Interview with Neil Wainwright

After the popularity and great response from my interview with Julian Alsop, I thought I'd bring you another one, this time with Neil Wainwright. I first got talking to Neil on Twitter (I originally requested he joined in with Reece from Shirt Off 4 Wolves for a shirtless photo...it didn't happen...well it did, just not shirtless...lol!) and I'm very thankful of him for doing this for me as I hope to have more interviews on my blog.


Most known for his time at Darlington, making 235 appearances for the club and also more recently with Morecambe, Neil has also spent time on loan at various other league clubs after starting as a trainee at Wrexham and makes a great candidate for an interview considering my blog focuses mainly on the lower leagues.


Neil agreed to talk to me about his footballing career and a look into his future, so I hope you enjoy...

You were recently released by Morecambe, did it come as a shock or were you expecting it?

When there was a change of manager I was more optimistic about a new deal but it certainly didn't come as a shock as I've not played anywhere near as much as I've wanted to this season.

Image copyright of Darlofc.co.uk

Does this mean your footballing days now behind you?

Not at all, I'm as fit now as I ever have been and there is quite a few years left in me yet.

You're only 33, could we see you popping up in non-league football any time soon?

Quite possibly, it depends on who is interested in securing my services. I'd like to continue at as high a level as possible but it's hard to tell at this stage what my options will be.

You spent most your career at Darlington, was it hard moving on from there?

I loved it at Darlington and would have probably liked to have finished my career there so it was tough but you have to get on with it and I was lucky to join another fantastic club in Morecambe.

What are your best memories from your playing career?

My move to Sunderland is my highlight and meeting so many fantastic people throughout my playing days thus far and of course scoring the last ever goal at Darlington's old ground Feethams.

And your worst memories?

Any time I've had an injury in my career, those are always the worst times and the most frustrating.

If you could change anything from your career, would you?

I wouldn't change anything about my career, I have no regrets whatsoever and have played for some fantastic football clubs, I've been very lucky in that respect.

What are your plans for the immediate future?

Just basically find myself a new team, complete my UEFA B coaching licence and see where all of that takes me.

And do you have any long-term plans yet?

The ideal long term plan is to become a coach/manager somewhere but long term plans can be adjusted depending on what transpires.

Any words of advice for footballers coming to the end of their playing career?

Work hard to find alternatives to football as it's a scary transition.

I hope you've enjoyed reading this interview and if you want to follow Neil's next steps in his career or have a chat with him, you'll find him on Twitter @wainy11.