Some Golden Soft Sombrero Moments with David McPherson McPherson on the good old Aussie tan… Diegos: " A belated welcome from the Diegos. You have been quoted saying that you came to Australia for a new challenge and the beautiful weather. How's the challenge going and more importantly, how's the tan coming along?" McPherson:" The tan is coming along well thanks. As for the challenge, well we had a disappointing game in round two against the Gippsland Falcons, but we've played well since. It's a long season and I'm looking forward to the rest of the games." Soft Sombrero Moment November 1999
Diegos:" Aussie soccer is a long way from a freezing cold Hampton Park and an end of season trip water skiing on Loch Ness with your mates. How much did you know about Australian soccer before you signed up for the Blues?" McPherson:" Not a great deal! But I was playing out here in 1984 and learnt a little bit then. There were also a few Australians playing back in Scotland and they taught me a few things about Aussie soccer. The game has certainly come a long way in last ten to fifteen years." Soft Sombrero Moment November 1999
Diegos:" The media has focused on the distinct British feel to Carlton's recruiting this season. In actual fact though, if you scan the match day team sheet the squad looks more like a United Nations Peace Keeping force with a couple of Kiwi's, a Brazilian, and Australian, Croatian, Italian and Greek influences. What's it like playing with players with such diverse backgrounds and how are the earnest discussions about British politics going with Brazilian Alex Moriera going?" McPherson:" We actually discuss Australian politics because it's a little bit more interesting. I think its good! Back in Scotland and England more clubs these days are choosing a multicultural squad, which I think, is great. We've got a great group of players down at Carlton and we get on really well. I've just got to brush up on my Brazilian so Alex Moriera and I can discuss politics at greater length."
Diegos:" Enigmatic Socceroo striker, Mark Viduka had an unusual start to his Celtic career citing stress and coming home before playing a game. The club and in particular, the Celtic fans weren't happy with the whole saga. Has the V- Bombers goals finally won over the Celtic faithful?" McPherson: " I think there is still a question mark hanging over his head. He's quite a character I've met him a few times over in Scotland. As long as he keeps scoring goals I think they will stand by him, but if he suffers a drought he might find himself playing soccer back here in Melbourne this summer."
McPherson on Hearts… Diegos: " The Four Diegos reckon that Scottish Soccer was invented to keep the coal miners off the street. Its image is one of toughness, hard play and hard drinking.
Was the club as soft and sensitive as the name suggests? McPherson: " I didn't know that Hearts had that sort of reputation. They breed them hard in Scotland. I think it has something to do with the weather. When you're playing in November and January and it's minus ten and there's a force ten gale then you certainly toughen up." Soft Sombrero Moment November 1999
Diegos: ' You arrived in Australia just as the Rugby League and Aussie Rules finals were being played. You bear an uncanny resemblance in looks and size to Carlton SC chairman, former AFL footballer and now Labor Minister for Sport in Victoria, Justin Madden. In another life do you think that you would've made a handy tap ruckman in Aussie Rules?" McPherson: " Hey Diegos, I've seen Justin Madden and I do not look like him at all. That's like comparing me to Frankenstein, I can't believe you said that." Soft Sombrero Moment November 1999 |