Tony McMahon In The Spotlight
IN our latest exclusive Q&A session, find out what Tony McMahon has to say about his injuries, making his debut at Manchester United and lunch with Dong Gook Lee.
I have been a keen follower of you Tony but I'd like to ask, did anyone ever tell you that you wouldn't make it playing football? What was your response? All the best.
Jonny Fleming
TM: No-one ever told me I wouldn't make it. I remember when I was in the Academy, Mark Proctor got me in the office and told me I needed to get my head down and work to get into the first team squad and I've never looked back from that meeting. I got into the squad within a few weeks and made my debut when I was 18.
Which player who you've faced has caused you the most problems and who is your top buddy at Boro?
Mohammad Ibrar, Oldham.
TM: There have been a few who caused problems, especially in the Premier League - Ronaldo and Giggs and people like that, the obvious ones. I get on well with everyone here.
Billy Scott, Durham
TM: I still live in Evenwood now and always said I would never move. People don't treat me any differently because I'm a football player. I get home and I'm just Tony, really. I do keep in touch with friends from school.
I heard you were a friend of Lee Dong-Gook and he gave a lunch for you. Although he failed in England, he spending successful this season - he scored 17 goals in 23 matches and he may play in World Cup 2010! And you may play in Euro 2012! Of course, Boro may play in Premier League then already. Anyway, may I ask you a question? What's song your likes to sing?
Yoon Jong-Seok, Korea
TM: I don't sing anything, I don't think! I remember when Dong-Gook and his wife first came we went for a meal together in Darlington. I think he had chicken on skewers if I remember rightly! I got on well with him.
I'm a 17-year-old lad from Boro. Do you think at my age it's too late to get back into football and make it professional? I did play for a Sunday league team but our manager decided to fold the team. I'm just wondering do you think at 17 I'm too old to try and make it as a professional.
Danny Forster, 17, Middlesbrough
TM: No, you're definitely too old. I've seen a lot of players coming into the game late. I remember the old gaffer, Gareth Southgate, telling me he didn't make his debut at Crystal Palace until he was 21, so at 17 you're still only a young lad. Speaking to Dave Kitson when he was here as well, he came into the game really late and has gone on to have a really good career.
Having been captain when Boro won the FA Youth Cup, how did it feel to be captained by David Wheater, who was one of the players in the team?
Fiona Cassidy, Co Tyrone
TM: It's a great achievement for Wheats and I was buzzing for him when the gaffer gave him the armband. It meant a lot to him to be captain of his local team.
Many young professional footballers seem to get carried away the spotlight and the lifestyle, but you're one of few who has managed to keep your feet on the ground. How come?
Claire Bloomfield, Guisborough
TM: I've got good friends and family around me who keep my feet on the ground. I've had a lot of bad times with injuries as a player, and that teaches you to appreciate things.
You've had several serious injuries, including a broken leg. Did you ever doubt that you'd make it back onto the pitch?
John Black, Aberdeen
TM: No, I never doubted it for one moment. I'm a determined lad and I always knew I'd come back from my injuries. I've been fit for a long time now so hopefully they are all behind me now. But I'd never give in.
What was it like when you made your debut, when Boro drew 1-1 against Manchester United at Old Trafford?
Andrea Magson
TM: It was the best day of my life and one day I'll always look back on. It's when it all started for me and my proudest day as a football player. I remember every game I've played in, but especially that one.
