Q: What do you want us to say when we write up the story about you joining the Austin Aztex?

 

Heath: Say I’m looking forward to it. I see it as a great opportunity and something that will grow and grow into being very special.

 

Q: What has inspired you to come and help us grow soccer in the US?

 

Heath: One thing that I have noticed over the last seven or eight years is the growth of the game in America. I think you only have to look at the national team and see how well thought of they are now. That has to be the beginning of something that is going to be exciting and I want to be a part of that. I see it as very much in it’s infancy. Knowing Phil and the way he wants to do things, I believe this club will grow into a real powerhouse in American football.

 

Q:  How do English see the game over here?

 

Heath: Well, like me, I think they see it getting better. I think also with more and more English clubs coming out in their pre-season they see the improvement in standaards playing against college teams, selective teams, they’re playing against USL teams, some of them are playing against MLS teams and we are just seeing the growth in the game.

 

There is also the Beckham factor. Whichever way we look at it,  he is a massive star in England and around the world. Obviously with the column inches that he has given football in general, I think it will only get bigger and better.

 

Q: Tell us about your background as a player and as a manager.

 

Heath:  I started at my home town club of Stoke City. Obviously I’m really pleased that we have the affiliation with Stoke. After playing for Stoke I went to Everton, a major, major force in English football, European football, really. In the days of my career we managed to win the title twice, went on to win three FA Cup Finals, the European Cup Winner’s Cup, four Charity Shields,   League Championships. So, I’ve had a very full and fruitful career really. I went to Spain, and I got to Play with Espanyol.  My Spanish will be a bit rusty, but it will get better, which might come in handy.   I think in my career as a player I did what I set out to do.

 

Then I went into management and fortunately I went back to Everton to work with Howard Kendall who was the coach at the time.   I’ve been very lucky, and I’m really looking forward to the next stage in my career and the challenges here in Austin.

 

Q:   Is there anyone in your career who stands out as someone you have looked up to?

 

Heath: Obviously I spent most of my player and managerial career with Howard Kendall. He is certainly a huge name and huge figure in the game in England.   We were both at Stoke city, then he went into management, took me in as a player, then eventually set me on the steps to becoming a coach. I’ll be eternally grateful to him.

 

Q: What are you most looking forward to about coming to Austin?

 

Heath: I think it is just the newness and the freshness of it all. I’ve 25-30 years involved in professional football in Europe. In the previous four or five years we have been coming to America to play the game. We played BYU last year  and the year before down in Salt Lake.   So, I’ve come here and seen the newness of it all and the enthusiasm that’s coming with the game in America is something that really appeals to me.

 

Q: What bias do you have about players?

 

Heath: Well, I’m very much a player’s man, having been a player.   I think sometimes they get a poor rap in the papers. I think mostly that players have got to realize that they have a responsibility, not only to their parents and wife and children, but to the club that employees them and to the public. I think the players should remember that and give everything when we train and when they play. When that ‘s the case, I don’t think too many coaches have many problems with players.

 

Q:  What opportunities will there be in Austin for players from diverse backgrounds?

 

Heath: This is a worldwide sport, the biggest sport in the world, and we will be right at the forefront of looking for players from areas of the world. At the moment they are going to have an incredible opportunity. If any of these young players are looking to be a professional in America, then moving on to Europe, this is going to be a great avenue for them.

 

Q: And what should Aztex fans expect from you?

 

Heath: They should expect me to pull a highly committed, organized football team, something they will come an enjoy. They should enjoy coming to see what  we’re going to put on for them. Coming from an English background where the game is very, very quick, with a lot of action, it think we can create something that will appeal to the people.   As I said before, if the players are committed to giving everything they’ve got every time we train, and every time they play, then I’ve got a great feeling that we’re gonna be okay.

 

Q: What is your biggest strength as a manager?

 

Heath:  I think my personality and my enthusiasm.  I love the game. I love working with players, coaching players, being on the training ground with them. I’ve been very fortunate and very lucky to have been involved in this great game for 30 years, and I want it to continue. I haven’t come here just to enjoy my time.  I’ve come here to be successful, and I want the club to be successful.

 

We will set the bar as high as possible, and we know we are in the beginning. It’s a new start, and we’ll have to see where we are in terms of our pecking order in the league. We’ll be competitive, I can promise that.