In Retirement… Paolo Piliero

Name: Paolo Piliero

Position: Left midfield / left back

Paolo running out for his final game

Played for? Carlton Town, Alfreton Town, Belper Town, Ilkeston Town, Long Eaton United, Eastwood Town, Gresley Fc, Grantham Town, Loughborough Dynamo, Newark Floserve & Gedling Miners Welfare.

Team supported growing up? Liverpool

Childhood hero & why? Roberto Baggio, first memories of watching a World Cup and supporting Italy in 1994. He was incredible in that tournament. His clever runs in behind and his touch, I loved how passionate he was! I also used to watch Football Italia in the 90s with my Grandad and couldn’t wait to see what he had done at the weekend!

Biggest influence? My Grandad. He played in Italy before coming over to England. Talking to me about the game and what to do in certain situations on the pitch. He would have me kicking a ball against his wall outside. He would explain how watching the game would make me better and I would learn….but I just wanted to play!! 😅

Favourite current player & why? Mohammed Salah. Love how direct he is! He’s got it all. I love proper wingers that get at defenders and score goals too.

Best ground you’ve played at? Wrexham The Racecourse Ground. Played against them in the FA trophy. Great day! We lost 2-1 and nearly got a reply. Think about 500 Gresley fans traveled that day maybe more. One of the best football days I’ve had as a player.

Best friend in football? Adam Campbell. Grew up together and played in a couple of teams together. Now a coach at Long Eaton. Rubbish on a night out always back doors it!

Best player you’ve played against & why? Neil Redfearn. Played against him towards the end of his career. Sat in the middle of the park and ran the show! You could tell he was a cut above.

Footballing Night out You & 4 others. Who’s getting an invite? Chris Shaw - Introduced me to ‘3 coin flick nose’ he’s a madness on a night out. You lose the game everyone gets to flick your nose. I’ve seen grown men cry!

Greg Tempest - loves a dance this lad. Snake hips!

Ross Whalin - An unreal keeper in his day. Also one the funniest people I know. Thinks he’s got good chat 😆

Josh Thornton - I convinced a whole pub once he couldn’t swim. Got in his head and he sent the lads a vid of him swimming on holiday to prove he could 🤣🤣 Love ya kid!

Paolo in action at Wrexham's Racecourse ground

The best player you’ve played with in each position & why?

Goalkeeper - Ian Deakin - Massive presence and always felt secure. Kicking was the best around!

Defender - Paul Riley - In his prime had everything you wanted from a left back.

Midfielder - Greg Tempest - Great feet. Win you a game by himself.

Striker - Gary Ricketts - Made all my crosses look like worldy balls. Monster headers and the strongest footballer I know.

Best moment of your career? So many amazing football memories but I would have to say how things finished. My kids walking out with me for the line up. Scoring in the 94th min. Getting 3 points and then celebrating with the supporters, family and friends after. It doesn’t get much better than that!

Best/favourite manager you played under? I can’t pick one….Shaun Rickford making me skipper at Long Eaton and giving me the freedom and play from centre mid.

Gary Mills at Alfreton. I hardly played and was on loan a lot as I was young. However technically he taught me a lot about positioning.

Andy Clerk. For the past few years. Had a few issues with injuries prior to Gedling. Got me back at Left Mid and enjoying it.

Best goal you scored? Scored a volley for Gresley in the FA Vase against Sheffield FC away. One of them when you don’t feel it because you’ve connected so well!

Is there anything you would go back and tell your playing self? Your time playing goes crazy quick so enjoy it!

Thank you, Paolo for taking time to answer my questions looking back on your fantastic footballing career. All the best for whatever you do going forward.

If you are a retired player reading this or somebody involved in football and you would like to feature in a future blog. Please message me on twitter. I would love to get you involved

Until the next one,

Peace,

Luke@PL2NL