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.

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