1 00:00:06,707 --> 00:00:10,467 Speaker 1: You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Vine 2 00:00:10,747 --> 00:00:11,947 Speaker 1: from News Talks edb. 3 00:00:12,827 --> 00:00:15,387 Speaker 2: Huge piece of football news during the week Wellington Phoenix 4 00:00:15,427 --> 00:00:19,627 Speaker 2: goalkeeper Alex Paulson securing a move to Premier League club 5 00:00:19,667 --> 00:00:20,507 Speaker 2: Bournemouth and. 6 00:00:22,467 --> 00:00:26,227 Speaker 1: Brilliant stop times of you that don't know Alex Paulson 7 00:00:27,227 --> 00:00:28,547 Speaker 1: steers forward. 8 00:00:32,587 --> 00:00:35,027 Speaker 2: Toulson the Natis Dixon. 9 00:00:37,947 --> 00:00:38,267 Speaker 3: Again. 10 00:00:39,587 --> 00:00:43,827 Speaker 1: Unbelievable man three off his tops this season. 11 00:00:43,987 --> 00:00:47,347 Speaker 2: The incredible last season for Alex Paulson and a huge 12 00:00:47,387 --> 00:00:50,867 Speaker 2: reward for him. I moved to the Premier League with Bournemouth. 13 00:00:51,067 --> 00:00:53,307 Speaker 2: Shortly after this was made official. During the week I 14 00:00:53,307 --> 00:00:55,587 Speaker 2: caught up with Alex Paulson asked him first of all, 15 00:00:55,667 --> 00:00:57,867 Speaker 2: how long this had been a goal of his to 16 00:00:58,147 --> 00:01:00,627 Speaker 2: move to a top overseas league. 17 00:01:01,187 --> 00:01:01,427 Speaker 4: Yeah. 18 00:01:01,547 --> 00:01:06,787 Speaker 3: Well, most aspiring young footballers have had the dream to 19 00:01:06,787 --> 00:01:09,387 Speaker 3: actually go and play in the Premier League and it's 20 00:01:09,547 --> 00:01:12,227 Speaker 3: and it's fantastic for me to get this opportunity to 21 00:01:12,707 --> 00:01:14,427 Speaker 3: one day play in the Premier League as well. And 22 00:01:14,427 --> 00:01:18,427 Speaker 3: I'm just fortunate enough to have Bournemouth, you know, invest 23 00:01:18,467 --> 00:01:23,147 Speaker 3: the time resources towards me to give me into an 24 00:01:23,147 --> 00:01:25,307 Speaker 3: opportunity to play and have that action plan. 25 00:01:25,427 --> 00:01:27,347 Speaker 4: So that I can you perform my best. 26 00:01:27,907 --> 00:01:30,307 Speaker 2: Tell us about the conversations you've had with Bournemouth, what 27 00:01:30,347 --> 00:01:32,107 Speaker 2: it is about them that you like, and what they've 28 00:01:32,147 --> 00:01:33,907 Speaker 2: kind of laid out for you as far as an 29 00:01:33,907 --> 00:01:35,067 Speaker 2: action plan is concerned. 30 00:01:35,387 --> 00:01:36,987 Speaker 4: Yeah, so it was the intention. 31 00:01:38,307 --> 00:01:42,827 Speaker 3: I discussed myself and my agent discussed the plan with 32 00:01:42,867 --> 00:01:46,787 Speaker 3: regards to where does my future lie with the Premier 33 00:01:46,867 --> 00:01:50,067 Speaker 3: League with Bournemouth as as well, and that's why they 34 00:01:50,347 --> 00:01:52,027 Speaker 3: signed me with a four year deal so that they 35 00:01:52,027 --> 00:01:56,227 Speaker 3: can organize a idea about where my play development will lie. 36 00:01:56,627 --> 00:02:00,707 Speaker 3: And I think it's just fantastic because they really showed 37 00:02:00,747 --> 00:02:02,867 Speaker 3: a lot of intent and that's what kind of drawed 38 00:02:02,907 --> 00:02:05,547 Speaker 3: me towards Bournemouth. 39 00:02:06,147 --> 00:02:08,107 Speaker 2: And in terms of that action plan, what will the 40 00:02:08,147 --> 00:02:09,187 Speaker 2: next four years look like? 41 00:02:09,267 --> 00:02:09,547 Speaker 4: Are you? 42 00:02:09,947 --> 00:02:12,827 Speaker 2: Have they given you an indication that they really want 43 00:02:12,827 --> 00:02:14,947 Speaker 2: you to be pushing for, you know, a spot on 44 00:02:14,947 --> 00:02:16,747 Speaker 2: the Premier League squad? Is this what we're talking about 45 00:02:16,787 --> 00:02:17,747 Speaker 2: over the next four years. 46 00:02:18,707 --> 00:02:22,787 Speaker 3: Yeah, So ideally we haven't actually discussed too much yet, 47 00:02:22,827 --> 00:02:25,147 Speaker 3: but I think the fact that they're signing a four 48 00:02:25,187 --> 00:02:27,667 Speaker 3: year deal has given me a hope that they actually 49 00:02:27,747 --> 00:02:31,387 Speaker 3: intend to put me out and push me towards being 50 00:02:31,427 --> 00:02:34,027 Speaker 3: a number one goalkeeper at the Premier League. 51 00:02:34,067 --> 00:02:35,747 Speaker 4: But obviously it's a line process. 52 00:02:35,747 --> 00:02:38,947 Speaker 3: It's a long journey, so I'm trying my best to 53 00:02:38,987 --> 00:02:40,747 Speaker 3: make sure they I'm putting myself in the best position 54 00:02:40,827 --> 00:02:43,827 Speaker 3: possible to learn, adapt. 55 00:02:43,827 --> 00:02:45,107 Speaker 4: And develop as much as they can. 56 00:02:45,787 --> 00:02:48,107 Speaker 2: How do you reflect on the last twelve to eighteen months, 57 00:02:48,147 --> 00:02:50,827 Speaker 2: you know, a year ago, say in the off season, 58 00:02:51,147 --> 00:02:54,067 Speaker 2: in the last a league season, to now where this 59 00:02:54,307 --> 00:02:56,307 Speaker 2: amazing news has come. How do you reflect on the 60 00:02:56,387 --> 00:02:56,747 Speaker 2: last year? 61 00:02:56,787 --> 00:02:59,427 Speaker 4: Also surreal it's been. 62 00:02:59,907 --> 00:03:03,707 Speaker 3: It's been a rollercoaster of emotions, going from the start 63 00:03:03,747 --> 00:03:06,907 Speaker 3: of pre season where we're playing in the Alien Cup 64 00:03:06,907 --> 00:03:09,027 Speaker 3: as well, all the way through to you know, arguably 65 00:03:09,027 --> 00:03:11,787 Speaker 3: one of the biggest crowds in one is the Phoenix's history. 66 00:03:11,867 --> 00:03:14,907 Speaker 3: So it was a long journey and I'm proud of it. 67 00:03:15,067 --> 00:03:18,787 Speaker 3: I'm proud of the boys as well to go along 68 00:03:18,787 --> 00:03:20,427 Speaker 3: that type of journey with them as well, and it's 69 00:03:20,467 --> 00:03:24,147 Speaker 3: it's just fantastic to go from moment extremity to the next. 70 00:03:24,707 --> 00:03:27,307 Speaker 2: Your family, can you tell us about their reaction when 71 00:03:27,347 --> 00:03:29,747 Speaker 2: this news sort of started to float around and it 72 00:03:29,747 --> 00:03:30,587 Speaker 2: has been confirmed. 73 00:03:30,987 --> 00:03:33,707 Speaker 4: Yes, No, it was a bit of an emotional rollercoaster. 74 00:03:33,747 --> 00:03:34,107 Speaker 4: As well. 75 00:03:34,187 --> 00:03:37,747 Speaker 3: My family were e static. My brother was over the moon, 76 00:03:37,827 --> 00:03:40,187 Speaker 3: and then my mom and dad just couldn't believe it. 77 00:03:40,307 --> 00:03:44,107 Speaker 3: So I'm so happy to give them back the sacrifices 78 00:03:44,107 --> 00:03:46,427 Speaker 3: that they made for me and I'm really appreciative of that, 79 00:03:46,507 --> 00:03:50,467 Speaker 3: and I'm proud to officially now sign with Bournemouth and 80 00:03:50,907 --> 00:03:52,347 Speaker 3: they can be proud of that. 81 00:03:52,867 --> 00:03:55,267 Speaker 2: How much has Wellington Phoenix Football Club being a part 82 00:03:55,307 --> 00:03:58,627 Speaker 2: of your development? What have they done that's allowed you 83 00:03:58,707 --> 00:04:00,107 Speaker 2: to get to where you are? 84 00:04:00,467 --> 00:04:02,347 Speaker 3: Well at the age of fifteen when I moved down 85 00:04:02,387 --> 00:04:05,947 Speaker 3: to Warrington from Auckland. They've given me a lot of 86 00:04:06,027 --> 00:04:09,147 Speaker 3: invest with regards of the resources, the time, the effort, 87 00:04:09,587 --> 00:04:13,307 Speaker 3: and I'm really appreciative of that. And it's great because 88 00:04:13,347 --> 00:04:15,787 Speaker 3: they've actually seen my progress coming from the academy all 89 00:04:15,827 --> 00:04:17,707 Speaker 3: the way through to the reserves to sign in my 90 00:04:17,707 --> 00:04:20,507 Speaker 3: first contract now seeing me sign with Born within the 91 00:04:20,547 --> 00:04:22,947 Speaker 3: Premier League, and it's just fantastic. I wouldn't be in 92 00:04:22,947 --> 00:04:26,907 Speaker 3: this position without all of their help, their sacrifice, the 93 00:04:27,267 --> 00:04:30,387 Speaker 3: resources that we have at insaid as as well, it's 94 00:04:30,547 --> 00:04:33,147 Speaker 3: as fantastic and it's just great. 95 00:04:33,787 --> 00:04:36,507 Speaker 2: Have you thought about what you're about to embark on? 96 00:04:36,667 --> 00:04:39,947 Speaker 2: You know some big stadiums around the place, the Premier League, 97 00:04:39,947 --> 00:04:41,387 Speaker 2: A lot of people call it the biggest league in 98 00:04:41,387 --> 00:04:44,267 Speaker 2: the world. Is this a bit of a not a 99 00:04:44,267 --> 00:04:47,987 Speaker 2: pinch me moment necessarily, but a really exciting time for you? 100 00:04:48,387 --> 00:04:48,587 Speaker 4: Yes. 101 00:04:48,707 --> 00:04:51,107 Speaker 3: No, as you said, it's very exciting. Sometimes you kind 102 00:04:51,107 --> 00:04:53,427 Speaker 3: of have to take a step back and take it 103 00:04:53,467 --> 00:04:56,587 Speaker 3: all in. But at the same time, I'm just really 104 00:04:56,627 --> 00:05:00,107 Speaker 3: appreciative to you take this opportunity, and I kind of 105 00:05:00,107 --> 00:05:02,267 Speaker 3: want to make sure that now I can start to 106 00:05:02,347 --> 00:05:05,587 Speaker 3: work harder. And like I said before, and as I 107 00:05:05,627 --> 00:05:07,507 Speaker 3: was speaking with my fam as well, it's almost like 108 00:05:07,547 --> 00:05:10,187 Speaker 3: a restart button for me. It's kind of going over 109 00:05:10,227 --> 00:05:13,427 Speaker 3: there now to still have to prove myself. So I'm 110 00:05:13,427 --> 00:05:15,467 Speaker 3: just fantastic. I'm just grateful for that opportunity. 111 00:05:15,867 --> 00:05:17,547 Speaker 2: Have you replied to all your messages? 112 00:05:18,627 --> 00:05:20,867 Speaker 3: Still going on, so I think I might chuck my 113 00:05:20,867 --> 00:05:22,707 Speaker 3: phone away for a day or two so so that 114 00:05:22,747 --> 00:05:24,387 Speaker 3: I don't go my socials. 115 00:05:24,387 --> 00:05:26,547 Speaker 4: But at the same time, I'm very. 116 00:05:26,387 --> 00:05:31,907 Speaker 3: Grateful for, you know, the support and the constant. 117 00:05:33,347 --> 00:05:37,507 Speaker 4: The constant talking and the. 118 00:05:38,907 --> 00:05:41,347 Speaker 3: Just the support that the show throughout the whole season 119 00:05:41,387 --> 00:05:44,067 Speaker 3: and throughout the whole journey. I'm just so appreciative for 120 00:05:44,267 --> 00:05:46,827 Speaker 3: so I'll make sure that I can try my besticket 121 00:05:47,467 --> 00:05:48,867 Speaker 3: get back to as much as I can. 122 00:05:49,147 --> 00:05:50,827 Speaker 2: Congrat really speech to day for you. 123 00:05:51,307 --> 00:05:52,627 Speaker 4: No, thank you, Bone, I appreciate it. 124 00:05:52,747 --> 00:05:55,827 Speaker 2: That's Alex Pulson I spoke to during the week on 125 00:05:55,987 --> 00:06:02,427 Speaker 2: confirmation of his move to Premier League side Bournemouth. Just outstanding. 126 00:06:02,587 --> 00:06:05,547 Speaker 2: Use this and he is a player with a mass 127 00:06:05,547 --> 00:06:09,307 Speaker 2: of Ceilinglex Paulson, Ray says on text bying a young 128 00:06:09,347 --> 00:06:11,827 Speaker 2: Paulson is an awesome goalkeeper. He reminds me of Peter 129 00:06:11,907 --> 00:06:15,627 Speaker 2: Barnetti from Chelsea. I remember Peter Barnetti. Well, I've seen 130 00:06:15,627 --> 00:06:17,667 Speaker 2: footage of them is but a little bit before my time. 131 00:06:17,747 --> 00:06:17,907 Speaker 3: Ray. 132 00:06:18,267 --> 00:06:20,987 Speaker 2: They called him the cat, didn't they. Peter Barnetti didn't 133 00:06:20,987 --> 00:06:23,107 Speaker 2: get as many games for England as perhaps people thought 134 00:06:23,147 --> 00:06:25,867 Speaker 2: he might have. Gordon Banks was there around about the 135 00:06:25,867 --> 00:06:28,867 Speaker 2: same time. But yeah, I can see the comparison you're 136 00:06:28,907 --> 00:06:31,387 Speaker 2: making their Ray, And yeah, there are high hopes for 137 00:06:32,667 --> 00:06:36,347 Speaker 2: Alex Paulson become just the seventh player from New Zealand 138 00:06:36,387 --> 00:06:37,787 Speaker 2: to play in the Premier League. Yes, there's a wee 139 00:06:37,827 --> 00:06:40,427 Speaker 2: way to go. This is just the first step for him, 140 00:06:40,787 --> 00:06:43,147 Speaker 2: but it is an important step and to go from 141 00:06:43,827 --> 00:06:47,427 Speaker 2: basically not playing at all a year ago, playing second 142 00:06:47,467 --> 00:06:51,587 Speaker 2: fiddle to Olie Sayle at Wellington Phoenix, to having an 143 00:06:51,587 --> 00:06:54,827 Speaker 2: absolutely outstanding season and earning a move to the Premier League. 144 00:06:54,867 --> 00:06:59,507 Speaker 2: It's just a meteoric rise for Alex Paulson. 145 00:07:00,427 --> 00:07:03,587 Speaker 1: For more from Weekend Sport with Jason Fine, listen live 146 00:07:03,707 --> 00:07:06,987 Speaker 1: to News Talk said B weekends from midday, or follow 147 00:07:07,027 --> 00:07:08,627 Speaker 1: the podcast on iHeartRadio.