Height: 6’0” Weight: 185 lbs. Birthday: 07/24/1983
Last Club Played For: North Ferriby United FC
College: University of Louisville Played 3 years at University of Louisville scoring 29 goals in 50 games. Earned Conference USA Player of the Year 2003... Great Lakes All Region First Team 2003... Conference USA All First Team 2003... Invited to MLS Combine 2003...Twice voted in Soccer USA Team of the Week... Conference USA All Second Team 2002... Conference USA All Third Team 2001... Top goal-scorer all 3 seasons played for U of L... Voted Most valuable offensive player all 3 seasons played for U of L
Club/Prep/High School: Played for Lincoln United in the Unibond Premier Division 1999-2001 making league debut aged 16yrs and 4months... Had spells at Bolton Wanderers (EPL) and Grimsby Town (League One) in 2001... Captained Lincoln City U15/U16 1997-1999... Played for Nottingham Forest and Mansfield Town U12/13/14 1994-1997
Personal: Serves as Assistant Academy Director for Thoroughbreds Soccer Club as well as working as the Volunteer Assistant for the University of Louisville Men’s Soccer Program. Holds a Bachelors Degree in Health and Human Performance/Exercise Science and is looking to hoping to take the USSF ’B’ license within the next year. Resides in Louisville, Kentucky. Parents are Richard and Margaret who live in Lincoln, England. Has an older brother Ian, who lives in London, England.
Getting to know Simon…
Pregame Superstition: I like to listen to music, as long as it’s not Coach Tim Wolz music... terrible
What is your favorite move on the field: Chipping the keeper, especially when Coach Budnick is in net...
What is your most memorable soccer moment: I have two, making my debut for Lincoln United aged 16, and scoring a 30 yard volley against #3 ranked St. Louis on the way to beating them 2-0 in 2003.
Who was your favorite coach and why? Each coach i have played under adds something different. Coach Lolla who i work with now at U ofL is an excellent coach and great motivator so i would have to say him. Out of the ones i have played for.. Neil Allison, Tony Colavecchia, and Mark ’Elvis’ Alexander all have some great qualities that i like as a coach. My all time hero is Arsene Wenger of Arsenal though.
What would you recommend to young players who want to become a professional athlete? First and foremost enjoy playing the game. Set yourself reachable goals and never give up your dreams.
Best part about being a professional athlete: Playing a sport which you love and also the banter and laughs we have in the locker room
Favorite movie: Gladiator
Hobbies & Interests: Coaching soccer, playing golf, meeting new people and beating my mates back home on the XBox...
Favorite music group/artist: There are so many!! If i had to choose one i’d have to go with Oasis. English music rules!
Someone you would like to meet: Arsene Wenger, Liam Gallagher, and Cheryl Cole (for different reasons!)
Where is your favorite vacation spot? Thassos, Greece
Biggest thrill in soccer: Working hard, getting the win and enjoying it with the lads after
