Gary Madine Talks About The Game

Last updated : 27 February 2011 By Thetashkentterror
Gary Madine
Owls striker Gary Madine (GM) spoke to BBC Radio Cumbria's James Phillips (JP) after Carlisle's dismal 1-0 League One defeat at home to Sheffield Wednesday, Madine on his return to Brunton Park thanking the United fans :


JP

You had some great times at Carlisle United, what does it feel like now to come here and take the points away from them?

GM

It was a bad result for Carlisle, but a great result for Sheffield. I still absolutely love the place, I would just like to thank the fans for when I came off, big support for me, they all clapped me thankfully and it was great coming back.





JP

It was a very good reaction today, there was a lot of speculation as to what it would be like from some of the fans, but I think I might have heard one boo in the whole of the afternoon, so it is not a bad return for you?

GM

Yeah, I didn't expect it to be as good as it was, I heard the odd couple of boos but obviously some people didn't appreciate what I have done, but I am glad 95% of them did, so I was happy with the way that went.





JP

We will talk more about Sheffield Wednesday of course and about the win, but what are your favourite memories of being at Carlisle United? What is it that stands in your mind that you will take away with you?

GM

Absolutely everything, from my debut, scoring at Wembley, but even the bad things I had, it all came good in the end, Greg (Abbott) looked after me so I have got a lot to thank him for. Eric Kinder as well, he brought me in the youth team, I was just playing Sunday League football, he sorted me from the raw talent that I had. Everything really, it was all good.





JP

Where do you hope to get to as a striker now that you have made one big move? Are you hopeful that Sheffield Wednesday can perhaps kick on for next year maybe and get you into those higher levels?

GM

Yeah, I think we are underachieving at the minute, it is not all about me, I just want the team to do well. We got a good result on Tuesday night and we got a great result today again against a Carlisle side who I thought were very good, they passed the ball well and they had a lot more possession than us I think.

Hopefully, as a team we want to get back into the play-offs, because we are underachieving massively at the minute. We have got one of the best squads in the league I would say easily, we should be right up there.





JP

In the build up to the game, Greg Abbott was talking about the fact that he and Graham Kavanagh are still well in touch with you since you have made your move down there. Have they taken on a sort of mentor role with you in a way over the way that you have developed as a footballer?

GM

Yeah, they have been brilliant with me, he always told me when I wasn't doing well and he tells me when I am doing well. We keep in touch and we have turned into good friends in the end, and Graham is always there if ever I need him. I have got his phone number, any advice he is only a phone call away.





JP

Do you feel as a player that has now got this great move to a wonderful club like Sheffield Wednesday that you owe Carlisle a lot for sticking with you in some of your tough times?

GM

Oh yeah, definitely, I absolutely loved it here, they did everything for me. I was just playing Sunday League, I was nothing, and now I have got myself a good move to a massive side, and I have got to thank Carlisle for that haven't I.





JP

It must feel funny though on a day like today?

GM

Yeah, well I was nervous coming up, I didn't know how the fans would react but thankfully everyone around the place was happy to see me, and I was happy to see them, a lot of cuddles, don't be upsetting me though, I am driving back down the M6 now.





JP

And what does it feel like playing for a club of the size and stature, I know as you say underachieving currently, but Sheffield Wednesday are an enormous club. It is a big stage for you and a lot to live up to now?

GM

Yeah, that is what I thrive on really, that is the whole point in me really going there. I want to play in front of 20,000 for a massive team, no disrespect to Carlisle only having 7,000 fans but it is a step up and I have got to really take that when the chance comes along.





JP

Just finally, what would you like to say to all the fans who you were a hero and a villain for some fans in your time here, but what would you like to say in goodbye I suppose having made your move?

GM

I would just like to thank them for sticking by me through the good and the bad, the reception I got at the end there absolutely made my day, thank you very much.