Soccer: Veteran reluctant to hang up his boots

Neil Emblen says he has never regretted the decision to finish his career Downunder. Photo / Dean Purcell

No one enjoys a game of soccer more than Neil Emblen. But, he's also realistic.

While Father Time has yet to catch up with the Waitakere United player/coach, he is starting to tug his shirt. The day he tosses his playing boots away might not be too far off, but the sprightly 38-year-old reckons he will know better than anyone when it is time for him to quit.

"I am considering not playing this weekend [in Sunday's home game with Otago United] as I need time to get back to the standard I want," said Emblen. "You are only as good as your last game, and I was the poorest of our back four against Auckland City on Saturday."

Not that he is in a "must play" situation.

In Aaron Scott, Jack Pelter, Jason Rowley, Tim Myers, Emblen has a raft of younger - and very talented - players to call upon.

Like anyone meeting the demands of playing and coaching (just ask Che Bunce at Waikato FC) Emblen has had to adjust. But it is a challenge he is enjoying immensely as he works in tandem with his lieutenants Darren Bazeley and Carl Jorgensen.

Emblen did not seriously consider taking up the dual role even though he had been Chris Milicich's understudy in the previous two seasons.

"I had had brief periods in charge when Chris was away but this is the first season on my own. The buck stops here now."

It is a huge step up from his only other coaching involvement - with the Rutherford High first XI in the lower reaches of the Auckland Secondary Schools competition.

"Had we won everything last season, the job with Waitakere might not have come up," said Emblen.

"Initially I did not think about it. Playing-wise I had done well last season and looked forward to playing again."

But a Sunday morning coffee and chat with Waitakere United chairman Rex Dawkins got Emblen thinking.

"The club was looking at a fresh approach and a younger squad. At that point I started to think about it. Before I went to a meeting with the board I spoke to Darren Bazeley and Carl Jorgensen - who also had an interview for the job, but pledged his support to me if I was successful."

Emblen got the nod and the partnership was formed.

Calling on all the experience gained in his long professional career in his native England, Emblen calls the shots most of the time, but is happy to hand match-day responsibility to his assistants.

Nothing is left to chance.

"We plan the training sessions and usually either Darren or Carl take them leaving me to play," said Emblen. "But if things get sloppy or there is something I'm not happy with, I will call a halt.

"I might not say much. My work is done before or after training. It works well. We all have a clear idea on set-pieces and other scenarios. As captain, Jake Butler's role is more motivational.

"We [the coaches] have all played the game so we know what is likely to crop up and what needs to be done."

Emblen arrived in New Zealand in 2005 from Walsall - called in by New Zealand Knights manager John Adshead on a recommendation from former All Whites defender Danny Hay - after stints with various clubs including a one-time £2 million transfer from Wolves to Crystal Palace.

After six years of non-league football, Emblen first played professionally at 22. It was a lifestyle he loved but the chance to end his career on the other side of the world lured him Downunder.

"I have never regretted it," said Emblen, who brought his wife and family with him.

"I have a first team squad of 30 and an academy of 50. All up, there are probably around 100 involved at the club.

"It is a great atmosphere and I'm really enjoying it. Even if there are times - when you lose - you might wonder why."

NEIL EMBLEN

DOB: June 19, 1971
Born: Bromley, England
Clubs: Millwall, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Crystal Palace, Norwich City, Walsall, New Zealand Knights, Waitakere United.
Arrived in New Zealand: 2005