In the final part of this four-part series with Tim Cahill, the Australian midfielder gives his impressions following his first training session with the team at Montclair State University.
One thing I will say - I’ve been told the training ground isn’t too good and the locker rooms and all that, but it has character. It’s got spirit. The physios, everyone that’s part of the club, the kit man – it’s nice. It reminds me of when I first went to Everton. And being in Millwall.
You can make anything what you want to make of it. And the best thing for me is that they embrace me, they were polite, they liked me. And I want to make sure that I can do everything I can to be part of their team and not think that I’m trying to come in and take over. I want to be part of their team and to help.
It’s just good to train and be around the boys and meet the coach. I told the coach my intentions, exactly what I’m saying now, and it was good. We had a laugh. And it’s just nice. It reminded me of being in Millwall and Everton and you know, we’ve got everything. This club is amazing. The stadium is one of the best not only in this country, but probably in others as well. The training grounds had great character and good charisma and I’m pretty sure I’m going to have some fun down there and hopefully do well.
It’s been a couple of days since I’ve been here, doing medicals, and it’s been pretty crazy, but, for me, that’s the best part – training. Being with my teammates, enjoying training, being in the locker room.
And the sun? Wow. It’s amazing. I’ve had experience playing all over in some of the hottest conditions ever, and to me 15 years in England, in cold weather, this is amazing. This is special. I’m happy. I’m really happy.
The biggest thing is I’ve got a good family. My kids and my wife, and this is it.
It’s a new adventure for the Cahills and I’m just looking forward to meeting the fans and enjoying some games for the Red Bulls.
