1 00:00:06,667 --> 00:00:10,387 Speaker 1: You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Fine 2 00:00:10,707 --> 00:00:12,547 Speaker 1: from newstalksb. 3 00:00:12,787 --> 00:00:15,347 Speaker 2: Clot They take on Western United at sky Stadium. They 4 00:00:15,347 --> 00:00:18,907 Speaker 2: would have, I'm sure, been watching Auckland FC start their 5 00:00:18,907 --> 00:00:21,907 Speaker 2: life yesterday with a two nil win over Brisbane Raw. 6 00:00:22,027 --> 00:00:23,867 Speaker 2: For the Phoenix, off the back of what was their 7 00:00:23,907 --> 00:00:26,907 Speaker 2: best ever season last time around, they'll be looking to 8 00:00:27,347 --> 00:00:29,947 Speaker 2: well at least match that and maybe even go one better. 9 00:00:29,947 --> 00:00:32,707 Speaker 2: They've got a few new players speaking of Auckland f C. 10 00:00:32,867 --> 00:00:35,427 Speaker 2: Alex Paulson, who was in goal for the Phoenix last 11 00:00:35,427 --> 00:00:38,307 Speaker 2: season is now an Auckland FC player, So the Phoenix 12 00:00:38,307 --> 00:00:42,507 Speaker 2: have got a new goalkeeper. He is English Nigerian. His 13 00:00:42,627 --> 00:00:46,107 Speaker 2: name is josh olaway Yemme and earlier this week I 14 00:00:46,107 --> 00:00:47,667 Speaker 2: sat down and had a jet Tom and asked him, 15 00:00:47,707 --> 00:00:50,227 Speaker 2: first of all, how the move to Wellington had come about. 16 00:00:51,267 --> 00:00:54,147 Speaker 3: So to be fair, I've played with a few A 17 00:00:54,227 --> 00:00:56,667 Speaker 3: League players who have told me about the league and 18 00:00:56,667 --> 00:00:59,347 Speaker 3: they've told me nothing but great things about it, and 19 00:00:59,387 --> 00:01:02,347 Speaker 3: they're very proud about it as well, coming from that league. 20 00:01:03,107 --> 00:01:06,027 Speaker 4: And first of. 21 00:01:06,027 --> 00:01:09,987 Speaker 3: All was Cassini Yenge at Portsmouth who told me about it. 22 00:01:10,027 --> 00:01:12,347 Speaker 3: Then I ended up going to Finland then I had 23 00:01:12,347 --> 00:01:13,707 Speaker 3: two A League teammates. 24 00:01:14,347 --> 00:01:17,387 Speaker 4: There is in Dylan Fox who was here before as well. 25 00:01:17,427 --> 00:01:19,987 Speaker 3: I remember Fox, he will yeah, and he was telling 26 00:01:19,987 --> 00:01:22,547 Speaker 3: me a lot of good things about it, and funny enough, 27 00:01:22,827 --> 00:01:27,187 Speaker 3: he end up from there to hear and Yeah, Scout 28 00:01:27,227 --> 00:01:29,747 Speaker 3: came to me and asked me about the opportunity, and 29 00:01:29,787 --> 00:01:32,627 Speaker 3: because of what I've heard, I was like, do you 30 00:01:32,667 --> 00:01:34,787 Speaker 3: know what, I want to give this a shot, you know, 31 00:01:34,987 --> 00:01:37,667 Speaker 3: and yeah, that's why I ended up here. 32 00:01:38,067 --> 00:01:39,667 Speaker 5: And you want to have had conversations I'm sure with 33 00:01:39,667 --> 00:01:41,947 Speaker 5: people at the club, chief and maybe Robin and others. 34 00:01:42,627 --> 00:01:45,187 Speaker 5: Was you know when you hear those conversations, was did 35 00:01:45,187 --> 00:01:48,627 Speaker 5: that reinforce you know, the feeling that this would be 36 00:01:48,627 --> 00:01:49,467 Speaker 5: the right move for you. 37 00:01:49,587 --> 00:01:50,067 Speaker 4: Yeah. 38 00:01:50,107 --> 00:01:52,347 Speaker 3: A lot of it is how people are as well, 39 00:01:52,387 --> 00:01:57,027 Speaker 3: and I feel like they give an honest, vibe, honest, 40 00:01:57,867 --> 00:02:00,907 Speaker 3: honest people with in football. I love the way that 41 00:02:01,147 --> 00:02:02,867 Speaker 3: the clips that they sent me about the way the 42 00:02:02,867 --> 00:02:05,827 Speaker 3: team was playing that intrigued me as well. That made 43 00:02:05,867 --> 00:02:10,627 Speaker 3: me really excited to take it on. The facilities, research 44 00:02:10,707 --> 00:02:13,347 Speaker 3: into the facilities, and also the way the team did 45 00:02:13,427 --> 00:02:16,667 Speaker 3: last season as well. I felt like it was just 46 00:02:16,707 --> 00:02:20,987 Speaker 3: a very good challenge to come and continue that and 47 00:02:21,147 --> 00:02:23,107 Speaker 3: even build upon that for next season. 48 00:02:23,547 --> 00:02:24,867 Speaker 4: That's what really brought me in. 49 00:02:25,947 --> 00:02:29,547 Speaker 3: But as people as well, Chiefy and Reuben like they 50 00:02:29,667 --> 00:02:32,387 Speaker 3: sold me on the way they are and it's still 51 00:02:32,427 --> 00:02:33,307 Speaker 3: the same right now. 52 00:02:33,627 --> 00:02:34,787 Speaker 6: You know, I was gonna last state. 53 00:02:34,867 --> 00:02:37,027 Speaker 5: I mean, you're always in a job, and if you 54 00:02:37,107 --> 00:02:38,547 Speaker 5: were trying to treat you just like a first day, 55 00:02:38,587 --> 00:02:40,187 Speaker 5: doesn't it you know, like it come over, it's going 56 00:02:40,227 --> 00:02:41,947 Speaker 5: to be like this, is it what you expected? 57 00:02:42,027 --> 00:02:44,147 Speaker 6: Has it been an easy transition for you to make? 58 00:02:44,987 --> 00:02:47,547 Speaker 3: It is what I expected, But hasn't been an easy transition. 59 00:02:47,707 --> 00:02:50,707 Speaker 3: I've had two illnesses that have kept me out a 60 00:02:50,747 --> 00:02:53,747 Speaker 3: couple of weeks, but it's expected when you come from the. 61 00:02:53,707 --> 00:02:57,067 Speaker 4: Other side of the world, you know. So it's good. 62 00:02:57,267 --> 00:02:59,707 Speaker 3: But I'm getting up to base working really hard with 63 00:02:59,787 --> 00:03:02,747 Speaker 3: the coaches, and yeah, I'm very positive about how the 64 00:03:02,787 --> 00:03:04,187 Speaker 3: season is going to go. 65 00:03:04,387 --> 00:03:06,987 Speaker 5: The frustrating get over here physically, but then you know what, 66 00:03:07,067 --> 00:03:09,027 Speaker 5: you just get a bad cold that sort of thing. 67 00:03:09,267 --> 00:03:15,907 Speaker 3: Yeah, just cold, just little viruses really, but it's you 68 00:03:15,947 --> 00:03:17,987 Speaker 3: can't stop it. If you stop it now, maybe it 69 00:03:18,027 --> 00:03:21,147 Speaker 3: comes later. So it's actually better now in pre season 70 00:03:21,267 --> 00:03:22,747 Speaker 3: than during the season. 71 00:03:23,307 --> 00:03:25,627 Speaker 5: Have you found working with goalkeeping coach Ruben Parker. 72 00:03:26,347 --> 00:03:30,627 Speaker 3: The way he sees football is extraordinary for me. Just 73 00:03:31,707 --> 00:03:34,947 Speaker 3: obviously I can't go into detail about the actual tactical stuff, 74 00:03:35,587 --> 00:03:37,907 Speaker 3: but he's just the way he sees it. Very demanding 75 00:03:37,987 --> 00:03:42,427 Speaker 3: as well, but very reasonable. He's got a very big 76 00:03:42,507 --> 00:03:45,787 Speaker 3: eye for detail as well, very big on those things, 77 00:03:45,907 --> 00:03:49,907 Speaker 3: you know, and helps me keep the intensity up as well. 78 00:03:51,267 --> 00:03:53,467 Speaker 4: But yeah, not very good and I feel like you 79 00:03:53,507 --> 00:03:54,787 Speaker 4: could take me to the next level. 80 00:03:55,387 --> 00:03:57,347 Speaker 5: A big part of modern day goalkeeping has been out 81 00:03:57,347 --> 00:03:58,107 Speaker 5: of play with your feet. 82 00:03:58,667 --> 00:03:58,867 Speaker 6: You know. 83 00:03:59,027 --> 00:04:01,107 Speaker 5: That hasn't always been the case, you know, a couple 84 00:04:01,107 --> 00:04:02,947 Speaker 5: of decades ago didn't have to worry about it. Now 85 00:04:02,987 --> 00:04:06,867 Speaker 5: it's a big part of a goalkeeper's toolbox. 86 00:04:06,947 --> 00:04:08,027 Speaker 6: Is there something you work hard on? 87 00:04:08,547 --> 00:04:11,907 Speaker 3: Yeah, work hard on it every training sessions, even as 88 00:04:11,987 --> 00:04:16,027 Speaker 3: much with hands as well, and we always include both 89 00:04:16,347 --> 00:04:22,307 Speaker 3: in trainings. But the game has changed now so goalkeepers 90 00:04:22,587 --> 00:04:26,907 Speaker 3: along all the top five leagues, most teams are expectant 91 00:04:26,947 --> 00:04:29,027 Speaker 3: of their keeper to be able to be comfortable with 92 00:04:29,067 --> 00:04:31,547 Speaker 3: their feet and be flexible. 93 00:04:31,787 --> 00:04:32,987 Speaker 4: Tactically, you know. 94 00:04:33,107 --> 00:04:37,667 Speaker 3: So yeah, it's something that we work on tirelessly and 95 00:04:38,027 --> 00:04:38,787 Speaker 3: try and perfect it. 96 00:04:39,307 --> 00:04:40,787 Speaker 5: And whether I wanted to give the technics to way. 97 00:04:40,827 --> 00:04:42,987 Speaker 5: Last year, the Phoenix played out a lot. They use 98 00:04:43,067 --> 00:04:44,587 Speaker 5: the keeper in the back for a lot to play out. 99 00:04:44,627 --> 00:04:46,787 Speaker 5: Are we likely to see that from you guys this year? 100 00:04:47,227 --> 00:04:50,707 Speaker 3: Yeah, definitely likely to see that this year as well, 101 00:04:50,747 --> 00:04:54,107 Speaker 3: and even some more weapons as well that we plan 102 00:04:54,227 --> 00:04:56,907 Speaker 3: to launch as well. Obviously I can't go into detail 103 00:04:56,907 --> 00:05:01,667 Speaker 3: about these things, but I'm very excited, you know, very excited. 104 00:05:02,147 --> 00:05:04,747 Speaker 5: What do you pride yourself on as a goalkeeper? Crosses, 105 00:05:04,787 --> 00:05:07,547 Speaker 5: shot stopping, controlling the penalty? What are your real strengths 106 00:05:07,547 --> 00:05:11,747 Speaker 5: as a keeper? I don't want to blow up when 107 00:05:11,787 --> 00:05:14,027 Speaker 5: I say, guys never liked talking about themselves, but what 108 00:05:14,027 --> 00:05:15,147 Speaker 5: would someone say about you? 109 00:05:16,627 --> 00:05:18,907 Speaker 3: I think they would say in big moments for one 110 00:05:18,947 --> 00:05:21,907 Speaker 3: on one and things, that's something I really for have on. 111 00:05:22,787 --> 00:05:25,707 Speaker 3: I'm versatile, I can play out from the back. I've 112 00:05:25,707 --> 00:05:29,067 Speaker 3: been working tirelessly on elements of my game to get 113 00:05:29,107 --> 00:05:33,187 Speaker 3: certain things in the locker for myself. Shot stopping as well, 114 00:05:33,307 --> 00:05:37,587 Speaker 3: quick reactions in these things is something that I would 115 00:05:37,587 --> 00:05:38,467 Speaker 3: pride myself on. 116 00:05:38,587 --> 00:05:42,627 Speaker 4: And athleticism as well. The leap that I possess. 117 00:05:42,987 --> 00:05:46,827 Speaker 3: I feel with set pieces and hyeballs that have floated up, 118 00:05:47,227 --> 00:05:50,307 Speaker 3: I can really excel in that department, you know, but 119 00:05:50,427 --> 00:05:53,427 Speaker 3: I think it's more about being an all rounded keeper 120 00:05:53,507 --> 00:05:56,787 Speaker 3: and fitting in and what you can do for your 121 00:05:56,827 --> 00:05:58,827 Speaker 3: team in the way that they play. 122 00:05:58,947 --> 00:06:00,027 Speaker 4: You know, how. 123 00:05:59,947 --> 00:06:01,867 Speaker 6: Vocal are you as a goalkeeper. 124 00:06:01,787 --> 00:06:07,947 Speaker 4: Very very, probably annoying, But you. 125 00:06:07,987 --> 00:06:10,387 Speaker 6: Talk to any defense and that's what they want, right. 126 00:06:10,307 --> 00:06:13,867 Speaker 3: Yeah, that's what they want. Yeah, it's it's definitely what 127 00:06:13,907 --> 00:06:14,227 Speaker 3: they want. 128 00:06:14,267 --> 00:06:14,387 Speaker 1: Well. 129 00:06:14,387 --> 00:06:17,787 Speaker 3: I realized though on certain big occasions, I'm shouting and 130 00:06:17,867 --> 00:06:21,187 Speaker 3: the card here because the crowd is so loud, So 131 00:06:21,787 --> 00:06:24,427 Speaker 3: it's kind of I think a lot of it is 132 00:06:25,067 --> 00:06:28,427 Speaker 3: having a relationship and how well we're drilled as well 133 00:06:28,467 --> 00:06:32,227 Speaker 3: as a team and making sure that in certain moments 134 00:06:32,267 --> 00:06:35,267 Speaker 3: you're just in unison with your defenders. 135 00:06:35,387 --> 00:06:36,587 Speaker 4: That's the most important. 136 00:06:36,827 --> 00:06:38,867 Speaker 6: Yeah, this seems like a really important relationship. 137 00:06:38,947 --> 00:06:41,667 Speaker 5: You know, you look at midfield peers and striking peers, 138 00:06:41,667 --> 00:06:44,427 Speaker 5: but the relationship between yourself and your back four or 139 00:06:44,427 --> 00:06:47,067 Speaker 5: whatever it might be, back for your defensive line. How 140 00:06:47,107 --> 00:06:49,787 Speaker 5: do you solidify those relationships and make sure that they're cohesive, 141 00:06:49,827 --> 00:06:51,067 Speaker 5: especially with it, you know, coming. 142 00:06:50,827 --> 00:06:51,467 Speaker 6: To a new club. 143 00:06:52,267 --> 00:06:54,467 Speaker 3: A lot of it is with games that there's certain 144 00:06:54,507 --> 00:06:58,507 Speaker 3: partnerships that you would know intuitively what people are going 145 00:06:58,587 --> 00:07:00,867 Speaker 3: to do within game scenarios, but a lot of it 146 00:07:00,907 --> 00:07:04,227 Speaker 3: can be built in training and through conversation, you know, 147 00:07:04,307 --> 00:07:08,867 Speaker 3: and that's what can kind of bolstered the connection. When 148 00:07:09,347 --> 00:07:11,907 Speaker 3: someone goes over here, you know what he's going to do, 149 00:07:11,947 --> 00:07:13,747 Speaker 3: you know what he likes and what he doesn't like. 150 00:07:13,867 --> 00:07:14,947 Speaker 4: It's all part of the game. 151 00:07:15,027 --> 00:07:18,747 Speaker 6: You know, you were at Tottenham for a while, big club. 152 00:07:18,907 --> 00:07:19,547 Speaker 5: What was it like? 153 00:07:20,307 --> 00:07:26,867 Speaker 3: It was very, very demanding, very it was very educational. 154 00:07:27,107 --> 00:07:29,787 Speaker 3: I learned a lot of things that now in my 155 00:07:29,907 --> 00:07:33,267 Speaker 3: career when I look at it, I can always refer back, 156 00:07:33,347 --> 00:07:36,387 Speaker 3: even though at the time I've registered it, but I 157 00:07:36,387 --> 00:07:39,907 Speaker 3: can't really relate it to anything. A lot of you 158 00:07:40,387 --> 00:07:44,627 Speaker 3: could learn a lot from the players, the coaches, a 159 00:07:44,667 --> 00:07:48,307 Speaker 3: lot of pedigree there as well. You know, a lot 160 00:07:48,307 --> 00:07:53,067 Speaker 3: of very good staffs and people with crazy experience, like 161 00:07:53,107 --> 00:07:56,627 Speaker 3: for example, working with Patch Ennens. You know, having him 162 00:07:56,627 --> 00:07:59,627 Speaker 3: by your side for training, you learn a lot and 163 00:07:59,707 --> 00:08:02,547 Speaker 3: he tells you a lot about his day and things, 164 00:08:02,627 --> 00:08:05,907 Speaker 3: and he like you could just take that. You don't 165 00:08:05,907 --> 00:08:08,587 Speaker 3: feel alone, you feel like you're not You don't feel 166 00:08:08,627 --> 00:08:10,667 Speaker 3: like you're learning every experience on the cuff. 167 00:08:11,027 --> 00:08:14,547 Speaker 4: You feel like you can relate it back to something and. 168 00:08:14,547 --> 00:08:17,027 Speaker 6: You head time with the Nigerian national team as well. 169 00:08:17,027 --> 00:08:19,907 Speaker 5: You played age group for England, but the Nigerian national 170 00:08:19,907 --> 00:08:21,867 Speaker 5: team I think two or three years ago. Do you 171 00:08:21,867 --> 00:08:23,427 Speaker 5: have strong international ambitions? 172 00:08:23,947 --> 00:08:25,867 Speaker 4: Yeah? I really. 173 00:08:26,187 --> 00:08:30,427 Speaker 3: My upbringing, my family Although I'm a diaspora in Nigerian 174 00:08:30,507 --> 00:08:33,427 Speaker 3: is in. I've lived in England all my life, but 175 00:08:33,707 --> 00:08:38,387 Speaker 3: the culture in the area and in my family is 176 00:08:38,507 --> 00:08:42,787 Speaker 3: very strongly Nigerian. So for me, when I went to 177 00:08:42,827 --> 00:08:45,667 Speaker 3: play against went to as a team to go and 178 00:08:45,667 --> 00:08:51,107 Speaker 3: play against Mexico, it was it was something like words 179 00:08:51,147 --> 00:08:54,547 Speaker 3: can't describe like it makes it. It brings back the 180 00:08:54,627 --> 00:08:58,227 Speaker 3: kidding you about why you're in football, you know, and 181 00:08:58,587 --> 00:09:00,707 Speaker 3: I do want to go back and not be on 182 00:09:00,747 --> 00:09:03,387 Speaker 3: the bench but play. You know, that's still a chapter 183 00:09:03,467 --> 00:09:06,107 Speaker 3: that is unturned and that I'm going to keep working 184 00:09:06,147 --> 00:09:07,587 Speaker 3: to to try and get there. 185 00:09:08,027 --> 00:09:10,587 Speaker 5: And just to circle back to Wellington to finish out. 186 00:09:10,667 --> 00:09:13,427 Speaker 5: What does a successful season look like for you personally 187 00:09:13,907 --> 00:09:14,987 Speaker 5: and for this team? 188 00:09:15,547 --> 00:09:18,587 Speaker 3: For me personally, I think the personal stuff will follow 189 00:09:18,907 --> 00:09:21,907 Speaker 3: if I just keep doing focusing on every game at 190 00:09:21,907 --> 00:09:27,627 Speaker 3: a time and enjoying the club, the atmosphere and what 191 00:09:27,667 --> 00:09:30,947 Speaker 3: I need to do. My job as a team, I 192 00:09:30,987 --> 00:09:35,507 Speaker 3: really want silverware in some sort, whether it's in the 193 00:09:35,587 --> 00:09:40,507 Speaker 3: league or postseason. You know, I really want silverware in 194 00:09:40,507 --> 00:09:43,707 Speaker 3: that aspect. In terms of number, I try not to 195 00:09:43,747 --> 00:09:46,387 Speaker 3: get caught up in the numbers, but there is a 196 00:09:46,467 --> 00:09:49,267 Speaker 3: general rule of fun where I'd like to hit. 197 00:09:49,347 --> 00:09:52,507 Speaker 4: And as an individually, you know. 198 00:09:52,707 --> 00:09:54,667 Speaker 6: There is Josh all Away in me. 199 00:09:54,867 --> 00:09:57,867 Speaker 2: He is the new number one for Wellington Phoenix, the 200 00:09:57,907 --> 00:10:00,547 Speaker 2: team actually for this afternoon's game. He has been released 201 00:10:00,547 --> 00:10:03,467 Speaker 2: and he is starving, so he'll debut for Wellington Phoenix 202 00:10:03,507 --> 00:10:06,827 Speaker 2: this afternoon in their A League season opener again Twisting 203 00:10:06,947 --> 00:10:08,907 Speaker 2: United at four o'clock this afternoon. 204 00:10:09,347 --> 00:10:12,507 Speaker 1: For more from Weekends Sport with Jason Fine, listen live 205 00:10:12,627 --> 00:10:15,907 Speaker 1: to news Talks at b Weekends from midday, or follow 206 00:10:15,947 --> 00:10:17,587 Speaker 1: the podcast on iHeartRadio