Football United vs Soccer City

This episode’s interviewee is a great example of what makes soccer a beautiful sport in this country. A group of people in the Illawarra with proud Italian heritage get together to form their own Club in the 1960s. After playing in the amateur league and organised Illawarra leagues they then rise to the NSW State League in the 1980s, whereby in 1985 they were 2 points off gaining the opportunity of joining the National Soccer League. A monumental achievement in my mind and Frank Saladino was heavily amongst it with the Fairy Meadow United Club. Frank’s journey along with his Family, Committee and Community members gave the Illawarra an exciting Club to follow for a period of time and although not around today the Club is still remembered fondly by many in the Illawarra.
Music by Luke Nolan

This episode is a great interview, as it details an impressive soccer journey but I believe there is more to come from this man in football and in public life generally. A younger man compared to my previous interviewees, Michael Santalab’s experience at all levels of the game is immense. This interview engages you in a football sense and in regards to your life. Please enjoy this interview as much as I enjoyed spending time with Michael.

Today’s interviewee has had an extensive career which has traversed the Illawarra Leagues and NSW State Leagues. He has played for Clubs ranging from Fernhill (junior and senior clubs), Illawarra Junior representative teams, Fairy Meadow, Bellambi, Wollongong Macedonia, Unanderra, South Coast Croatia and Coniston. Add in the coaches he has played under and you can understand why Dean Gardiner’s episode will be one you will enjoy. A striker who worked hard at his game and learned a great deal about himself from the people around him, Dean’s interview was a pleasure to conduct and put together. Thanks again to Dean who has supported my social media pages from day one and has sent through a lot of material for other people to enjoy. A very generous guy.
Music by Luke Nolan

In terms of this episode’s interviewee I am always surprised being a novice interviewer, by the way an interview unfolds. For this bloke I thought we would get an insight into English professional football, the NSL as a player and coach in the 1980s and the local Illawarra league as a player and coach. John Fleming brilliantly delivered on those points and added so much more, especially the theme of lifetime friendships (which does come through in the other episodes but is slightly more prominent here).
I must admit that I did not talk about all of John’s soccer career in terms of playing and coaching and for that I apologise but I think the next 90 minutes is a good reflection on what he has achieved and given to the game in the Illawarra and England.
Music by Luke Nolan

This interview with Alan was fascinating as his introduction to the game via his family instilled in him a passion for the game which has not left him. And when one of the family members is Uncle Barry Salisbury and you get taken onto the field as a team mascot in the 1963 NSW Federation grand final between South Coast United and APIA in front of 30K plus people it must create a memory so fantastic it beggars belief.
This was one of many fascinating moments in Alan Mangles’ soccer life. I dearly hope you enjoy this episode as much as I enjoyed conversing with Alan. Thanks again to Alan and Sandra for the interview and thank you the listener for supporting my endeavour of exploring Illawarra’s football or soccer history.
Music by Luke Nolan

A young man from Northern Ireland travels in his early twenties to Australia for a two year adventure. Fifty eight years later he still has a passion for football and has no football regrets about his time in the Illawarra. Adrian Ringland tells his story, in particular his successful career with South Coast United.

After a chance conversation with a former Socceroo in 1964, Roy's involvement in the local game began. From this point Roy and Edith have contributed significantly to the local game, in particular their involvement with Bulli F.C.
Music by Luke Nolan.

In this episode Dave details his soccer career as a ballboy, player, coach and parent. An enlightening discussion that covers many subjects including coaching his Daughter, Tarrawanna S.C., goalkeeping, girls soccer, womens soccer, Wollongong Wolves, Corrimal High, soccer mates and plenty more.
Music by Luke Nolan.

A brief introduction to our show.