COUNTY GALLERY

Gary Fisken by Ray Taylor

      Ray Taylor

GARY FISKEN’S intentions were to stay in full-time football when he recently parted company with Swansea City, but the 24 year-old is now keeping his options open.

Having started out with his hometown club Watford at the age of 10, Gary signed scholarship forms and made his way into the first team as a professional.  But when in June 2004 Kenny Jackett, his former youth team manager at Vicarage Road asked him to become his first signing on taking over the managerial reins at Swansea City, the midfield player agreed.

“I had a year left on my contract at Watford but the prospect of regular first team football persuaded me;” said Gary.

“I knew Kenny very well and that was one of the reasons I joined so it was frustrating not to be involved more.  But that is the way it goes.”

Gary started the season as substitute and though he figured in three of their first six games, as Swansea pushed on towards the top of the table he found it difficult to make progress.  He started just the one league game as they powered to promotion and found it equally awkward this season when his only match was an LDV Vans tie against Rushden & Diamonds.

Gary had moved to Swansea with his fiancée Victoria who also hails from Watford, and when he negotiated the termination of his contract, he planned to move back to the Watford area.

“Our house in Swansea is up for sale but I’m really happy to be playing at Newport County.  I am convinced that we won’t go down and I want to make the most of the  rest  of  the season.   It’s  not  easy  for  Victoria

because she wants to be near her family, but we are keeping our options open.

“It’s also difficult not training every day and though I try to keep busy by going for runs, I’m definitely not as fit as I was as a full-time player.  I’m looking for a proper job for the first time as the only work I have had is as a footballer.”

Gary has already had some memorable experiences from his time in football.  Former England boss Graham Taylor was the Watford manager who offered him his first professional contract.

He was succeeded by former Chelsea boss and Italian international Gianluca Vialli, who gave him a regular first team squad place in the 2001-02 season.  But Vialli was not given sufficient time in Gary’s opinion and as managers changed, he gradually faded from the first team picture.

“Luca Vialli always encouraged his players to play football and because he had been given money to sign players Watford wanted instant results.  Who knows what would have happened if he had stayed?  But I had a good time there.”

He is once again enjoying his football now and he gives his present manager credit for that.

“I think we have a very good manager here, a good team spirit, and great support especially away from home.  I don’t know if I will be still be here but I believe if we stay up we can be strong next season.”

Back to Player Profiles