Neil Mellor lent his support at the launch of the PFA's new Football in the Community magazine, Profile, on Thursday before playing a bit-part in yesterday's FA Cup defeat at the hands of Manchester City. The former Liverpool player, who progressed through the ranks at Anfield, is now plying his trade at high-flying Preston and, after suffering a series of frutsrating injuries believes that, fingers crossed, the worst is over. Mellor is a firm beleiver that the Football in the Community scheme has major benefits for everyone involved whether or not you are a football fan. Givemefootball's Lawrie Madden caught up with him at the launch in Stockport.
Q:HOW IMPORTANT IS THE COMMUNITY SCHEME?
A:It is very important. It is important to give something back to the fans especially through the support the fans show us. It is good to go out and visit schools and clubs and to encourage youngsters. If we can help them go on enterprise schemes and and encourage them to do something then that's great.
Q:HOW DOES FOOTBALL IN THE COMMUNITY AT PRESTON AND LIVERPOOL COMPARE?
A:Preston are in the Championship, Liverpool are in the Champions league. At Preston getting the Football in the Community message across is much harder. It's easy to support a big club like Liverpool. The fans come up to you whereas at Preston you have to be more pro-active and go to them a bit more.
Q:HOW MUCH DO THE PLAYERS DO?
A:Player visits and appearances are a regular occurence. A schedule is put on the board and it tells players which appearances they have to do. I go out to hospitals, schools or memorabilia signing sessions at least once a month.
Q:DO YOU FIND IT REWARDING?
A:Very much so, it is important that we put the effort in because the Scheme can have such a positive effect on the future of some kids. As players we have a responsibility on how to behave and hopefully it will rub off on them. They also pay our wages and we shouldn't neglect them.
Q:DO YOU THINK PLAYERS GET ENOUGH RECOGNITION FOR WHAT THEY DO OFF THE FIELD?
A:Sometimes the press can be negative and some players have lost respect for them. I have been treated well by the press and still speak to them. I don't have a problem with them and I am just trying to get on with my football after being injured.
Q:HOW ARE THINGS GOING AT PRESTON?
A:It's going well. At the start of the season some said we would get relegated. I signed when we were 15th and we have been in the top three or four ever since. We get 20,000 fans every week and Preston would benefit from the Premiership. From a personal point of view I'm glad to be training and part of the first team. After being injured it's nice to be in and around the lads and go through the emotion of being part of the team.
