth goal of the night.

Gamba struggled to settle into their normal passing game probably suffering from the humid Singapore weather and playing on the unfamiliar artificial turf at Jalan Besar Stadium. In spite of the difficult conditions, the Japanese’s class and superior technical abilities got them through this game unscathed.

SAFFC deployed a soak and strike strategy hoping to keep the Japanese at bay while trying to score on the counter. The players were committed to their tasks and were 20 minutes away from a respectable draw.

Ahmad Latiff had another good game in the ACL tournament as he played in middle of the park.

One of the only two imports Gamba brought with them to Singapore - Brazilian Ze Carlos getting close attention as he try to advance into the Warriors' box in the dying moments.

Coach Richard Bok should no doubt take heart in their performance from this game and playing at this level will definitely improve the team. With this performance, SAFFC may well be slowly but steadily inching towards their 1st AFC Champions League Group Stage win.

(I would like to say a BIG THANK YOU to Temasek Review Sports for contributing this match report.)

POST MATCH PRESS CONFERENCE

Gamba Osaka's coach Akira Nishino (pictured above) shared his thoughts in the post-match press conference.

"(Shoki) Hirai had promised me he will score four goals, but he only managed three so I don't want to compliment him for that" as coach Nishino gave his assessment of his hat-trick hero performance.

On his opponent's performance tonight, coach Nishino commented "SAFFC played aggressively right from the beginning of the match, especially their no.7 (Ahmad Latiff) and it resulted us in losing our focus in the middle of the game that allowed them to equalise."

"Looking at the game from the bench's perspective, I felt we don't have a good season so far and that's why our objective of in the ACL is to achieve good results as it's a form of encouragement to the team" when asked on what it means to his team on winning tonight's match.

Richard Bok (pictured above), SAFFC's coach meet the media after the game.

"It's not over, as we still have three more games to play." quipped the 41-year old coach in responded to a question from the floor if the Warriors' ACL campaign is over after the loss to Gamba.

"I'm proud of the team's performance which I think we gave them a good fight, althought I felt some of decisions (by the referee) didn't went our way, especially Aki's (Akiyoshi Taisuke) first yellow card which I felt was a bit harsh."

"I think we played better football tonight as compared to our last two game, and I hope the team would transfer that kind of playing attitude into the S.League as well." added Coach Bok.

FROM A FAN'S PERSPECTIVE ON THE STAND
SAFFC's supporter Agares Kee shares in his thoughts on SAFFC playing the ACL after catching the Warriors in action.

Joy!! SAFFC's players and fans celebrated after the first equalizer in the match.

"I have been a fan of a few S-League clubs, and it's always a pleasure to watch how our boys improve as years go by. The S-league has proven its worth by becoming one of Asia's Top Ten Leagues as of late, but I think there are a lot more for us to work on.

The AFC Champions League consists of champions of their own domestic league. And for Singapore, we have our very own SAFFC who made it to the prestigious competition. But are the warriors really prepared to face the best teams in Asia? Is S-League ready to pump their players into the contest?

Japan, Korea, China, and Australia have stood strong in the competition because of their common forte - good passing and dribbling skills. When SAFFC was thrashed by Kashima Antlers 5 - 0 and Shenhua 4 -1, have we learned from the mistakes? S-League teams tend to play the EPL style - Long ball to a target forward. Yes, it works well playng with teams in Southeast Asia, but when SAFFC applied it to ACL matches, the Warriors were taken aback.

Reason is simple. Players in ACL are big and tall in physique, and are faster than SE-Asia teams. Hence long balls won't pose a threat to them. I feel that S-League needs to build up its passing and dribbling skills in order to better pinch those big teams in ACL.

The other factor is the fanbase. S-League has the lowest fanbase in Asia, approximately 2,000 in every game. More than half of the 2,000 are people who placed their bets on the teams, and who went for the sake of their winnings. So Singaporeans, stand up for your own team and motivate the players to win every match"

(I would like to say a BIG THANK YOU to Agares for his thoughts on the SAFFC's participation in ACL)

** Views expressed may not necessary be that of the blog owner, thanks**

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SEE THE MATCH PICTURES

[Event] Open trials for FAS Junior COE programmes [CLOSED]

(Media Information by the Football Association of Singapore)

SINGAPORE, 19 March 2010: The Football Association of Singapore will conduct trials for its Junior Centre of Excellence Under-8, Under-10 and Under-12 programmes on Sunday 28 March.

The trials are specific for residents living in the Western parts of Singapore such as Jurong, Bukit Batok, Buona Vista and Bukit Timah.

The Under-8 trials will begin at 9.00am while the Under-10 and Under-12 will begin at 3.00pm and 4.30pm respectively. All trials will be held at the Jalan Besar Stadium.

The trials are open only to male Singapore citizens.

All trialists are to report at least 30 minutes before the start of the trials and are also requested to bring along their own training attire (jerseys, shorts, socks, boots and shin pads are compulsory).

What: Junior COE Under-8 trials
When: Sunday 28 March 2010
Where: Jalan Besar Stadium
Time: 9.00am (Registrations starts at 8.30am)
Who: Singaporean males born in 2002 and 2003

What: Junior COE Under-10 trials
When: Sunday 28 March 2010
Where: Jalan Besar Stadium
Time: 3.00pm (Registrations starts at 2.30pm)
Who: Singaporean males born in 2000 and 2001

What: Junior COE Under-12 trials
When: Sunday 28 March 2010
Where: Jalan Besar Stadium
Time: 4.30pm (Registrations starts at 4.00pm)
Who: Singaporean males born in 1998 and 1999

Are we all convinced?

After some surprising results of late, has the early doubts cast on Beijing Guoan Talent removed?

They scored their first victory over the AFC Cup qualified Geylang United 3-1 at the Jalan Besar.

Talents had a lengthy de-briefing after their loss to Tampines earlier this week

Following that, they took the lead in their home fixture against another traditional powerhouses - Tampines Rovers but only succumbed to a Khairul Amri-inspired fightback in the second half which saw many of their players suffered from muscle cramps towards the end of the match.

Because of that symptom, many would have, again, cast their doubts when they took another traditional powerhouses - Home United at Jalan Besar Stadium.

Great diving heading effort by the Talent's striker in the Protectors' box in their 4-1 win over their supposedly illustrious opponents at JBS.

But things turned out the other way round when the young Chinese squad shocked the fraternity by beat the Protectors 4-1 on the artificial surface.

To make things sweeter, none of the players suffered from any muscle cramp this time.

With Etoile gaining the League Cup with dazzling display on and off the field (that slick aggressive marketing of itself) and the Beijingers accounted themselves with convincing victories over two of the strongest teams in the league of late.

The question is - Are we all convinced?

Afterthoughts on Indra Sahdan's retirement from international football.

Although, this wasn't an "A" international but this was probably the last time we see Indra wearing the armband (vs Oman Selection in Dec 2009)

I'm not sure how many of you out there react to the retirement of Lions' erstwhile skipper Indra Sahdan Daud from international football.

Some of the feedback I gathered from the grapevine were disbelief and surprise (not shocking though), while contrastingly, for those who are long enough in the local scene would not be too much a surprise of the SAFFC's striker decision to quit the national team.

Ideally speaking at his age, it's pretty normal for players to prioritize his objectives in life and normally most players would opt for club football instead fighting for the nation.

In the past, I would have deemed this as “unpatriotic” act for turning down the nation in times of it, but having a thought this afternoon and this is the conclusion.

If like what Indra had mentioned “playing football for the national team was a privilege that he no longer sees himself fit to enjoy”, and “I think I have done all I could for Singapore. I will just focus on club football from now on” as quoted in this article on Singaporesports.sg – I think we shall not fault him.

Indra in action for Singapore selection against Selangor Selection in 2009 SOS Cup

The thing is he had done his part and felt he can't contribute further beyond that, I think we all should respect his decision and let him leave the team while he's still at the top.

Although, it came at time when the team are at its lowest ebb for those negativities surround them lately.

Anyway, things like these are bound to happen, it's just that are all really to accept and move on?

Thank You, Indra...

Jolted in the second half as Etoile spoiled the spoils in their first "Test" match with the Protectors

The moment after Mendy's (left) header that turned into the first goal of the night

SHORT SCRIBE
The much-anticipated "Test" match against the traditional powerhouses for on-form Etoile got under way at the Clementi Stadium.

The French got off to a dream start as early as in the first minute when the towering Frederic Mendy finished off from close-range.

Etoile doubled their tally in the 37th minute when Protectors' keeper Lionel Lewis tripped an on-surging Mendy (pictured above) in the box to allow Matthias Verschave to score on the rebound after Lewis denied the spot-kick on the first attempt.

Karim Boudjema (middle) overpowered his markers before scoring the French's last goal at the stroke of half-time.

Relief for the home team they managed to cut the deficit in 43th minute with a Choi Chul Woo's effort, but it wasn't before the French restored their two-goal advantage in the 45th minute by Karim Boudjema.

A dejected Etoile's custodian Brice Morandini sat on the ground after the hosts drew level in the 81st minute.

If it was to say Etoile dominated the first half, surely those at the ground would say the Protectors came back strongly in the second half to draw level through Sherif El-Masri in the 68th minute and Zulfadli Zainal Abidin's 81th equalizer.

Etoile's coach Patrick Vallee and CEO Johan Gouttefangeas meet the media after the match to share their thoughts

Home United coach Lee Lim Saeng (second from right, with team manager S Mahalingam on his right) share his thoughts on the game after the match.

A gusty fightback indeed for Home United, but deep inside their heart they should know very well that things wouldn't had been so tough should they not left off their guard so early.

Same goes to Etoile in the second half.


MORE PICTURES (raw and unedited version) ON THIS MATCH CAN BE FOUND ON "BoLASEPaKO" FACEBOOK PAGE - Click HERE to access and join as a member today to see these pictures

[Feature] More on Nike (Red) Campaign

(The content of this entry obtained via the transcript provided by Integrated Marketing Solutions Group [IMSG] - the PR agency for Nike Singapore)

(P.S: The copyright of all the images depicted in this blog entry belong to Nike, unless stated)

Nike (RED) Ambassador: National Team Midfielder John Wilkinson

INTRODUCTION
Following in the footsteps of Indra Sahdan and Hariss Harun, the next National Team football player to lace up the Nike (RED) ambassador boots is midfielder John Wilkinson.

His last three seasons with Singapore Armed Forces FC have been hugely successful, with league title wins in all of them. We recently did an interview with John where he shares his thoughts on the (RED) campaign, settling down in Singapore with a family and his love for the game.

Nike (RED) Campaign
Hi John, thanks for being here with us today. To start off, how do you feel about being a Nike (RED) campaign ambassador?
"I feel honoured to be part of the Nike (RED) campaign, and hope to bring a greater understanding of HIV/ AIDS to Singapore, especially the youth here."

"Wilko" is the third national footballer named as the ambassador for the Nike (Red) Campaign

How can football help in spreading the message?
"Football is a global game – being played, watched, and talked about in almost every country – the perfect vehicle to promote this campaign."

How does it feel wearing the (RED) laces? Will you be wearing them for the current S-League season?
"I feel a strong sense of responsibility being one of the Nike (RED) ambassadors, having worn the red laces for a while now. I think they look cool and will definitely be wearing them as often as I can, and not just for the S-league games."

John started his S.League career with Woodlands Wellington and played for Geylang United before joining SAFFC.

Personal Life
How did you first get into the game?
"Like most of the boys growing up in England, I was thrown a football as soon as I could walk and haven't stopping kicking it nearly thirty years on.

Growing up, there was never any doubt in my mind what I wanted do, and everything else had to take a back seat."

What made you decide to do this as a career, and what challenges have you faced along the way?
"Wanting to be a professional player and being one are two different things. There are literally thousands of lads to compete with, so if you get a serious injury (which was what happened to me) there is always someone to take your place. At the end of the day, mental strength is the most important asset to an athlete."

John earned his first cap for the country on 24th June 2007 against North Korea

How do you feel you’ve contributed to football here?
"It's been a successful three years in the national team and I've really enjoyed playing in the big games. I would like to think that I've added strength, flexibility and energy into the side."

What is the best and worst thing about being a professional football player?
"Worst thing – Crappy pitches.

Best thing – I have the best job in the world."

What have you grown to love about Singapore and what do you miss about England?
"Singapore's my home now. I have chosen to build my base and family here. But I have also left behind my mother and sisters in England, and missed the growing up of my seven nieces and nephews."

What do you do during your free time?
"When I'm not with my daughters, I like to paint. It's a form of escapism for me, and allows me to express my creativity."

So what’s the secret to keeping yourself fit enough to last the long season?
"Everyone's physique is different. One thing I've learned recently about my body is that I feel much lighter and fresher if I always keep it in a state of activity.

I try to never have two days of complete rest in a row. Even if it’s a day off, I will do something to get my heart rate up – be it tennis, swimming, Pilates, or even just chasing my elder daughter around."

John, with his boots laced with Nike (Red) laces, in action

Name some essential items you have in your training bag.
"I always have a pair of Nike Cushioned Comfort Crew Socks to keep the blisters at bay, and a pair of Nike Base layer shorts to wear under my match/training shorts. They help keep me in order. There are also other items such as a pair of shades and toiletries."

With the World Cup coming, who would you like to see in the finals and why?
"I can't wait until the World Cup is upon us. It's going to be amazing to see if England will lift the World Cup again after so long."

If Singapore doesn’t get to broadcast the games here, what will you do to get your football fix?
"I hope that FIFA and the powers that be can sort out the viewing rights here. Otherwise, I guess I'll have to try and watch it on the internet."

-----------------------------------

EUROPEAN FOOTBALL LEAGUES TURN (RED) TO ‘LACE UP. SAVE LIVES’
London, UK (March 9, 2010) Three leading European football leagues will turn (RED)™ this weekend as Nike introduces a special edition (PRODUCT)RED™ ball in the leagues’ home fixtures to raise awareness of the (NIKE) RED ‘Lace Up. Save Lives’ partnership.

In a unified show of support for the global initiative, Barclays Premier League, Spain’s La Liga and Italy’s Serie A will use a (NIKE)RED ball at all home games over the weekend of March 13th and 14th.

The Nike and (RED) partnership invites people to ‘Lace Up. Save Lives’ by purchasing a pair of (NIKE)RED laces. One hundred percent of the profits from (NIKE)RED laces is split equally between The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, which funds AIDS programs that provide medicine, treatment and services for those living with HIV, and football-based community initiatives that deliver education and understanding around HIV/AIDS prevention.

The (NIKE)RED ball is a specially designed T90 Ascente – the same make of ball currently used by all three leagues and boasts all of the technological innovations that the players are accustomed to week in week out, but features the (RED) laces graphic on the exterior.

Richard Scudamore, Chief Executive of the Premier League, said: “The Premier League has enormous global appeal and we are committed to using our reach to raise awareness of this partnership between, Nike, one of our longest serving commercial partners, and (RED). A red ball and red laces are simple ideas, but sometimes those are the best – the hope is that the profile given through this and the money raised through ‘Lace Up, Save Lives’ will provide significant impetus and funding to the Global Fund’s activities to aid the prevention of HIV/AIDS in Africa.”

Susan Smith Ellis, CEO of (RED) says: “Having three of the world’s Premier football leagues is a force multiplier for NIKE AND (RED). It raises awareness. It expands our reach. Most important, it benefits those who suffer from AIDS in Africa. We could not be more pleased.”

“Nike has a history of elevating global causes through sport. Through the power and appeal of football, this campaign not only highlights the HIV/AIDS issue globally, it has also created a great way to raise much needed funds,” said Mark Parker, President & CEO of NIKE, Inc.

On November 30th, 2009, the eve of World AIDS Day, Didier Drogba (Chelsea), Joe Cole (Chelsea), Andrey Arshavin (Arsenal), Denilson (Arsenal), Marco Materazzi (Inter Milan), Lucas Neill (Galatasaray), Clint Dempsey (Fulham) and Seol Ki-Hyeon (Fulham) joined U2 front man Bono and Mark Parker at Niketown London to announce the partnership.

(NIKE)RED themed products can be purchased at the Nike Flagship Store at Wisma Atria.

NIKE (RED) PRODUCT INFORMATION
The (NIKE)RED Limited Edition Ascente Ball will be available in Singapore for SGD$179.00 and 2010 (NIKE)RED Limited Edition Brasil N98 Track Jackets will also be at SGD$179.00 and both will be sold globally from March. (NIKE)RED products are also now being sold at retail. (NIKE)RED laces are available now at Nike Wisma.

Related Links on this blog:

• [Feature] WORLD’S TOP FOOTBALLERS JOINED BY KOBE BRYANT AND MARIA SHARAPOVA TO LACE UP AND SAVE LIVES IN NEW SHORT FILM FROM NIKE
  
• [Feature] THE EMIRATES TO TURN (RED) TO ‘LACE UP. SAVE LIVES’
• Hariss Harun - Ambassador for the Nike (RED) campaign