As the tape recorder I was using to record the conversation didn’t quite work the way I wanted, so some of the interview here is not word for word. I’d like to say that Shaun is really a good guy and seems to be very honest and open . I would also like to thank the staff with the Atlanta Silverbacks for setting up this interview.
Ed Rahfield:
Hello Shaun how are things going for you?
Shaun McSkimming:
Everything seems to be going well for me at the moment.
E.R. :
So how did you end up in Atlanta?
S.M. :
Well when my contract ended I had to look for a new team . I looked around England and Scotland . Then when Atlanta offered me a chance to play , after discussing it with my family , I decided to give it a go.
E.R. :
What are the biggest differences between playing in Scotland and in the USA?
S.M. :
Probably the heat and humidity is the biggest difference . The players here in Atlanta tend to be young and just out of college . There are quite a few good players here.
E.R. :
Do you hope to stay in the States once the season ends for Atlanta?
S.M. :
I really haven’t decided on that yet . I’ve only been here 4 weeks . I’ll weigh my options after the season . I would like to play another couple of years . My wife is over right now so we’ll have to see how she likes it over here.
E.R. :
Has there been any interest in you by any Major League Soccer teams?
S.M. :
There has been some . I was contacted early on by one club but nothing really came of it . I have had a couple of scouts watch me play . Other than that I really haven’t thought or worried about it.
E.R. :
I’ve been reading some of the discussion boards for the Silverbacks . It seems you have become a bit of a favorite among the fans.
S.M. :
One of the guys showed me that internet discussion board . It really seems to be very positive stuff written about me . I saw there was even an Arab who posted good things about me . I think that is a neighbour of mine back in Dundee.
E.R. :
I was the NYDB who told the Silverback’s fans that they were getting a player who always gives 100%.
S.M. :
Thanks , that really means a lot to me.
E.R. :
I saw you got a goal in your first match.
S.M. :
Actually I made an appearance in the match before that, against Minnesota I think . As the goal was a ball that just came back to me and I hit it well . It was a nice goal.
E.R. :
So who was the best player you ever played along side?
S.M. :
With Dundee , no doubt it was Claudio Caniggia . He works very hard as a forward . I would also have to say Georgi (Nemsadze) is a very solid player he’s always safe to pass the ball off to . When I was with Motherwell Tommy Coyne the Irish international was a very good player . With Killie Paul Lambert and Tommy Burns come to mind . I’ve played with many good players in my career.
E.R. :
Who was the best manager you ever played for?
S.M. :
I really liked Jocky Scott .I think the way he was let go was a bit unfair . Also Jocky was operating on a shoestring and put a decent team together , but when Bonetti came in , money seemed to be no object . Don’t get me wrong I respect the amazing contacts that Bonetti has, but I feel that if given the chance and the money Jocky could have brought in guys on the same talent level.
E.R. :
Have you been keeping up with events back in Scotland since you have been over?
S.M.
I know that Dundee drew United 2-2 in the opener and they beat Hibs 2-1 last Saturday.
E.R.
So you’ve heard about what happened with Javier Artero?
S.M. :
No . What happened?
E.R. :
He went into the hospital last week . He is undergoing tests for MS.
S.M. :
Oh wow! Javier was always one of my closest mates on the team . Now I feel bad . I wish him all the best in the world . I hope he recovers quickly and hope it turns out not to be the case.
E.R. :
If he is anything like Brian Irvine , he can go a long way.
S.M. :
Yeah , Big Brian is an inspiration , hopefully Javier can have a similar time if it is MS.
E.R. :
You have seen a lot of changes in your time with Dundee during your time there . What do think?
S.M. :
I feel the club are moving in a positive direction . I still have quite a few good friends on the team . I wish them all the best.
E.R. :
Any idea what you want to do when your playing days are over?
S.M. :
I would like to go into coaching when I’m done playing . I don’t think it would be as a manager though . I’d prefer to coach the kids like an U-21 , U-18, or U-16 team . If I stay in the States , I’m really not sure but maybe an A-League team or a college team.
E.R. :
One last question Shaun . Who did you support as a kid ?
S.M. :
Well , I grew up in Stranraer and I basically followed the local team . I never really got into the whole Rangers v Celtic thing . I have some relatives down in Wales who were Rangers supporters , so I guess you could call Rangers my boyhood team.
E.R. :
Thanks again Shaun . It’s been a pleasure talking with you.
S.M. :
No Problem Ed . Please call anytime , especially if you hear anything about Javier . Oh and could you please send a note to the website wishing him the best for me.
E.R. :
I will do that Shaun , and good luck the rest of the season.
S.M. :
Thanks