Veteran keeper John Filan has enjoyed 15 years of success since he stepped out of Australia's Olympic team - and straight into the English professional leagues. His contract runs out at the end of the current season with Wigan Athletic but, judging by his performance against Aston Villa on Easter Monday, there is still life in him yet. Givemefootball's Ian Clarkson caught up with Filan to see what the future holds.
Q:JOHN, WHAT IS THE SITUATION, ARE YOU GOING BACK HOME TO CONTINUE YOUR CAREER, AS HAS BEEN REPORTED?
A:I did think I would probably play back home but that looks as though it is not going to happen. There are a lack of opportunities with the A-league only being a small league. They are operating a wage cap and clubs have already signed goalkeepers for next season. I am surprised as I thought there would be a position to go back to, either coaching or playing. It has not happened as yet, so we will just wait and see. If someone wants to come and talk to me I will listen. But I am geared to go home at the end of the season.
Q:HOW DID YOUR MOVE TO ENGLAND COME ABOUT IN THE FIRST PLACE?
A:A guy by the name of Graham Smith approached me after I had played for my country in the '92 Olympics. It had always been a goal for me to be involved and the atmosphere in the Athletes' village was such a fantastic experience; to mix in with all the other athletes and just to feel a part of something so huge. Anyway, my first trial was at Stoke City, when Lou Macari was there. I only had two sessions with the ball! The rest of the time we just ran up and down the stands at the old Victoria Ground! I never got a contract, but I was fit!
Q:SO WHAT HAPPENED NEXT?
A:Next I went to Southampton. We had a bleep test when I turned up and, thanks to what I went through at Stoke, I was the third fittest in the club. A deal fell through for one of the keepers they were selling, so on I moved to Cambridge where I went on a non-contract basis. They were in the First Division - the Championship now - and Ian Atkins gave me my debut against Newcastle United at the Abbey Stadium. Andy Cole was up front!
Q:AND THEN?
A:Cambridge were relegated but offered me a two-year deal. I was just happy to become a professional. Coventry came in for me when I was at Nottingham Forest on loan and even though I had to bide my time, I was in the Premiership, albeit behind Steve Ogrizovic. I made my debut against Spurs at White Hart Lane and I spent the whole warm-up just looking over at Pat Jennings, who was Spurs' goalkeeping coach and a hero of mine. I still haven't met him to this day.
Q:THEN YOU MOVED UP TO THE NORTH-WEST....
A:Blackburn came in when my contract was up at Coventry and to go to a club that had won the Premiership the year before was fantastic. It turned a little sour in the end though when Graeme Souness brought in Brad Friedel.
Q:WHAT ABOUT WIGAN? IT RAISED A FEW EYEBROWS WHEN YOU PITCHED UP THERE, DIDN'T IT?
A:I took a drop in wages to come to Wigan but I was 32 and Paul Jewell really sold the club to me. It was a gut feeling and you would have to say it has been the right one. I'm 37 now and I'm still in the Premiership. Wigan has been enjoyable, but it's also been a tough club to be at. This gaffer wants the best out of you, mentally and physically but that's been reflected in the success. You would have to say the promotions have been the highlights, getting 100 points in the Second Division but especially the day when we made it into the Premiership. That was a really memorable day. The drinks afterwards were good too!
Q:HOPEFULLY, BY THE END OF THIS CAMPAIGN, WIGAN WILL HAVE COMPLETED TWO SEASONS IN THE PREMIERSHIP. THAT'S SOME FEAT. YOU MUST BE PROUD OF THAT?
A:Yes, I take a lot of pride in the fact that I've played my part. The players are one thing, but for the people who work at the club and for the fans who have been here throughout, what has happened is magnificent. I just want to say a big 'Thank you' to the people who have supported me over the years. Mind you, I've not gone yet, there's still some big games to play.
Q:WHAT'S THE PLAN IF YOU DON'T GET AN OFFER TO STAY?
A:I'm heading back to Australia with my girlfriend this summer. She's English and we have been together since my days at Coventry. Now it's her turn to become an Aussie after all my years of putting up with being a Pom. As for the future, let's just see what happens....
