Interview with footballer, Phil Jagielka (2005)

Sheffield United Midfielder Phil Jagielka has had a fantastic season at Bramall Lane. Last April I went to the Sheffield United academy to interview him during his lunch. I asked him about his career and his interests.....

How did you first come to United
I was playing for Everton at the time when I got told I was getting released, and thankfully Sheffield United came and gave me a trial

What had been your best result for United?
Probably the most memorable game was the Leeds match a few years ago obviously when I scored, that was obviously a great occasion but there’s been so many semi finals against Liverpool, Arsenal and obviously the playoff final, but all for different reasons.

Every body remembers your goal against Leeds, and what did you think about that game?
It was obviously one of my favourite moments, it was a great game and to score a goal like I did made it a little bit more extra special.

And how did the last Leeds game reflect on you?
Yeah fantastic, the first time I’ve played at Helen Road, so it’s sort of a place as a young lad you want to go. And to win 4 – 0 it is beyond your wildest dreams, the fans were fantastic and we had a great day out as well.

If you could swap your shirt with any United player in history who would it be?
I’d have to probably go with Tony Currie, because obviously he’s a legend, still working round about now, so yeah lots of respect for Tony Currie.

What’s been your highlight for this season?
I’ve just been awarded supporters player of the year.

And if you weren’t a footballer what would you like as a career?
I would like to be a golfer! But that’s about as realistic as me being a netball player, so I wouldn’t obviously not know what I’d do if I wasn’t a footballer.

And what would be your ideal night out?
Just a night out with the boys, obviously I’ve grown up with Tongue, my main man, and sort of Kabb’s over the last few years, so just an early start to the day and off we go to the pub.

What do you see as your future at Bramall lane?
I don’t know it obviously depends on how this season finishes of, and hopefully if it doesn’t work out this season we’ve got next season to get into the playoffs and hopefully get them into the premiership.

After the interview I thought he was very friendly and I was really pleased to meet him. Thanks Phil.