Post by paoktzi on Apr 21, 2011 13:44:25 GMT 10
We had the chance to communicate with Graham this week and it was a great pleasure for all of us involved with Olympic to see that another past player of the Club still feels so passionate about Sydney Olympic.
For the younger generation fans of the Club, Graham played for Olympic for 6 years, form 1979 to 1985, he was part of the team when Sydney Olympic got relegated but also played a major role in helping the Club getting back up in 1980.
Graham played as an attacking winger originally but when Manfred Schaefer joined Olympic Graham moved to a left-back a position where he then played for his remaining of his career.
Graham’s international career with the Socceroos started in 1978 when he was selected for Australia’s inaugural youth team, where he played in the Oceania World Youth Cup qualifiers. In 1983, he made his debut for the senior national team, playing against England in a friendly game. This began his long career with the Socceroos, where he became a stalwart in successive World Cup campaigns, and an Olympian in 1988, in what proved to be the final open age football tournament in Seoul. In all, Jennings played 84 times for his country, 44 of which were full ‘A’ internationals.
We asked Graham a few questions about the Football NSW Premier and Sydney Olympic. You can read and enjoy his interview below:
Q: Graham, do you follow the Football NSW Premier League? Which league do you watch the most nationally and internationally?
A: I still live in Newcastle. I follow the local State League, Gay League(of course) and the main European Leagues (English Premier League, La Liga, Bundasleagia and Serie A.
Q: The season kicked off a few weeks ago and Sydney Olympic with Peter Tsekenis on the bench, counts 2 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss in 4 away games. Have you watched the team? What are your first impressions?
A: I have not seen any games but I know as a player, Peter Tsekenis was skilful, determined and a ‘thinker’ on the field so I can only assume these would be some of the qualities he would pass on to the players.
Q: As you may or may not be aware, due to construction work taking place at Belmore Sports Ground, Sydney Olympic will be playing the whole of the first round games away and all the second round games at home. In your opinion, how will this affect the team?
A: The circumstances you describe would be difficult for both the players and supporters. Consistency and the ability of the home team (at their home ground) to lift player efforts would be hampered. Any first round points would be a bonus. I would ask the supporters to be patient with the team as we all know Olympic is notorious for coming home “with a full head of steam!” so playing the last round completely at home may be to our ultimate advantage.
Q: After just four rounds and with mixed results for most of the teams, who do you believe are the favourites for top 5?
A: Too early to predict and especially as I have not been to a State League match since last century! It is both interesting and pleasing to see the old National League clubs which bring history and credibility to the competition.
Q: Where do you believe Sydney Olympic will be at the end of the Season? Is a top
A: I forever believe my club, Sydney Olympic, will always be the best team in the competition!
Q: What message would you like to get out to all the supporters of our historic Club for the 2011 Season?
A: To me, Sydney Olympic is a family club. The supporters of Sydney Olympic were my second family during my time at the club. I will always remember those “golden years” fondly. Family values are very important, and help form traditions that are passed down to future generations. I trust those involved in administrating the club, and those who now support our club, uphold this principle.
I also ask the supporters for fortitude when following Sydney Olympic. We know things don’t always go to plan!
Sydney Olympic supporters are passionate. I love this quality. I want them to be fanatical but always appreciate good football. Be respectful and get respect in return.
Q: What message would you like to get out to all the football supporters for Easter?
A: During this Easter period, I trust all supporters will stay safe and celebrate with family and friends.
As a football family community, I hope all supporters get behind our club Sydney Olympic against Parramatta this Easter Monday.
O – lym – pic! O – lym – pic! O – lym – pic!
Happy Easter!
For the younger generation fans of the Club, Graham played for Olympic for 6 years, form 1979 to 1985, he was part of the team when Sydney Olympic got relegated but also played a major role in helping the Club getting back up in 1980.
Graham played as an attacking winger originally but when Manfred Schaefer joined Olympic Graham moved to a left-back a position where he then played for his remaining of his career.
Graham’s international career with the Socceroos started in 1978 when he was selected for Australia’s inaugural youth team, where he played in the Oceania World Youth Cup qualifiers. In 1983, he made his debut for the senior national team, playing against England in a friendly game. This began his long career with the Socceroos, where he became a stalwart in successive World Cup campaigns, and an Olympian in 1988, in what proved to be the final open age football tournament in Seoul. In all, Jennings played 84 times for his country, 44 of which were full ‘A’ internationals.
We asked Graham a few questions about the Football NSW Premier and Sydney Olympic. You can read and enjoy his interview below:
Q: Graham, do you follow the Football NSW Premier League? Which league do you watch the most nationally and internationally?
A: I still live in Newcastle. I follow the local State League, Gay League(of course) and the main European Leagues (English Premier League, La Liga, Bundasleagia and Serie A.
Q: The season kicked off a few weeks ago and Sydney Olympic with Peter Tsekenis on the bench, counts 2 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss in 4 away games. Have you watched the team? What are your first impressions?
A: I have not seen any games but I know as a player, Peter Tsekenis was skilful, determined and a ‘thinker’ on the field so I can only assume these would be some of the qualities he would pass on to the players.
Q: As you may or may not be aware, due to construction work taking place at Belmore Sports Ground, Sydney Olympic will be playing the whole of the first round games away and all the second round games at home. In your opinion, how will this affect the team?
A: The circumstances you describe would be difficult for both the players and supporters. Consistency and the ability of the home team (at their home ground) to lift player efforts would be hampered. Any first round points would be a bonus. I would ask the supporters to be patient with the team as we all know Olympic is notorious for coming home “with a full head of steam!” so playing the last round completely at home may be to our ultimate advantage.
Q: After just four rounds and with mixed results for most of the teams, who do you believe are the favourites for top 5?
A: Too early to predict and especially as I have not been to a State League match since last century! It is both interesting and pleasing to see the old National League clubs which bring history and credibility to the competition.
Q: Where do you believe Sydney Olympic will be at the end of the Season? Is a top
A: I forever believe my club, Sydney Olympic, will always be the best team in the competition!
Q: What message would you like to get out to all the supporters of our historic Club for the 2011 Season?
A: To me, Sydney Olympic is a family club. The supporters of Sydney Olympic were my second family during my time at the club. I will always remember those “golden years” fondly. Family values are very important, and help form traditions that are passed down to future generations. I trust those involved in administrating the club, and those who now support our club, uphold this principle.
I also ask the supporters for fortitude when following Sydney Olympic. We know things don’t always go to plan!
Sydney Olympic supporters are passionate. I love this quality. I want them to be fanatical but always appreciate good football. Be respectful and get respect in return.
Q: What message would you like to get out to all the football supporters for Easter?
A: During this Easter period, I trust all supporters will stay safe and celebrate with family and friends.
As a football family community, I hope all supporters get behind our club Sydney Olympic against Parramatta this Easter Monday.
O – lym – pic! O – lym – pic! O – lym – pic!
Happy Easter!
