Over the last 2 weekends I have followed the progress of Shane Huke, ex PSA player now with Peterborough United. I watched the 17 year old play for the POSH U/19's against Brentford on Saturday 5th April, then traveled to my old club Swindon Town last Saturday. I caught up with Shane after the game to find out how he is settling in. Here's what he had to say.
SHANE HUKE
Q. Which club were you playing for prior to touring with PSA in September.
SH. Rochedale Rovers, Brisbane, Australia.
Q. You initially had a problem receiving your clearance from Soccer Australia, has this all been sorted out?
SH. Yeah! I'm not sure what happened their, whatever it was I'm glad it's sorted, Posh have been really patient, I don't want too be messing them about.
Q. Your mum came over from Australia last year for a visit but she has since gone back. Has it been difficult being away from home & family?
SH. Not really! I'm fortunate that I have family here in the UK plus I am going home to Aussie for a few weeks at the end of the season, so it's not been too bad.
Q. Which team have you been turning out for?
SH. I play for the U/19's regularly but I have made a couple of Reserve team appearances.
Q. How many exactly?
SH. Including the Arsenal match, four.
Q. What position are you playing?
SH. For the 19's I play a couple of positions, center midfield and Right back. In the reserves midfield.
Q. How often do you train?
SH. 4 times a week, sometimes 5.
Q. What if any, has been the highlight for you since joining POSH?
SH. Playing for the reserves against Norwich City was a highlight up until Tuesday, then we played Arsenal, Brilliant!
Q. Excluding yourself....who is the most talented player in your team?
SH. mmmm! That's a tough one. We have 4 youth International's in the side so I will have to say we have too many to choose from.
Q. How different is the game in the UK compared to what you were playing back in Aussie?
SH. The game is much quicker & a lot more physical, I'm really enjoying it!
Q. So I assume you would prefer to be here?
SH. Yeah! definitely.
Q. The POSH have produced many quality players in the past, the coaching staff are obviously doing something right, Has there been anyone in particular that has been influential on your progression so far?
SH. Everyone has been great but I'd have to say "Gaffa" (John Morling) so far.
Q. Does Barry Fry have much input at your games or in training?
SH. He doesn't have much to do with the 19's other than watch us play, Gaffa does all that, but with the reserves he picks the team & decides who is subbed & makes the changes.
Q. What area of your game do you feel you have improved on?
SH. I was trying to do too much at first but I have settled down now, I don't do everything at 100mph I try to be more productive.
Q. What is the best day of the week in the life of a scholar?
SH. Because it took so long for me to get my clearance I actually don't start my scholarship until the new season so at the moment its all football really, if I have to choose any one thing in particular Its probably going to the gym.
Q. What are your Digs like?
SH. There fine, I live with 5 team mates, it was a bit difficult at first being the new boy & being in a strange environment, but I'm settled now.
Q. The friendly between England & Australia received a lot of criticism here for being a total waste of time from an English point of view. Did you get to see the game? and what did you think of it?
SH. We got to see the match down at Upton Park and enjoyed the night out but I agree from an English point of view it was probably of no relevance. The first half was embarrassing. It was a big occasion for the Australians & they deserved to win but I think it was also just as big for the young English players who played really well in the second half.
Q. For the benefit of the Aussie players back home, Can you explain what exactly is a scholarship & what does a scholar do?
SH. Basically we are training to be professional footballers, We go to college in the mornings, we have a choice of subjects we can do, at this point I don't know what subject I'm going to do, I imagine it will be sports related though. We have to continue on with our education just in case we don't make it as a pro & this gives us something to fall back on.
Q. Your the 3rd successful player from PSA to sign with a pro club in just 3 years. Do you have any advice for the players back in Aussie wishing to play Professional football?
SH. Just Keep going really!
Q. Your supposed to say "Join PSA
"
SH. Oh yeah! Join PSA.... but don't let Muzza play his music on the bus when you travel.
Q. Finally....local talent. Any one girl in particular or is their truth in the rumor you have a girlfriend for every day of the week?
SH. This is only a rumor at the moment, but It will be a fact as soon as "Bugsy" stop's trying to pull the birds for me.
Thank's to Gaffa, Ginge, Shane & Craig from "POSH Youth" for arranging the tickets for the Swindon game.
Jeff Haydon.