9th April 2021
Interview conducted by Adam Holt
I have recently caught up with ex-Leeds United, Leyton Orient, Northampton Town and Oxford United player Tom Newey in order to discuss his career in the game, including how difficult it really is to make it as a professional footballer, as well as moments in his career amongst other topics.
Clubs: Leeds United (2002 - 2003), Cambridge United (loan, 2003; 2005), Darlington (loan, 2003), Leyton Orient (2003 - 2005), Grimsby (2005 - 2009), Rochdale (loan, 2009), Bury FC (2009 - 2010), Rotherham United (2010 - 2012), Scunthorpe United (2012 - 2013), Oxford United (2013 - 2015) & Northampton Town (loan, 2014 - 2015; 2015 - 2017).
Check out the Q&A below!
Was there someone in particular who inspired you become a footballer?
“I come from a very sports orientated family where both my elder brothers played growing up and my Grandad used to play professionally back in the 60s also. It was always something I was passionate about and wanted to achieve.”
What would you say is the highlight of your playing career?
“The highlight has to be captaining Grimsby Town at Wembley in front of 60 thousand fans. It is something every kid who loves football dreams of achieving growing up. The other would be playing against Alan Shearer who was one of my heroes as a youngster.”
How much of a low point was being released by Leeds United as a player?
“It wasn’t that difficult to be honest. The club were in the top 4 of the Premiership, semi-final of Champions League etc and had top level talent throughout the squad such as Rio Ferdinand, Harry Kewell, Mark Viduka etc and I knew it was a step or two too far for me. I was aware that my time at Leeds was coming to an end as I had been out on loan for a few months before my contract was about to expire and was at an age where I needed to be playing. I had been at the club since the age of 10, being fortunate enough to be coached by legends of the game such as Brian Kidd, Eddie Gray, Roy Aitken, Pop Robson and Arthur Graham who gave me the foundations to go on and have a professional career. Absolutely loved my time there, made memories and friends for life.”
Just how difficult is it to make it as a professional footballer?
“To make it as a professional is incredibly difficult as there are so many factors involved along the journey. Statistics tell you that less than 1% of all players that enter an academy actually make it as a pro which is an alarming stat. For me there are lots of players with similar technical, tactical and physical attributes but what separates them is their psychological capabilities. A career in football is so mentally challenging and the ability to recover from adversity for me is a key determinant between those who make it and those who don’t.”
Who was your favourite manager to play under throughout your career and why?
“I’ve being fortunate to play under some good managers as well as be coached by the names I’ve already mentioned, however, I would say the best manager I’ve played under was Chris Wilder at Oxford. I thought his man management skills were excellent, he kept the game simple and had a real passion to win. As a player, you wanted to run through brick walls for him, proper football man. Loved my time under him at Oxford and delighted to see the success he is having now.”
Given that you played for Bury in the 2009-10 campaign, how heart-breaking was it for you to see their demise?
“Yes, it’s very sad to see the demise of Bury these last few years. Whilst only spending a year there, I really enjoyed my time there, playing under Alan Knill in what was a very good side at the time. Hopefully given time they can bounce back to where they belong.
- Biggest challenge I faced in my career is without a doubt the career ending injury I picked up at Northampton. I worked so hard over a 12-month period to try and recover and even after 2 operations on my ankle the injury defeated me. It was gutting at the time as I felt I still had 4/5 years left in me. Just wasn’t to be unfortunately.”
What would you say was the biggest challenge of your football career?
“Biggest challenge I faced in my career is without a doubt the career ending injury I picked up at Northampton. I worked so hard over a 12-month period to try and recover and even after 2 operations on my ankle the injury defeated me. It was gutting at the time as I felt I still had 4/5 years left in me. Just wasn’t to be unfortunately.”
Finally, what is your view on VAR’s implementation in the Premier League?
“It’s a tricky one is VAR for me. I feel the system is beneficial if used correctly, however, for that to happen, the governing bodies needs to amend some laws of the game in my opinion.”
I hope you enjoyed this Q&A, keep an eye out for more coming soon!
Clubs: Leeds United (2002 - 2003), Cambridge United (loan, 2003; 2005), Darlington (loan, 2003), Leyton Orient (2003 - 2005), Grimsby (2005 - 2009), Rochdale (loan, 2009), Bury FC (2009 - 2010), Rotherham United (2010 - 2012), Scunthorpe United (2012 - 2013), Oxford United (2013 - 2015) & Northampton Town (loan, 2014 - 2015; 2015 - 2017).
Check out the Q&A below!
Was there someone in particular who inspired you become a footballer?
“I come from a very sports orientated family where both my elder brothers played growing up and my Grandad used to play professionally back in the 60s also. It was always something I was passionate about and wanted to achieve.”
What would you say is the highlight of your playing career?
“The highlight has to be captaining Grimsby Town at Wembley in front of 60 thousand fans. It is something every kid who loves football dreams of achieving growing up. The other would be playing against Alan Shearer who was one of my heroes as a youngster.”
How much of a low point was being released by Leeds United as a player?
“It wasn’t that difficult to be honest. The club were in the top 4 of the Premiership, semi-final of Champions League etc and had top level talent throughout the squad such as Rio Ferdinand, Harry Kewell, Mark Viduka etc and I knew it was a step or two too far for me. I was aware that my time at Leeds was coming to an end as I had been out on loan for a few months before my contract was about to expire and was at an age where I needed to be playing. I had been at the club since the age of 10, being fortunate enough to be coached by legends of the game such as Brian Kidd, Eddie Gray, Roy Aitken, Pop Robson and Arthur Graham who gave me the foundations to go on and have a professional career. Absolutely loved my time there, made memories and friends for life.”
Just how difficult is it to make it as a professional footballer?
“To make it as a professional is incredibly difficult as there are so many factors involved along the journey. Statistics tell you that less than 1% of all players that enter an academy actually make it as a pro which is an alarming stat. For me there are lots of players with similar technical, tactical and physical attributes but what separates them is their psychological capabilities. A career in football is so mentally challenging and the ability to recover from adversity for me is a key determinant between those who make it and those who don’t.”
Who was your favourite manager to play under throughout your career and why?
“I’ve being fortunate to play under some good managers as well as be coached by the names I’ve already mentioned, however, I would say the best manager I’ve played under was Chris Wilder at Oxford. I thought his man management skills were excellent, he kept the game simple and had a real passion to win. As a player, you wanted to run through brick walls for him, proper football man. Loved my time under him at Oxford and delighted to see the success he is having now.”
Given that you played for Bury in the 2009-10 campaign, how heart-breaking was it for you to see their demise?
“Yes, it’s very sad to see the demise of Bury these last few years. Whilst only spending a year there, I really enjoyed my time there, playing under Alan Knill in what was a very good side at the time. Hopefully given time they can bounce back to where they belong.
- Biggest challenge I faced in my career is without a doubt the career ending injury I picked up at Northampton. I worked so hard over a 12-month period to try and recover and even after 2 operations on my ankle the injury defeated me. It was gutting at the time as I felt I still had 4/5 years left in me. Just wasn’t to be unfortunately.”
What would you say was the biggest challenge of your football career?
“Biggest challenge I faced in my career is without a doubt the career ending injury I picked up at Northampton. I worked so hard over a 12-month period to try and recover and even after 2 operations on my ankle the injury defeated me. It was gutting at the time as I felt I still had 4/5 years left in me. Just wasn’t to be unfortunately.”
Finally, what is your view on VAR’s implementation in the Premier League?
“It’s a tricky one is VAR for me. I feel the system is beneficial if used correctly, however, for that to happen, the governing bodies needs to amend some laws of the game in my opinion.”
I hope you enjoyed this Q&A, keep an eye out for more coming soon!