Retired – not me! Buddies skipper Sam battles on
Sam Foley is well aware he’s nearer the end of his playing career than the beginning.
The St Mirren captain will turn 34 in four months’ time, but feels good for another few years yet.
So he was shocked to take a call from a friend, who’d been told – via his computer – that he’d packed in playing
“He’d been playing a computer game and he wanted to sign me for Swansea City, the team he supports,” Foley revealed.
“But the computer wouldn’t let him do it because I was retiring!
“That came as news to me, but at least we had a laugh about it.
“I’ve started doing my ‘B’ coaching licence, but the only thing I’m concentrating on is playing for as long as I can.
“Someone told me last season that I’m actually coaching while I’m playing.
“I’m constantly telling the rest of the lads where they should be, especially when I moved back to centre-half for a bit.
“I could see the whole game in front of me. That was interesting.”
Foley is looking forward to helping the Buddies’ babes improve to the extent that they take his place in Jim Goodwin’s side.
“It was only when I walked through the training-ground door for the first time last summer that I realised how young they all were,” claimed Foley.
“My whole career had been spent down south, and even on the morning of my debut, I wondered if I’d done the right thing.
“But I’m so happy I made the decision to come here. I’ve met some real football people.
“After talking to the gaffer for just a few minutes, it was obvious that he was a good guy with a clear vision, and he sold the club to me easily and quickly.
“We’ve struck up a good relationship, and he treats me with respect.
“He values me as a person, and he welcomes questions and input from me and the other lads.
“Some managers I’ve played for have the my-way-or-the-highway attitude. But Jim invites everyone to have an opinion and that improves us as a team.
“I’m here to help our young guys develop, and if I can make them better than me and they get in the team instead of me, then I’ll be delighted.”