3rd April 2021
Interview conducted by Adam Holt
I have recently caught up with Hereford FC Goalkeeper Paul White, for an insight into his career so far, what highlights he has in his career to this point. I also quizzed him on his and his club's ambitions for the new season, as well as the players he looked up to in the formative years of his career.
Previous clubs: Cork City, North Leigh, Gloucester City, Frome Town, Forest Green Rovers and Boreham Wood, Kettering Town.
Check out the Q&A below!
Who did you support growing up, and did you have a footballing idol? If so, why?
"Growing up I’ve always been a passionate Leeds United fan. My dad and uncle were both Leeds fans, so I inherited it through there. My footballing idol growing up was Shay Given & Paul Robinson (who I luckily played against in a pre-season friendly aged 17)! Both keepers were in top form when I was growing up and my dream was to play for Leeds & Ireland!"
What would you say is the highlight of your playing career so far?
"Highlight of my career so far would be making my 1st team debut for Forest Green against Wrexham on the final day of the 13/14 season which was a crazy experience and also winning the Southern Premier with Kettering Town a couple of seasons ago in front of my family. Another proud day but also that squad was full of brilliant characters one of the best changing rooms I’ve been in."
Who has been your favourite manager to play for throughout your career so far and why?
"Would probably have to say my current gaffer at Hereford, Josh Gowling. We have an open and honest relationship with no sugar coating anything which I love, you always know where you stand and can speak about anything. The environment that we have created at the club is based around hard work and meticulous preparation which I enjoy. The style of football that we want to play, and the core values of the team are in line with how I see the game."
What persuaded you to sign for Hereford in the first place?
"I had a chance to go on loan to Hereford many years ago from Forest Green when Hereford were making their way back up the leagues which I turned down and I regretted it. When given the chance again I didn’t want to make that mistake again. The club doesn’t need selling, brilliant stadium, ambitious, huge fan base and rich in history. It was a no brainer as reverting to morning training makes a huge difference to me as I can run my businesses away from football."
How much did you enjoy your time with Cork City?
"I loved my time at Cork City, it was the first time I lived away from home on my own so had to learn how to look after myself. Had a very successful youth team winning league and cup double but also many good experiences training with the first team with players like Colin Healy and also playing in pre-season friendlies."
Why did you choose Forest Green as your first club in England?
"I was on trial at Brentford for close to 6 months on and off flying over and back which looked like it was going to lead to something however when I went for pre-season, I didn’t cover myself in glory and wasn’t offered a deal. I returned to Ireland and thought the dream was over until I got a random LinkedIn message from then Forest Green Goalkeeper coach Kevin Phillips. He Messaged on Friday, phoned me on Saturday and I flew over on Sunday and didn’t come back which is crazy looking back now."
What would you say was the biggest challenge of your football career to date?
"Every footballer has major challenges throughout their whole career. The path to success is never straight forward. I experienced a tough off season and pre-season as a free agent when I left Boreham Wood. I couldn’t find a club and I was living in my good friend James Norwood’s house travelling the length of the country (20k miles in 3 months) on trial at different clubs. I was on non-contract at Accrington as goalkeeper cover in League Two at the time and I finally signed for Kettering which was a relief as financially it was getting tough to sustain myself as an unemployed footballer. I contemplated moving home!"
"The current situation being out of the team is a major challenge for me mentally as it’s something I’ve not been used to. It does affect me a lot as I love playing football however I’ve used the situation to motivate myself, re-evaluate my game and work as hard as I can to improve as a goalkeeper and human being whilst being a good professional around the lads."
Just how good was the feeling of reaching Wembley to play in the FA Trophy final with Hereford?
"Amazing feeling. It’s every footballers dream to get to Wembley and players with far greater careers then me will have never been able to get there so I feel incredibly lucky! Obviously, it’s frustrating as I want to be out on the pitch, but the lads were amazing and I’m buzzing for the fans to get this bit of happiness in what has been a tough year for everyone worldwide."
Finally, what are your ambitions for the new season with Hereford?
"Our squad motto is “This Year Only” so at the moment all focus is towards the final in May. I’m out of contract in the summer so once things settle down, we will sit down with the gaffer, have a chat about my personal situation and then plan for next season."
I hope that you enjoyed this Q&A, keep an eye out for more coming very soon!
Previous clubs: Cork City, North Leigh, Gloucester City, Frome Town, Forest Green Rovers and Boreham Wood, Kettering Town.
Check out the Q&A below!
Who did you support growing up, and did you have a footballing idol? If so, why?
"Growing up I’ve always been a passionate Leeds United fan. My dad and uncle were both Leeds fans, so I inherited it through there. My footballing idol growing up was Shay Given & Paul Robinson (who I luckily played against in a pre-season friendly aged 17)! Both keepers were in top form when I was growing up and my dream was to play for Leeds & Ireland!"
What would you say is the highlight of your playing career so far?
"Highlight of my career so far would be making my 1st team debut for Forest Green against Wrexham on the final day of the 13/14 season which was a crazy experience and also winning the Southern Premier with Kettering Town a couple of seasons ago in front of my family. Another proud day but also that squad was full of brilliant characters one of the best changing rooms I’ve been in."
Who has been your favourite manager to play for throughout your career so far and why?
"Would probably have to say my current gaffer at Hereford, Josh Gowling. We have an open and honest relationship with no sugar coating anything which I love, you always know where you stand and can speak about anything. The environment that we have created at the club is based around hard work and meticulous preparation which I enjoy. The style of football that we want to play, and the core values of the team are in line with how I see the game."
What persuaded you to sign for Hereford in the first place?
"I had a chance to go on loan to Hereford many years ago from Forest Green when Hereford were making their way back up the leagues which I turned down and I regretted it. When given the chance again I didn’t want to make that mistake again. The club doesn’t need selling, brilliant stadium, ambitious, huge fan base and rich in history. It was a no brainer as reverting to morning training makes a huge difference to me as I can run my businesses away from football."
How much did you enjoy your time with Cork City?
"I loved my time at Cork City, it was the first time I lived away from home on my own so had to learn how to look after myself. Had a very successful youth team winning league and cup double but also many good experiences training with the first team with players like Colin Healy and also playing in pre-season friendlies."
Why did you choose Forest Green as your first club in England?
"I was on trial at Brentford for close to 6 months on and off flying over and back which looked like it was going to lead to something however when I went for pre-season, I didn’t cover myself in glory and wasn’t offered a deal. I returned to Ireland and thought the dream was over until I got a random LinkedIn message from then Forest Green Goalkeeper coach Kevin Phillips. He Messaged on Friday, phoned me on Saturday and I flew over on Sunday and didn’t come back which is crazy looking back now."
What would you say was the biggest challenge of your football career to date?
"Every footballer has major challenges throughout their whole career. The path to success is never straight forward. I experienced a tough off season and pre-season as a free agent when I left Boreham Wood. I couldn’t find a club and I was living in my good friend James Norwood’s house travelling the length of the country (20k miles in 3 months) on trial at different clubs. I was on non-contract at Accrington as goalkeeper cover in League Two at the time and I finally signed for Kettering which was a relief as financially it was getting tough to sustain myself as an unemployed footballer. I contemplated moving home!"
"The current situation being out of the team is a major challenge for me mentally as it’s something I’ve not been used to. It does affect me a lot as I love playing football however I’ve used the situation to motivate myself, re-evaluate my game and work as hard as I can to improve as a goalkeeper and human being whilst being a good professional around the lads."
Just how good was the feeling of reaching Wembley to play in the FA Trophy final with Hereford?
"Amazing feeling. It’s every footballers dream to get to Wembley and players with far greater careers then me will have never been able to get there so I feel incredibly lucky! Obviously, it’s frustrating as I want to be out on the pitch, but the lads were amazing and I’m buzzing for the fans to get this bit of happiness in what has been a tough year for everyone worldwide."
Finally, what are your ambitions for the new season with Hereford?
"Our squad motto is “This Year Only” so at the moment all focus is towards the final in May. I’m out of contract in the summer so once things settle down, we will sit down with the gaffer, have a chat about my personal situation and then plan for next season."
I hope that you enjoyed this Q&A, keep an eye out for more coming very soon!