As his reign at the top of the Stingrays finishes, your editor took a bit of time to share some thoughts with departing coach Brett Wallin
So you are how old (you don’t have to answer he he) and how long have you been playing football?
I’m 39 and I played from 6 till 19 before injury ended my serious football life. I mucked around in park football after that for a few years.
Who influenced you in your early career, family, friends, players etc?
All of the above, I never really had a mentor to speak of.
What was the highest representative level you played in Australia?
State teams and NSL squad member.
What teams and competitions have you played in?
Rams Youth League, Picton Rangers (Illawarra Premier League) and Wolves, in that order.
Do you play other sports or have other fitness activities that you have competed in?
At the moment my mid life crisis involves Ironman Triathlon, I’m doing my 3rd in May 2012. I’m not good at it but it’s a challenge.
What is your favourite football memory prior to coming to the Stingrays?
Being scouted for Wolves after playing against Adrian Alston for Picton rangers in the Corrimal Cup. It was an Honour to play against an ex Socceroos World Cup player.
How have you enjoyed your time with the Stingrays? What is your favourite memory or experience of being in the club?
To many to mention but aside from our recent successes I would have to say all the friendships I have made and being a part of the Stingrays family.
So you are moving onto a development role with the club, what are your aspirations for the Stingrays Academy? Firstly to develop the higher level skills with the players for the transition to senior football and1st grade and also to create a good base program for W-League if it arrives. Fingers crossed.
Where do you see the club in the next 5 years?
Club Championship Winners and a feeder club to the local W-League side.
Do you have any advice for Stingrays junior players and players who have just joined the club?
Attitude is everything! If you want it you can get it but you need to work hard because there is no success without sacrifice.
How does Brett Wallin, Illawarra Stingrays Life member sound to you?
It’s a Great Honour that I hold higher than my coach of the year award.
How will the Football Australia 2011 Coach of the year be spending your Sundays during 2012? Is it a procession tiaras and publicity engagements like Miss Australia?
Ha Ha, thankfully not, I will attend some games, so I wont be a stranger, after all Rob has told me he has our chairs ready lol, but for the most part spending time at the farm with the family.
Once again Brett, thanks for taking the time to sharing your thoughts with us.
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