Jamaica's football history
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Under-23 striker Addlery
Wednesday, January 28, 2004
Mosiah Marshall caught up with Nicholas Addlery prior to his departure for CONCACAF Olympic Qualifiers in Mexico.
Name: Nicholas Addlery
Date of Birth: December 7, 1981
High School: Jamaica College, Manning Cup (1 year)
College: California University of Pennsylvania (4 seasons at the Div. 2 level)
Degree: Bachelor's in Business Administration
Club: Starworld Strikers F.C., Cooreville Gardens - U13, U16, U20, Syd Bartlett League, Real Mona-U20, Major League, Alvernia Prep
MM: How did you get to Trinidad?
NA: While in college, I had played against a Trinidadian coach, Kendal Walkes, whose friend was Michael Grayson from Starworld, and he asked me to join from May of last year, but the paperwork didn't come through until October.
MM: And it seems like you have taken the country by storm! Is it as big as it seems or bigger?
NA: If you ask me, I don't think I made such an impact. The club came second to last last year and they came 4th this year, so…I guess…
MM: How many goals have you scored?
NA: Eleven? Thirteen? I am not sure. We played 16 games though.
MM: Was it an easy decision to go to T&T?
NA: At that point in time, yes. I'll tell you why - it was an opportunity to play professional football and that is my goal in life. At the start of 2003, it never seemed like that would happen.
MM: Why?
NA: 2003 was a year of ups and downs. I graduated college, didn't have a job, went to Belgium on trial to FC Brussels Molenbeek, got sick. So that didn't work out. Came back to Jamaica and went to T&T 6 days later!
MM: How good was your college team?
NA: Fairly good. We beat a couple of Division I teams.
MM: How do you find the league in T&T?
NA: It's a lot faster, the ball movement, and more physical.
MM: So that should put you in good stead for international football, right?
NA: I think it depends on the player. The league won't help you do that. The player might be able to step up.
MM: Oh, you said you heard about the reggaeboyzsc.com site, right?
NA: You mean the one with the 'sc'?
MM: Yes!
NA: Of course! That is how I keep up with what's happening. When I am in NY, I check it every day.
MM: So you are familiar with the little campaign that was brewing to have you called to the U-23 side?
NA: Yes. The way I see it any publicity is good publicity!
MM: So how did the call-up happen?
NA: The newspaper here had interviewed me and I believe Carl Brown saw the article and called them for my number. Carl Brown called my dad, who left messages for me in Trinidad. They had called me for the Guadeloupe game, but I had a club game against Jabloteh so I couldn't make it. I scored in that game when we beat them 1-0 actually. Then I met up with the team in Martinique and I scored in a 1-0 victory too.
MM: What do you think is the best part of your game?
NA: Simplicity. Being able to play simple.
MM: I noticed in practice today that you exhibited pretty good technique. You looked a little bit like Wolde (Harris) out there, both physically and in technique.
NA: Yes, people say that a lot. I practice a lot on my own.
MM: How do you find training with the national team compared to your club?
NA: We (local set-up) concentrate a lot more on little things. Over there, we practice as a team preparing for our opponents. Here we practice on personal speed, endurance. The coaches isolate our weaknesses and work on them. We also work on defensive and offensive strategy. I like the training here.
MM: What would you say is the strategy of the team?
NA: Major point of attack is possession. (Other info withheld for obvious reasons.)
MM: How did the team do against Canada?
NA: We were putting into the game what we did in practice. The score was not of any significance. The coaches were fairly satisfied.
MM: Then why was CB (Carl Brown, technical director) shouting?
NA: At some point, the plan was not working, but it eventually did.
MM: How do you find the team members?
NA: Great bunch of guys! We all get on and look out for each other. And I grew up with a lot of them - Khari, Shavar, Keith (Kelly), Woolery, Fabian Dawkins. So it's great. We all work for the team as we all want the same thing - to get a professional contract.
MM: Who do you rate on the team?
NA: Everybody on this team is good. No, really!
MM: What are your expectations for the team?
NA: I am expecting to qualify. We have enough talent and we are prepared, but we still have to go out and work hard.
MM: What do you think of CB as coach? You don't have to answer that.
NA: He knows the game! He has the background, the experience and he deserves an opportunity to prove people wrong. When they bring in a foreigner, no problem, but when it's a Jamaican…Cargill knows how to get the best out of his players. He is a player's coach. I think I have benefited greatly from this experience. I think I have become a better player and have become more confident. Cargill is always telling me to play with confidence.
MM: Who do you look up to?
NA: Raul - he works and gives Ronaldo the ball. Claude Makalele - his work rate and how he contributes to the team. I have always liked midfielders, maybe because I used to play that position.
MM: Local players?
NA: Keith Kelly. Fabian Taylor - he is very skilful.
MM: Well, Nicholas, thank you very much for granting us this interview. Continue to check out the website and every once in a while join the Forum and give us a shout out.
NA: It was my pleasure. Thank you very much. If you have any more questions, just give me a call.
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