Neil thanks grandpa for inspiration in win

by Ira Pedrasa
MANILA, Philippines - It was the sight of a teary-eyed Neil Etheridge on Sunday that further endeared him to many of his fans.
There was much rejoicing around him especially when his team scored 4 goals to none in a historic finish against the Sri Lanka Red Braves, but the Azkal goalie was not embarrassed to shed tears, both of happiness and of sorrow.
Minutes after the match ended, the Fil-Brit goal keeper immediately changed shirts that bore the words: “Rest in Peace, Granddad.”
The shirt also showed a picture of him and his English grandfather, who died weeks ago. Across his back, was printed “You will always be remembered.”
In a text message, Azkals administration manager Jojo Rodriguez said Etheridge’s grand father, whom he had a close relationship with, died weeks ago before their training camp in Germany.

Fulham: Etheridge Exclusive

Neil, would you say the 2010/11 campaign was a season of progress for you?
 
Yes, of course! I think every year I’ve taken a step forward and this year was another step forward for me. Signing a two-year contract for me is a massive step in my career, so hopefully next year I can start to progress even more and we'll see what the future holds for me.
It must have been pleasing to be rewarded with a new contract after coming through the ranks from the Academy to the First Team squad?
Yes it was a great feeling. I think it reflected on how well I performed last season. Being more involved in the First Team did mean less reserve games for me, but the reserve games I did play in I coped with well and handled myself to the best of my ability.
How did you deal with moving up to the First Team, what was the adaptation like for you?

Etheridge sees big future with Fulham

by Barry Viloria

LAPU-LAPU, Cebu – Filipino-British goalkeeper Neil Etheridge is confident that he has a bright future with his English Premier League team Fulham Football Club (FC).
Etheridge, who plays an important role in the Philippine Azkals, said Fulham has big plans for him.

"They think I have a lot of push toward the future," Etheridge, who plays as reserve goalkeeper for Fulham, told abs-cbnNEWS.com.
Fulham recently extended Etheridge’s contract until 2013.

Etheridge takes R&R before training with Azkals

by Bary Viloria

LAPU-LAPU, Cebu - Azkals goalkeeper Neil Etheridge said he will be on rest and recreation (R&R) before joining his team’s intensive preparations for the FIFA World Cup qualifier against Sri Lanka next month.
"My time now will be spent for the next weeks relaxing... I'm enjoying myself for a while," the Filipino-British, who arrived in the Philippines Monday night, told abs-cbnNEWS.com.

Etheridge said he wants to rest his body a bit after having spent the last months in rigorous

Philippine football team arrives in Cebu; with Neil

by Cheska D. Geli

THE Philippine National Football Team arrived yesterday morning for their Cebu visit where they are set to have a series of team- building activities, and trainings.

Head Coach Hans Michael Weiss led the team together with the coaching staff and players, who just came from Iloilo after they played a practice game and drew with a Korean-led Central Philippines University squad, 1-1.


Among the players who arrived yesterday were team captain Aly Borromeo, Ian Araneta, Chieffy Caligdong, Ed Sacapaño and Cebuano Paolo Pascual. Some of the new recruits also came with the team.

Azkals settle for draw in friendly vs CPU booters

by Cedelf P. Tupas

MANILA—Missing several key players, the national football team was held to a 1-1 draw by a Central Philippine University side powered by Koreans in an exhibition game Tuesday at the Barotac Nuevo town plaza.


Azkals midfielder Ricardo Becite made his homecoming memorable with a late strike after Jovanie Simpron opened the scoring for the local side as the national team stepped up its buildup for the 2014 Fifa World Cup qualifiers against Sri Lanka in June.

Etheridge to spend more time with Azkals

by Edwar Lao

LONDON - The future was uncertain for the Philippines' national football team goalkeeper Neil Etheridge. His contract with Fulham FC in the English Premier League (EPL) was due to expire at the end of this (2010-2011) football season. However, any doubts over where he would be next year were recently laid to rest after he put pen to paper on a 2-year contract extension.

In a telephone interview with ABS-CBN Europe, the 21-year-old British Filipino gave his thoughts.

“I'm very happy to accept the contract that they've offered me. There were a lot of negotiations that went on back and forth for nearly 3 or 4 months. There were other clubs that were taking a look as well but I think Fulham is the right place for me to stay for the time being. I've been here for 4 years now. I've also enjoyed my time this season and I get on with everyone at the club, including the manager and the coaches,” Etheridge said.
“I'm happy to play the next two years of my career at Fulham Football Club. I've met some great people along the way, like (goalkeepers) Mark Schwarzer and Pascal Zuberbuhler, who have really helped me in my development”, he added.
Now that contract talks are finished, Etheridge revealed he has been able to relax and concentrate on other things like moving into his recently purchased home in the county of Surrey, outside London.
With the season nearly over, qualifiers for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil are on the horizon. The Azkals will face Sri Lanka on July 29 in the first leg of Asian qualifying. Etheridge is feeling positive.
“This year has been a big, big year for me. I was out of contract at the end of the season, but now I can look forward to the future. I've got World Cup qualifiers coming up end of June and early July, which I am looking forward to. I'll be spending the majority of my time with the national team. Most of the lads (at Fulham) will be off, but it will be training as normal for me”, he said.

In the run-up to the first leg against Sri Lanka, Etheridge will be training in Germany with the rest of the Azkals from June 12.

“I am quite confident. I don't think I've ever gone into a game not confident. There are a few hurdles that we need to get over on and off the pitch, I've stated that many a time, but I'm quite confident in the team's ability and I'm sure we'll all pull through,” he added.
The Philippines and Sri Lanka will face each other again in the return leg taking place in Manila on July 3.
The 6-foot-3 shot stopper, yet to make his first team debut for Fulham FC, also provided a hint that he may be gaining experience elsewhere next season.
“I'm looking forward to next season. I don't know, but more than likely I'll be going on loan. There are a few clubs, one in Switzerland, one in France, and a few in England that I'm looking at. I don't really know yet what next year holds for me but I'll take it as it comes and do my best.
“At the start of next season I should know where I'll be and what's going on. I know it sounds strange but I don't expect to be at Fulham next season.”
abscbn-EU

Etheridge Contract Extension

Fulham Football Club can confirm that Academy graduate goalkeeper Neil Etheridge has signed a contract extension that will see him remain at the Club until at least the summer of 2013.

Etheridge has enjoyed recent international success with the Philippines and was present on the Fulham bench while David Stockdale deputised for Mark Schwarzer, who participated in the 2011 Asian Cup with Australia during the month of January. 

 

Fulham FC website.