How would you describe your style of play?
I suppose i’m an all action type player. I am versatile and can play in a number of positions. I love creating space for myself and others. Of course scoring goals never gets boring. I would like to think i’m a very dependable player.
When did you know soccer was what you wanted to pursue? Did you always want to be a professional footballer?
From a very early age all I can remember is soccer. My uncle was a professional soccer player, so you could say it’s on my genes. I used to go and watch him play with my Mam and Dad. As I got older, all I could see and wanted was to become a pro soccer player.
What made a move to Chattanooga the right one for you at this point of your career?
It is well known that I always had an ambition to come back and play in the USA. I wanted to win the league and cup in Ireland, as well as play in the Europa League and Champions League. The Champions League was last on the list, and I achieved it this year. I got a phone call from Chattanooga and was sold straight away. The vision of the club and the direction where we want to head, fits perfectly with me. I hope I can be a major factor in bringing championships to Chattanooga. The area itself fascinates me. It’s beautiful, and I can’t wait to call Chattanooga home.
With 2019 being USL League One’s debut season, what are you most excited about? What are your expectations for the 2019 season?
I’m most excited about starting from scratch with a brand new franchise. It will be historic being on the first playing roster for the Red Wolves. I told Coach Hankinson that I’m a winner, and that’s what I’m coming to Chattanooga to do. I want to win USL League One in the first year. I can tell by the players we have signed already that it’s going to be an exciting first season.
You’re arriving from Cork City FC, where you’ve spent the past three seasons. What did your time with Cork mean to you?
It meant the world to me. I fell in love with the city straight away, and it was a very hard decision to leave. I’ve had my most successful time in football to date in Cork, and for that i’m forever grateful. I was a part of a team that brought glory back to the City, so I hope I can do the same here in Chattanooga.
It’s evident you have loyal fans in Cork—how’d a guy from Dublin win them over?
Haha it was tough. No seriously I think its the fact that I wear my heart on my sleeve and that’s the way I play. I’ll never shy away from a challenge or a big game. The fans are passionate in Cork, and if they see a player playing with the same passion they accept you. I just got what it meant to be a Cork City player—it’s hard to describe. Cork is a community driven club, and the community was exceptional with me. I suppose you could say I’m a full-blooded Cork man with a Dublin accent.
You’ve played in both UEFA Europa Leagueâ and UEFA Champions League matches—how would you describe those experiences?
Amazing!! It’s every kid’s dream to play in the Champions League. We played against Legia Warsaw. Polish fans are crazy. Walking out to such an intimidating atmosphere was an experience I’ll never forget. In the Europa League I’ve been lucky to play in over 14 games. Playing against teams from Belgium, Sweden, Estonia, Norway and Cyprus are all experiences that will benefit me as I go forward. I hope to use these experiences to help the younger guys on the team become better players.
You have a lot of big wins under your belt. Which one has meant the most?
Two stick out the most. My first trophy in Ireland was the FAI Cup with Cork City against Dundalk. I put a long throw into the box, and we scored with the last kick of extra time. There were over 30,000 at the game and to see the ball trickle into the corner was amazing. The second was when the final whistle went when we won the League with Cork against Derry. We only needed a point, so a 0-0 draw was fine. The pitch invasion after, as well as seeing grown men in tears, was a sight to behold.
How are you prepping for your time here?
I took two weeks off after our season here in Ireland finished. I’ve started a pre pre season, and I’m also going to be training with Cork City to stay sharp for when I arrive to Chattanooga. I want to be in peak physical condition for pre season in the states.
Is there an iconic player that you’ve looked up to throughout your career?
As a kid it was my uncle. He was my hero. Roy Keane was one that stayed with me. The way he played the game really stuck out to me. A true no nonsense player. I am now following the career closely of an old Cork teammate Seanie Maguire at Preston. He is going to go all the way to the next big thing for the Irish national team.
Go-to pregame song?
Streets of New York (Irish band called the Wolf tones).
Favorite historic soccer moment?
1999 Man United 1-0 down to Bayern Munich. Scored two in extra time to win the Champions League. I’ll never forget watching that game.
Steven is joining Chattanooga Red Wolves SC for the club’s 2019 Inaugural Season. Keep up with Steven on Twitter and Instagram.
