B/R Exclusive: An Interview with Gillingham and Canada Wonder-kid Simeon Jackson

Simeon Jackson is a name that perhaps isn’t really that known to Canadians. However, it is very well-known in the South Eastern county of Kent in England, and after scoring against Aston Villa in a recent FA Cup match, it’s a name that is beginning to become known across England.

Jackson is a diminutive striker who has made a name for himself since arriving at Gillingham back in January 2008 for £150,000. So far in his professional football career, he has made 134 appearances and scored 59 goals.

He has also played at international level, earning seven caps for the Canada U-20 Men’s Youth Team, as well as being called up for the senior side.

At Gillingham’s KRBS Priestfield stadium, I managed to interview Simeon Jackson and ask him a few questions about himself and his playing career.

1. Simeon, you were born in Jamaica but grew up in Canada, a country where football or ‘soccer’ isn’t considered one of the main sports. What made you become interested in football?

When I was growing up in Canada, there wasn’t really any professional teams around, so I had no professional ego to look up to. But I watched football on TV, and when you play the game, you fall in love with it, you start playing it and it gets more serious, and you begin to become recognised by your county.

2. You’ve played for the Canada U-20 team and you were called up for the senior Canada side. At both levels, how does it feel representing your country?

It’s one of the good feelings you want to have in the game. It’s where you can really make a name for yourself. It is a different feeling altogether.

3. Moving on, how did your move to England come about?

In Canada, there were no real professional teams about, so to further my career I had to move to Europe. I had a British passport, so I came to England.

4. You played for four seasons at Rushden & Diamonds, scoring 42 goals in 93 appearances. How do you view your time at the club?

I had a very good time there; it was a very good experience. I made my professional league debut at Rushden & Diamonds, and for me playing in the Conference [Blue Square Premier] was a big learning curve.

5. You joined Gillingham back in January 2008. How did your move to the Gills come about, and at the time what did you know about the club?

I knew a lot of clubs were watching me when I was at Rushden & Diamonds, and I knew Gillingham were one of the clubs interested. I spent a bit of time in their youth team so I did know a bit about the club before I joined them.

6. And has your view of the club changed since you arrived?

No, not really. When I left the club, the first team were in the [Coca Cola League] Championship and had some high ambitions. When I came back to the club, that was still the case and they are all really ambitious.

7. You played in Gillingham’s recent FA Cup match with Aston Villa and scored the equaliser for the Gills. How did it feel scoring past one of the USA’s all-time greats, Brad Friedel?

It was a good experience, and it was good for me to get my name on the scoresheet, although unfortunately we didn’t quite get the result we wanted in the end.

8. Was it the best moment of your career?

Yeah definitely, because I haven’t won any championships or trophies or anything. Playing for Canada was also a very good experience. I’d say those two are my top two moments [in my career] so far.

9. As a footballer, what do you think are the stronger aspects of your game? And your weaker aspects?

I try to work hard, I can shoot, I use my pace, and I just try to score goals really.

[My weaker aspects are] Heading I guess, and my defending I suppose. Oh yeah, and my strength a bit as well.

10. Despite the recent 2-1 loss, Gillingham are still inside the playoffs places in the League Two table. Do you think you can clinch promotion this season?

Well, I wouldn’t write us off at the moment, because the league is very tight. I think we just need to keep getting the results we have been and I think we’ll be alright.

11. Lastly, the Super Bowl XLIII is coming up on Sunday. As a Canadian, do you take an interest in the NFL? And who do you want to win, the Pittsburgh Steelers or the Arizona Cardinals?

Yeah definitely, I used to watch it week in week out back in Canada, but here in England, I don’t really get the chance to anymore. The NFL is a big thing in Canada.

And as for the Super Bowl, I’m gonna go for the Steelers. Dunno why, I just like their badge.

I would like to thank Simeon Jackson for taking the time to do the interview and answer my questions.

I would also very much like to thank Gillingham Football Club’s Media Manager Martin Weller for arranging the interview and making all of this possible.

Let’s hope Simeon Jackson can keep his fine run of form going, and help take Gillingham forward as they look to continue their campaign for promotion from League Two.