I don't know of anybody who doesn't agree with the policies of the Green Party. Yes there is the odd Everton and Wales tale, of course. 2 Baths. "The strongly held political views were always in there when I was younger, I guess, but nobody wants you with an opinion as a footballer," he reflects. Theyre making her take drugs to dilute her testosterone. At 59 Neville Southall's life does not resemble that of many former top-level footballers. Im driving 600 miles a week, minimum, and you get into that routine. I try to never talk about my playing days. If a fan says it hes thrown out of the ground. In the past we used to think the loose cannons belonged to North Korea or fellas like Saddam Hussein. After leaving Everton in 1998, he became Torquay United's regular goalkeeper for two years. What the FAW have done so well is find more Welsh youngsters than previously, which gives a bigger pool to choose from.". "The future really does look bright. He has 134,000 followers but, rather than plugging a product or spreading bile, Southall gives up his Twitter page regularly to people who would not normally have such a platform to address the challenges and inequities they face. I want to keep my personality and not use all the fancy words of counselling. Asked who would win, Wales under Terry Yorath and Mike England or Wales under Chris Coleman and Ryan Giggs, Southall replies: "Oh, I think we would have beaten them. I like what makes people tick. "Sex workers, racism, LGBT. He is driven in his quest to help other people. I used to think shed be a bit more compassionate but shes colder than all the others., Southall supports Labour, even if they frustrate him, and he says: Jeremy Corbyns done all right. [138], Southall is a teetotaller; this fact, coupled with his shy personality and dedication to football gave him a reputation as something of a loner. [37] They then lost the opening two league games of the season, before losing only three of their next 37 league games to win the First Division title by a 13-point margin. Let's rewind though for a brief resume of Southall's stunning career which gives him the profile he needs to talk about these other things. SOCCER legend Neville Southall walked out on his wife and daughter - just days before Christmas. Piers Morgan is a prick. His first cap came against Northern Ireland at the Racecourse Ground, Wrexham on 27 May 1982 in the 1982 British Home Championship, Wales won 30. Ive got a bit of flak because if I stick up for sex workers some people think Im supporting the trafficking of women. The former Everton and Wales footballer went into coaching once he hung up his boots, but soon entered the field of education. If we could unite all sex workers that would change their lives for ever. We didnt have much of a conversation. He still cares about the game and his beloved Everton but Southall is less interested in the impact of James Rodrguez at the start of a new season than in addressing the state of the world. "People look at Ryan and think he's a quiet, shy man. [105], In qualifying for the 1990 FIFA World Cup, Wales faced Netherlands, West Germany and Finland. Jan 11 Part 2 of my @90MinsWithNev podcast with Jamie Carragher is out now @Carra23 open.spotify.com FOOTBALL TODAY : Jamie Carragher Listen to this episode from 90 Minutes with Neville Southall on Spotify. [28] However, he began to suffer from ulcerated toes, which gave him severely swollen feet and caused him pain and discomfort throughout matches. Im trying to get across what they actually do and the barriers they face.. Southall adopts a similarly inclusive approach when working with people in drug awareness, the LGBT community and, this week we have a big mental health push, a BAME evening, the police are coming on and people who address knife crime. If somebody wants to do the whole transition its a big operation. "This is not about me, or Neville Southall the footballer, this is about helping others. Wales' national ground. "I was concentrating so hard on what I did with Everton I was never that way inclined to get involved in anything else. You have a right to discover your real self. Neville Southall MBE (born 16 September 1958) is a Welsh former international footballer. But the first gay footballer will be a multimillionaire. [121], Southall was appointed caretaker manager of Wales, alongside Mark Hughes, following the resignation of Bobby Gould after a 40 defeat against Italy on 5 June 1999. [42] At the end of the season Southall was named as the FWA Footballer of the Year, becoming the first Everton player, second Welshman and fourth goalkeeper to win the award. But I know people should be allowed to live the lives they want within reason. Why? "The transport links north to south still aren't brilliant here, are they? The problem is that the FA are not proactive. [43], Though Everton had won a place in the European Cup, English clubs were banned from European competitions following the Heysel Stadium disaster. He probably got an injunction. He says: Anybody successful in this country gets tons of abuse. Gary Speed brought in the Dutch geezer, Ray Verheijen, and he helped change the mindset. [50] He was the club's Player of the Month in February, and won man of the match awards in wins over Arsenal and Chelsea as Everton claimed another league title. [23] Southall kept 15 clean sheets after conceding 50 goals in his 44 domestic appearances, and was named as Bury's Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year. [19] To win a first team place he had to compete with Jim McDonagh (a Gordon Lee signing who would soon leave the club), Jim Arnold (also a new signing), and Martin Hodge (who was injured throughout his time at Everton). [26] In August 2012, his autobiography The Binman Chronicles was released. We need a government for all of the people, not just the wealthy, and Id love to see a proper debate about racism, immigration, gender and sex workers. Southall applied for the vacant position, but Bobby Gould was chosen instead, who in turn named Southall and Ian Rush as his assistants. No. "I suppose the one thing we missed was an outstanding midfield playmaker, like a Graeme Souness or a Georghe Hagi," says Southall. "Whether you have pasta or bacon sandwiches as your pre-match meal won't matter a jot if the mental attitude is not right. [136] He admitted to having affairs over the course of the 18-year marriage, and left Eryl for another woman, an aromatherapist named Emma, in 1998. [109] However a Gheorghe Hagi-inspired Romania defeated Wales 51 in Bucharest to open the Wales campaign. Eventually they die the same as you and me. Southall moves between fleeting reflections of his own extraordinary career and suggestions on how those lessons might be applied to ordinary people. Fuck off. Do what Ive got to do [in supporting other communities online] and then I get to bed around 10 oclock. [137] In addition to the daughter from his first marriage, he and his second wife also act as foster parents: a 2018 interview reported that they were looking after two children. [146][147], In December 2004 he was voted as Everton's all-time cult hero. So what JK Rowling said doesnt help. Such generosity is on the verge of scuppering my plans. "It's brilliant to see what's happened with Wales in recent years and the biggest difference is recruitment. There are Wales and Everton greats - and then there is Neville Southall. He moved on to Everton for 150,000 in 1981 and established himself as the club's first-choice goalkeeper by the 198384 season. Its dark outside and Southall, the former Everton and Wales goalkeeper who is now one of the most outspoken supporters of. I thought it was just people stuck on street corners. [114] Two defeats to Bulgaria ended faint hopes of qualification and cost Smith his job.[115]. Over the course of the season they beat Liverpool both at Anfield and at Goodison, and recorded a 50 win over Manchester United. [61] He famously sat down during a "sulking session" against a goalpost at half-time of the season opener whilst his teammates were still in the changing rooms while two goals down to newly promoted Leeds United (a game Everton eventually lost 32); Southall was fined two weeks wages despite denying it was a protest and that he simply did it to clear his head. The LGBT one. [60], Southall requested a transfer before the start of the 199091 season. Of course I empathise with his pain. Inquire to Bid! "The younger ones understand what's happening to the planet more than the older ones. "We just don't seem to have individuals any more and that's sad.". But we question that somebody can be born in the wrong body. Yeah, but Ive blocked a few. [95] All three goalkeepers picked up injuries, leaving manager Paul Jewell no choice but to play Southall at Valley Parade on 12 March 2000, against Leeds United. Im finding out what else I need to do to get to a first responder stage. A brilliant anecdote upon which to finish. As a keeper, its all down to belief. They havent handled it at all, have they? In the 1996 Birthday Honours, he was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his services to football.[5]. People might say to me 'You don't look like you did 20 years ago'. When he got made leader, people took the piss because he didnt wear a suit. I thought: If he dont look like a politician, great. When I made a mistake I couldnt blame anybody else. [92] He saved a penalty on his debut at Plainmoor, in a 20 win over Hull City and signed a contract lasting until the end of the 199899 campaign. My life Monday to Friday is me up at half-five. "Not necessarily in Cardiff. Just like Tupper, he left school with no formal qualifications and at the age of 16 ended up in a . Before he begins talking animatedly for two hours about sex workers, mental health, skeletons, transgender issues, Theresa May, the agony of Loris Karius, the hounding of Raheem Sterling, why Piers Morgan is a massive cock, how to annoy Vladimir Putin, the World Cup and his dream of uniting disenfranchised people, Southall is on the brink of cancelling this interview. Why would you go to a country where human rights are shit? That started because I was asked to talk at some function for funeral directors in Croydon. "You hear these nonsense new terms, like 'Playing through the lines', but the principles of the game have never changed. Id like to work myself up into a position where Im a first responder at a suicide hotline. Actor: Dream Team. Well, club chairmen were never really going to take to a straight talker like Big Nev, were they, even though his knowledge of football and people in general means he has so much to offer? Hard to describe. Appreciation of Southalls generosity and openness illuminate their messages. I cant think of one thing. Listen, you don't play the amount of times he did for Man Utd if you don't have a ruthless streak. Eleven years later, Southall was secure in his own character and so, rather than attend the party in London, he drove straight back to Merseyside. His personal thoughts are far from the usual ramblings and stereotypes perceived of retired footballers and celebrities and are guaranteed to get the readers mind going. That was brought up by some prick, Southall snorts. Game at end of week. He and the presenter laughed at me, but we came within 90 minutes of it. [72] It was also the second match of seven consecutive games Everton went without conceding a goal another club record. [35] The replay was held at Maine Road, and Liverpool won the tie 10 with a Graeme Souness goal. Talk to the youngsters. If there is 100billion swirling around, we should not be making people redundant, we should be helping those in need. [7] At age 14 he toured Germany with the Llandudno Swifts and was offered a chance to play for the youth team of Bundesliga outfit Fortuna Dsseldorf, but decided against the move to Germany. Its all about uniting people. No. But if I'm around and the boss asks for something to be done, I do it," he says. Mind Games by Neville Southall is published by Harper Collins. I started with the LGBT stuff because if the kids at school ask a question I wouldnt have a clue. He also made a handful of appearances for numerous other clubs. [94] Though he recovered from his injury after the match, he left the club not long afterwards. How unfair certain sections of society are, how bad it is for youngsters today. Hes an Arthur Daley, he says, before comparing him next to the cackling comedy actor who led the chaos of the Carry On films. Maybe hes been under instructions to boot it as far as he can. And could have beaten Portugal on any other given day, too. [36], Southall kept a clean sheet at Wembley in the 1984 FA Charity Shield, as Everton beat Liverpool 10 to take home the first silverware of the 198485 season. He talks about the help sex workers should be given, how youngsters can try to cope with pressures in society and the workplace. [64] They also reached the final of the Full Members Cup at Wembley, losing 41 to Crystal Palace, though Southall refused to collect his runners-up medal as he did not value the competition. I bet at the World Cup he gets called a hopeless wanker. They might have witnessed some of the worst things possible in the world, deserve better than just being sent back to that again. "Or Deano would play out on the right. Were the United fans shocked to be rescued by the man who had cost them the FA Cup? During his teenage years he worked as a binman, waiter and hod carrier. He had one game as manager of Wales, a 0-2 Anfield loss to Denmark, a spell in charge of the Welsh under-19s, when he helped discover Wayne Hennessey, and a few months as Dover boss before being sacked. Including the High Street, instead of seeing shops closing down. Ryan knows it works, hence his approach with Wales. 'Let's have a go at these and see what happens', rather than ''Let's go out and smash them'. [91], Former teammate Ian Snodin invited him to join Conference side Doncaster Rovers on a short-term deal at the start of the 199798 season. "[138], He is active on social media as a supporter of various charitable causes and LGBT rights,[144][145] and has handed over his Twitter account to people from marginalised groups and organisations that work to support them, in order to give them a platform to answer questions from the public, including members of the LGBT community, a drugs helpline, a suicide bereavement charity, and a sex workers' collective. Sunday rest day, switch off from everything. Football League clubs didn't come calling. SOLD FEB 14, 2023. Ive also blocked people from the Sun., What did Southall make of the furore last week over Raheem Sterling and calls for England to drop him because of a still-incomplete tattoo of a gun on his leg which the Manchester City forward chose to have done in memory of his father who was shot dead when he was two years old? "Back then I just said things as they were, never played those clever political games that I'm perhaps a little better at today," he tells Wales Online from the home just outside Llandeilo he shares with wife Emma and the 16-year-old they foster. [39] In the European Cup Winners' Cup, Everton beat UCD (Ireland), Inter Bratislava (Czechoslovakia), Fortuna Sittard (Netherlands), and Bayern Munich (Germany) in two-legged encounters, and Southall conceded just one goal (from Dieter Hoene) over the course of all eight matches. [97] The 1958 FIFA World Cup was the only time until the end of his career that Wales qualified for a major tournament and the British Home Championship was played for the final time in 1984, therefore the majority of Southall's caps came in friendlies or qualifying games. [127] He also began teaching young people from deprived backgrounds how to coach in a community scheme called Soccer Skills, and later worked in the special education sector. Join hundreds of Bluebirds and Swans fans in getting the breaking news, transfer gossip and big interviews sent to your inbox on a daily basis. The other day the Sun said they wouldnt name that bisexual footballer because they didnt think it was right. He's got that and it's helping him as manager of Wales.". [20] He received specialist goalkeeping coaching from Wilf McGuinness. Arsenal want to play us. Photograph: Mark Waugh/Guardian, Neville Southall: Ive got a bit of flak because I stick up for sex workers. [101] However, the result of the game was put into perspective when Scotland manager Jock Stein suffered a heart attack at the end of the game and died shortly afterwards. "But I fear we're slowly sleepwalking into a disaster. Lots of people think its a sin to be trans, he says. Southall remained bitter over this, blaming UEFA for the tragedy and stating that the ban was a convenient way to break up English dominance of European competitions. [103] Southall was injured, and so missed the match against Denmark in Copenhagen, which ended in a 10 defeat with Eddie Niedzwiecki in goal. And still are today for so many. "These things, the Miners' Strike was another, passed me by because I was concentrating in my football bubble, but I see programmes about the 1980s on TV these days and it really brings it home to me how unfair things were. We don't seem to have anyone in power who wants to say 'Enough is enough, let's actually deal with this'. [15] With Bangor in financial trouble the paid playing staff began to leave the club, and Southall left Bangor and went on to accept an offer of 3 a week to play for Conwy United. "Look after your people first, then plan everything else, including HS2, after that. Southall with Everton teammates including Peter Reid, Alan Harper and Andy Gray after Everton defeated Watford 2-0 in the 1984 FA Cup final. [119][120] He would spend hours reading books about boxing and golf to improve his balance and spring, and would focus on improving minor pieces of kit and behaviour, saying that "If I changed 100 things and got 1% better because of one of them, then it was worth it". [104] Southall returned to play the final game, a 20 defeat to Czechoslovakia in Prague which left Wales two points short of group winners Denmark. Photograph: Mark Waugh/Guardian The former Wales and. Before he begins talking animatedly for two hours about sex workers, mental health, skeletons, transgender issues, Theresa May, the agony of Loris Karius, Neville Southall: I like Twitter because it brings me into contact with people Id never meet. Pick them up in buses, try to bring business into the school, get funding in. Wales rugby international wins boxing title after being forced to quit game at just 25, He is sampling a different sport after being forced to finish rugby prematurely, Welsh region admit they don't have enough money to form a squad next season, Cardiff have limited funds left to contract a huge number of players to make a squad, Tonight's rugby news as Mike Brown tears apart 'worst Wales team I've seen' and accuses Alun Wyn, The latest rugby news stories from Wales and beyond, Wales international set to sign for English giants this week and throw Test career into doubt, Cardiff have been unable to offer him a competitive contract and he's expected to depart imminently, Former rivals say game has moved on from Gatland and he must evolve with Wales or fail, Pundits deliver scathing verdict on Wales' tactics and say rugby has changed since Gatland was last in charge, Inside the Welsh gym where you can lift actual cars and giant boulders. "Look at the environment. Ft. 2755 S Brandywood Cir, Mesa, AZ 85209. "I'd love him to smash it, go on and get 120 caps," says Southall. It was just: Where do you wanna go? Coronavirus infections are rocketing and we are lurching back towards a muddled lockdown. Ive done a lot of Open University courses this summer. I dont want to die but Ive worked out now that as long as youre comfortable within yourself, death is not really a fear, is it?, Southall has decided how he wants to spend the best years of his remaining life. Boris Johnson is a chancer. [110] Victories over the Faroe Islands and Belgium and two draws with the Representation of Czechs and Slovaks put Wales back on track, and a victory over Romania in Cardiff in the last game of the tournament would be enough to secure a place in the World Cup. The former Everton hero has dumped Eryl and 10-year-old Samantha to start a new life at the opposite end of the country. [41] Three days later Everton played in the 1985 FA Cup Final, but lost 10 to Manchester United after a Norman Whiteside goal in extra-time. We should all have loads of dreams and ambitions and live our lives to the full. Other international suicide helplines can be found at www.befrienders.org. [95] Leeds won 21, and Southall was criticised in the media for being too overweight to play professionally. They're on a knife-edge, fearful of losing their jobs. The Fiver: sign up and get our daily football email. "Looking back I probably put too much emphasis on me. Before that Sparky did a great job bringing in more professionalism. I know, I've driven it often enough. But you cant let two mistakes define your career. Neville Southall MBE (born 16 September 1958) is a Welsh former international footballer. There was a time when, during his long career at Everton from 1981-98, Southall was arguably the best goalkeeper in the world. [118] Southall's 92 Welsh caps were a national record until surpassed by Chris Gunter in November 2018. [82] Caretaker-manager Dave Watson restored Southall to the starting line-up after Royle's resignation, and steered the club away from relegation. So, for example, it'd be Barry Horne's job to stop Gareth Bale, make his presence felt after five seconds. Documentary telling the story of Welsh goalkeeper Neville Southalls unconventional rise to the top. Neville Southall: Ive got a bit of flak because I stick up for sex workers | Donald McRae, When Neville Southall's stunning save at Spurs pushed Everton to the title, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning, Neville Southall, who turns 62 on Wednesday, Neville Southall: 'You dont expect loose cannons to take over your own country', want Boris Johnson, Nigel Farage, Tommy Robinson, Donald Trump and the geezer from North Korea to be put on a boat that gets sent around the world for the next 25 years, Neville Southall says as he sinks back into his chair. "As manager, I could never have tolerated interference from above, either. [92] He signed with Wes Saunders's Torquay United of the Third Division in December 1998. If many people become parochial and dogmatic as they grow older then Southall is on a quest to open himself up and learn. [18] Bury paid Winsford 6,000 and would later pay another 25,000 after he was sold on. They were backed up by others who were top flight regulars with their clubs. "I'm loving helping out. [19] However, he never played for Connor as he was replaced by Jim Iley before the start of the 198081 season; despite this managerial change he was still seen as the future replacement to club stalwart John Forrest. [4][10] He aspired to be a postman, and never believed that he would make a living playing football. That was right in one way I suppose because I did okay as a player, but it was wrong in another. Where homophobia is horrendous. In the UK the The Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123. [47] However, he twisted his ankle ligaments on international duty with ten league games left to play. But I felt the same after making a mistake against Coventry or Leicester. That was it. All you have to do is click here and select the newsletter you want. However, Southall regained his place and had a memorable match playing against Coventry City on 25 October; Southall was "in inspired form" and kept a clean sheet. of 6. If I made a mistake, and it was my fault we lost, I wanted to kill somebody. He also has a humility that deepens his empathy. This should be a stress-free day back on Merseyside for the former Everton and Wales footballer, who was arguably the worlds best goalkeeper for a while in the 1980s, as he takes a break from his consuming job at a special needs school in Ebbw Vale. If you do the same with the mental health people and all the charities came together it would be powerful. It could be your mum, your daughter, your sister, your brother. [81] Royle dropped Southall from the team despite the show of support, though he rejected a transfer offer from Chelsea, who were prepared to double Southall's wages. In 1984, still being relatively new to the team, he felt compelled to attend the post-match celebrations despite feeling overcome by a wave of embarrassment after collecting his winners medal. Southall is also an extraordinary presence on Twitter. The leadership has been horrendously poor while people are dying. Neville Southall MBE is a Welsh former international footballer. "I'm not the best organised, would have needed a couple of great coaches next to me. Which I find a little strange because from what I've seen of the other Crystal Palace keepers he is better than them.". [95] He later became a player-coach at York City, Rhyl, Shrewsbury Town and Dagenham & Redbridge. [83], Howard Kendall returned again to manage Everton for the 199798 season and initially dropped Southall. [96], Wales manager Mike England preferred Dai Davies in goal as Southall began to play first team football at Everton, and Southall only got a run of games once Davies retired. "I want to see politicians having proper debate in the House of Commons about what's best for the country, not just having a go at one another, trying to score cheap points.". He is Sid James except thats disrespectful to Sid. But because you're in the bubble nothing else seems to matter. What gives him the right to say what can be on your body? Yeah, he exclaims. Its simple really.. Bar none. Before he allowed his Twitter page to become an occasional platform for sex workers, Southall admits his preconceptions. [40] They then beat Austrian club Rapid Wien 31 in the final at De Kuip to win the first European title in the club's history. [8] The Swifts were a poor side that were regularly beaten heavily, though the near constant barrage of shots he faced enabled Southall to improve on his shot-stopping skills. [27], Kendall described Southall as the best goalkeeper in the First Division "outside the big three" of Ray Clemence, Peter Shilton and Joe Corrigan. You dont expect loose cannons to take over your own country., Southall shifts from disquiet to ridicule. [69] Southall saw that his teammates were reluctant to take a penalty in the match and so took the ball himself before Graham Stuart plucked up the courage to take the ball from him and convert the penalty. Inspirational, illuminating or nostalgic - real-life sporting stories. [49], Sidelined through injury at the start of the 198687 season, he returned to the first team against Watford in October. [161][162][163][164] He was voted FWA Footballer of the Year in 1985, making him the last goalkeeper to be given the award. We think of them as statistics or problems but they can come from your family or friends. Our partnership with Neville sends a powerful message about what behaviour is acceptable., Neville has helped us raise the Drugsline profile, reaching hundreds of thousands of people and ultimately bringing out conversations around addictions which have helped us offer footsteps to recovery. He takes time with each person to try and help them find stability and hope. You either keep swimming or you drown. "But there is too much of an us and them, or a rich and poor divide. Hasnt Boris done well otherwise? What has he done well? I dont think they even knew who I was. I want to say: Look, this what we can do to help you.. [158] In 1998, he was named as one of the Football League 100 Legends. Its also really powerful that Neville is not LGB or T. Very few LGBT people have an issue with who they are, the issues are much more often a result of how others react to them. I think Id be quite good at it. On the broader matter of what he sees as social injustice he has become a fierce campaigner, frequently taking to Twitter to speak out against inequality. By using his profile he changes so many stereotypes and the stigma that go with mental health and addiction., One of Southalls trademark Twitter witticisms has centred on bizarre jokes about skeletons which mock the Tories austerity cuts. That happens because we cant see in somebodys brain, or soul, to understand how they feel. I feel even more uplifted when, in the following days, quotes pour in from some of those to whom he has offered a Twitter platform. [51] Comparing the two title wins (1985 and 1987), Southall said that the latter success was "more rewarding and satisfying" as it had proved to be "more of a struggle" compared to the ease in which the title was won in the former campaign.

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