An Interview With David Poppleton

During the off season, Armthopre Welfare have had some major rebuilding to do. With a new manager at the helm a new assistant had to be found. Manager Brian Johnston had a search on his hands. He had only one man in his sights, former Everton and England Schoolboy midfielder, David Poppleton.

David started his career at Everton as a schoolboy, impressing every coach along the way. Representing England at under 17’s level, playing alongside the likes of Steven Gerrard, Wes Brown and one of England’s greatest goalscorers Michael Owen. But David has said these aren’t the greatest players he’s come across in his career. “The best players I’ve ever come across are Pablo Aimar, Esteban Cambiasso and Riquelme, which were the three across the midfield that beat England in 2006 World Cup in Germany.”

After time out from the game, David felt it was time to give something back, when the call from Brian came David took the chance with both hands. We wanted to know what David is going to gain from his new role at Welfare. “Experience at coaching, I’m currently embarking on my UEFA B course and mainly improving this side we have here at Welfare, we have some great lads here and I can’t wait to get started.”

David is a very enthusiastic man who wants the best for Welfare after the troubles of last season. Dave is a highly qualified man, and his new role is a major stepping stone in his coaching career. I asked David if he was looking forward to working with Brian and his current squad of players. “Yeah of course, the lads have really responded well to the sessions we have conducted, because I don’t think they had any proper sessions in the past. I can’t wait to see how they react over the season and mould together.”

From David’s past experience with all the different coaches he’s played under, we wanted to know what skills he picked up from them, and what qualities he has to bring to Welfare. “I’m not a person that dwells on the negatives and I focus on the positives. I have experience from playing at a high level and I have taken a lot on board from the different coaches I have played under and I want to pass that on to the lads we here at Welfare.”

This season is a big one for Welfare. After the horrors of last year a major rebuild has happened at Church Street, new, fresh faces have been introduced into the side with some experienced old guard kept on. We wanted to know what David’s plans were for this coming season. “Its difficult for me because I haven’t been around this level for 10 or 12 years so I’m still learning, but from what I’ve heard about last year and the sides in and around us then I think top eight would be brilliant.” Manager Brian Johnston still believes that Dave can cut at this level; we popped this question to him. “Possibly 15 minutes, but who knows.” As he laughs.

As we all know, last season was horrific for everyone at Church Street. But what I’ve seen and what the management has told me, this season is going to be a great one. We’ve heard what the manager wants from this season, but what about David? “If we’re organized and well drilled then I can’t see why we can’t be mid table if not even higher.”

The season is only 3 weeks away, the team is coming together nicely and it could be a special season for Welfare. So get down to Church Street and support a strong Welfare side that has a point to prove.