David Nielsen Interview

The interview with David Nielsen appeared in the February/March 2001 edition of It's a Grim Exile - a bi-monthly magazine containing news, views and items of interest both from and for exiled GTFC supporters. Details of how to subscribe to the fanzine can be found at the end of the interview, which was undertaken by Else Kvist.

"From time to time you need a little luck to come your way! When you have an idea, timing is important so considering the last minute aspect of it all, we still managed to corner David Nielsen for a no frills interview. We would like to thank Mr Tim Harvey for his help in arranging this at the last minute.

"We decided to pay a visit to Fortress Blundell.Town were entertaining Crewe and were desperate for a win. Town lost 1-3 and were totally outplayed and outclassed. After the game we trouped round to the main stand for the interview.

"The Town players didn't come out of the changing room for a considerable length of time, Lennie obviously wanting to give his opinion on what had preceded on the pitch, giving his anger and frustration as much airing as possible.

"Then finally the Great Dane appeared to tone down. Tim introduced us and Else had a brief conversation in Danish; Tim looked at me and I at Tim and we were both a little baffled to say the least. David then disappeared on to the pitch to stretch with the rest of the Grimsby players. This took about ten minutes. David was indeed very relaxed and happy and seemed to have plenty of time."

David Nielsen (now a Don)

IAGE:
Are you disappointed with today's result??

David:
Yes very, The team needed to get a good result today but we didn't play at all well considering Crewe are below us in the league they gave us a tough time.

IAGE:
Do you fear relegation?

David:
No I don't I think the team is that bad enough it will go down, but we have to improve we can't have too many performances like that!

IAGE:
How do you find the English game?

David:
I am getting use to it, it is very physical, hard and very fast it is a little different from Danish Football.

IAGE:
Is it improving your game?

David:
I would say yes. English Football is very much liked in Denmark and to play in a good league with better players and in a more competitive league has brought me another aspect of my football and what I could be capable of.

IAGE:
Were you disappointed when you left F.C. Copenhagen?

David:
I haven't actually left, as you know I'm on loan but I need first team Football and I'm lucky to be getting this at Grimsby.

IAGE:
Does this mean you're going to stay?

David:
I would like too!

IAGE:
Do you get the feeling the Club want you stay?

David:
Yes I do.

IAGE:
What is the problem?

David:
My agent is trying too sort out personal terms - it is difficult.

IAGE:
Was this your last Game for Town?

David:
I don't think so, I hope not. [Ed. - it was his last start].

IAGE:
Are you happy with the fans response?

David:
Yes they have been great, they have made me most welcome I am enjoying it here!

IAGE:
How would you describe the Town fans?

David:
They seem very passionate and down too earth they obviously love their club.

IAGE:
At F.C. Copenhagen your crowds were much bigger. How do you compare the support?

David:
Yes they were a lot bigger, it's a shame there aren't a lot more supporters coming to the home games at Grimsby. But if we start to play a lot better it might improve. F.C. Copenhagen is a big City club and it is where we have our national stadium.

IAGE:
When did you realise that you had the potential to become professional footballer?

David:
When I was 14 or 15, I was 16 when I signed my first contract in professional football.

IAGE:
How do you find Grimsby is it a nice place?

David:
It's fine, very friendly. It's ok.

IAGE:
Do you live far from the Ground?

David:
I like too get in my car and take a little drive around and see the place a little it's good fun and it gives me a better idea of the surroundings.

IAGE:
What do you do when your not playing Football.

David:
It was a very cold winter and it was difficult with the windy conditions.

IAGE:
Do you like Fish and Chips?

David:
No! No I don't.

IAGE:
Would that put you off signing!?

David:
(Laughing) No, Not at all.

IAGE:
How are the players treating you?

David:
They are a good bunch of lads they are a lot of fun. I have settled in well! Else then spoke to David and thanked him very much for his time, She also wished him luck and stated that she hoped he would stay with the Club. He said that it had been fun and he too expressed the fact he would like to stay with the Mariners!

If you would be interested in receiving a sample copy of IAGE, please send an E-Mail with your name and address to Emma Gillingham