PHILLY GORMAN INTERVIEW
100 not out for Scorin’ Philly Gorman
Daire Walsh
LAST Friday evening was a significant milestone in the career of Brownstown’s Philly Gorman, who claimed his 100th league goal in Irish football during Waterford United’s 3-1 victory over Athlone Town in the SSE Airtricity League First Division.
Gorman has been a regular fixture in the League of Ireland for more than a decade, and because this scoring feat had been playing on his mind in recent weeks, he was delighted that it finally arrived against his former club.
“I’ve been aware of it now for a good while, and it’s been on my mind a little bit. To be honest, I was kind of glad just to get over it. I think it’s been playing on my mind a little bit, and maybe I was snatching at a few chances in previous games that I wouldn’t really snatch at,” Gorman remarked.
“It’s strange the way something like that actually does play on your mind, when it probably really shouldn’t. But I’m glad to get over that, get the monkey off my back kind of, and just carry on now.”
Gorman’s first league goal came during his maiden stint with Kildare County (from February 2002 until December 2003), and while he doesn’t quite remember his opening league strike for the Thoroughbreds, he does recall finding the target in the old First Division Cup.
“Actually, someone asked me that the other night after the game. I remember my first goal for Kildare County was my first competitive goal, it was against Limerick, but that was actually in the First Division Cup at the time, which doesn’t exist now.”
“I can’t remember which was my first league goal. It could have been against Cobh, or it might have been Athlone. I’m not sure, but my first goal for them was against Limerick.”
Of the 100 goals he has scored in league football, there are a few that stand-out for Gorman – including one against his current club for Athlone Town in a crucial First Division game in 2013.
“Well, I suppose when you look back, there are a few probably that would stand out. Obviously, my first one and then you’d have a few personal favourites. To score the winner for Athlone against Waterford actually a few years ago, to win the First Division. That was a special enough one.”
“I remember I got one up in Tallaght Stadium against Shamrock Rovers for Shelbourne, we drew 2-2. We went 2-1 up, and it was actually one of my better goals, but the crowd there that night. That was one that always kind of sticks out as well. There’s a few down the years alright, and obviously the 100th goal there as well was a special one.”
After deciding to stay involved in senior football following his departure from Athlone last year, Gorman has responded by notching nine goals to date in 2016. The former Newbridge Town striker is generally pleased with his form, even if he hasn’t been performing at the level he wants in some recent games.
“My form’s not bad. I’ve nine goals this season. I’m not sure how many games I’ve played. I don’t think I’ve played 18 games, so still getting that one in two average, which I always kind of aim for. I can hardly complain there.”
“Maybe the last few games I haven’t been really where I kind of want to be, but I’m going okay, I think. I’m happy enough with how I’m playing.”
However, despite joining the 100 goals club, Gorman is not prepared to rest on his laurels. He is hoping to add substantially to his seasonal tally in the remaining eight games of Waterford’s season, as that is what’s expected of him.
“Now that the 100th one is out of the way, and while it’s great for me, to be honest, next week it doesn’t matter. You’re expected to score again, and that’s gone now. You want to score. I’ll be hoping to score as many as I can for the rest of the season. I’ll be looking to score in every game, hopefully into double figures,” Gorman added.