Did you hear the new klaxon this morning – I think they’ve turned the bass up – it vibrated the China Dogs on my mantelpiece!
Where were we – oh yes, new player incoming – we are delighted to announce the signing of Joe Stacey who joins us from Alfreton. Joe started with The Millers & has experience with Sheffield FC at U21 & first team level & also enjoyed a good few years playing & studying in America.
I spoke to Joe earlier this week – here’s what he had to say:
Webmaster: tell us a bit about yourself. What position you play, what type of player are you & who have you played for previously-
Joe Stacey: I’m an attacking minded wing back/winger. Very passionate on the pitch, I hate losing. Love to get forward and deliver crosses into the box. Started off when I was young playing at Rotherham United up until I was 15, got released and thought that was the end of it. Got myself playing mens football at 16 which toughened me up and went on to play with Sheffield FC U21’s. Once I turned 18 I decided to pursue a scholarship in America, 4 years in Virginia @ Bluefield College & summer of 2019 in Chattanooga playing USL2 before returning home in 2019 where I had a short stint with Sheffield FC. Joined Alfreton Town last season and now here at Frickley.
WM: what about your life outside football – work / family life / other interests etc
JS: away from the pitch I’m still involved with all things football, I enjoy watching the big games and tournaments, I like to follow along with Newcastle also. For work, I am currently working for Sports Recruiting USA, we are an agency who help the next generation of players achieve scholarship offers over in America. As well as a few hours a week bartending at a local bar. I enjoy going to the gym and probably spend too much time playing Call of Duty.
WM: you’re another player who had a scholarship in America (so has Jake Askew, our keeper). How did that come about & what did you learn from it
JS: my older brother went to Uni here in England and I just didn’t really like the sound of it. I’d heard about the possibility of going to America on a scholarship from a close friend and it sounded like the perfect option for me. I thought that if football wasn’t going to work out I could always have a degree to fall back on. Fortunately I had a good 4 years over there, reaching national tournaments with my College and earning multiple personal awards. Away from the football it was the best experience I’ve had. Being away from home made me do some growing up and become more independent. It’s definitely something I can say I don’t regret doing
WM: what did you miss most and least about UK football when you were playing in the US?
JS: I’d say I missed the physicality of the English game when I was over there. I’d be constantly pulled up about some of the challenges I was putting in when they’d not even be questioned over here. Besides that it has to be the banter. The Americans just didn’t get it half the time. I’d say I missed the cold weather the least, It was usually pretty hot and humid over there so it was always nice not having to worry if a game was going to be called off.
WM: how did the phone call go with the Gaffer when he got in contact about joining us
JS: I’d gotten in touch with the skip, Danny Burns, as we used to play at Rotherham together. And he mentioned how Frickley had got great potential this season and a top set of lads. When the gaffer called me after having a few training sessions I was delighted to sign, I’ve enjoyed the short time I’ve had here already with the team and I really think it’s the start of a great season for both myself and the lads.
WM: who was your footballing hero growing up & why?
JS: Alan Shearer funnily enough. Not quite expected from a left back but Shearer was the reason I started following Newcastle. That classic celebration and just the fact he’s one of the best English strikers to ever do it.
WM: what are your hopes for yourself & the club this season?
JS: Personally, I just want to play. I spent a lot of time watching games last season and it made me realise I just want to be on the pitch playing. I feel like I can learn a lot from some of the guys we’ve got this season too, so definitely looking for some personal development along the way.
As a team I really hope we can get promotion. As cliched as it may sound. I think we’ve got the talent to do so.
WM: what are your personal ambitions – where do you want to be in 5 – 10 years time
JS: Ideally retired & living in the Bahamas after winning the lottery!!
I’d like to be playing a decent level of football still and enjoying the game alongside being happy with where I’m working without having to dread the week ahead.
WM: final one, is it coming home???
JS: Most definitely!
Welcome aboard Joe Stacey
