Legends, icons even the controversial, it's been a great year for Tribalfootball.com and our team's interview work. With 2020 now upon us, we thought we'd get our writers to review their favourite interview subjects for 2019...
Andrew Maclean, our content manager, has enjoyed an incredible 12 months, chatting with some of the game's greats. From John Toshack and Trevor Francis, to catching up with former Chelsea defender Michael Mancienne in Boston, Andrew's work has spanned the globe. And it's in that spirit he nominates former Tottenham and Brighton fullback Gary Stevens as his favourite sit-down for the year.
Stevens is now coaching in Thailand and Andrew says: "It's not often you talk to a former footballer using his expertise to help underprivileged kids in Thailand learn the game.
"Gary is a UEFA Cup winner, FA Cup final goalscorer, but more importantly, a humble and down-to-earth bloke!"
As mentioned, we also sent Andrew to the 'States to cover the MLS playoffs and during his stay he was also able to catch up with Brett Johnson, the co-owner (along with Didier Drogba) of USL franchise Phoenix Rising.
He adds: "Brett Johnson was my first interview with the owner of a football club and it wasn't what I expected. Brett was friendly and spoke passionately about Phoenix Rising and football in the United States."
Chris Sermeno spoke with former Liverpool, Leicester City and Aston Villa striker Emile Heskey last year. And he also produced a great discussion with Aussie youngster Ben Hirsch about his time in Spain with Getafe.
But Chris' favourite for the year was Geordies hero Steven Taylor. The former Newcastle United defender moving to New Zealand to join Wellington Phoenix in the local A-League last season.
Says Chris: "Not only was he open to talking about a lot on his career, but he still displays the fierce mentality and drive that he had from his time at Newcastle to this very day.
"His Geordie blood still runs in his veins and proudly so. It's not hard to see why he was once captain of the Premier League side."
A recent addition to Tribalfootball.com is William Dodds - who has really hit the ground running. William has already produced some great highlights, speaking with Lille pair Renato Sanches and Jeremy Pied, along with former Manchester United and England fullback Paul Parker.
But the one that stands out for him is his most recent - a lengthy interview with Steven Cleeve, the chairman of famous non-league outfit Kings Lyn Town.
He explained, "I learned quite a lot about how a lower league club is run and thought the insight about young players, contracts and kind of managing rapid promotions was something I was unaware of.
"Paul Parker was also good value for a quote."
Agents, scouts and some iconic coaches, Matteo Vitale has brought us some great interviews this past year. Francesco Guidolin, Pasquale Sensibile and mover-and-shaker Nicola Giuliani were just some of the Italian identities happy to chat with our Rome-based reporter.
But for Matteo, the favourite was Marco Rossi, who still has Hungary on the brink of qualifying for next summer's Euros.
Matteo explains: "My favourite interview was the one with Marco Rossi, a great man and a great coach who hasn't had actual chances in Serie A, but who managed to prove himself abroad. He is the symbol of hard work, of rewarded commitment.
"I see his career as a metaphor for real and everyday life. It's not always what you deserve, often it doesn't even depend on you, but when you have an opportunity it's up to you to take advantage of it - and this is exactly what he did with Honved.
"Rossi did it in Hungary, he won an unexpected and historic title, becoming an idol.
"Even if things go wrong, there is always a chance to improve and change things. This is what the interview with Marco Rossi taught me."
Well said Matteo! And a fitting way to close out 2019.
And with 2020 upon us, it's now about the guys taking things to the next level - all for you - and it's something we're all determined to do. Watch out for more big names and greater insight from the Tribalfootball.com team in the coming year.
