More on Neil

Azkals goalkeeper Neil Etheridge has the same passion for football similar to what his kababayans in the Philippines have for basketball.
Like most of his countrymen in England, the Filipino-British football player started his interest in football early on.
“In England, football is the biggest sport without a doubt. I started playing football at quite a young age as well… I used to play for local teams and I got picked up for Chelsea at the age of 12,” he told abs-cbnNEWS.com.
Etheridge initially regarded the sport only as a “fun game” until he reached 15.
Around that time, he began started taking football seriously. “It started to come more of a job,” he said.
At 18, he received an invitation to join the Philippine national team. As others would say, the rest was history.
Now at 21, Etheridge couldn’t ask for more being one of the most esteemed, not to mention the most swooned-upon, members of the Azkals.
He is currently a reserve goalie in English Premiere League's Fulham Football Club.
“My life has adapted and changed because of it in different ways. I’m happy, very happy with how’s it going recently,” he said.

 Personal information
Name: Neil Leonard Etheridge
Age: 21
Birthday: February 7, 1990
Birthplace: London
Position in the Azkals team: Goalkeeper
Played for: Fulham FC
England U-16
Leatherhead (loan)
Charlton Athletic (loan)

What do you love most about football?I guess the fans, that passion about the game, glory—there are ups and downs and everything. For me, football is a job and you go to work every day and enjoy your job. Not too many people get to do that. I’m quite fortunate in that respect.
What’s your most memorable game so far?If I could pinpoint one, I think coming home to Bacolod, playing for the Philippines (against Mongolia) last March. It’s obviously a big game for everyone. You know, playing in front of the home crowd. There was so much expectation around us.
And of course, playing in the (ASEAN Football Federation Cup) semifinals against Indonesia in front of such a big crowd in such a widely-watched (event). We beat Vietnam, the host of the competition. We did so well, it was so unexpected for us to even get that far… That was very great for us.
What can you say about the Azkals’ popularity now? “We came from, two years ago, not being known, always playing away from home and never having support, never having funds, with no endorsements. Now, we’re getting everything at once. At first, it was hard for us to adapt but now, we have adapted and settled down.”

Courtesy of: abs-cbnnews.com

Hooray for Neil!!!

Thank you all for the support yesterday! Get behind us again tomorrow! Wrist is getting better slowly thank you all

— Neil Etheridge (@Neil38Etheridge) March 10, 2012

Poor Neil :(

  Our country's hunky goalkeeper, Neil Etheridge was able to make great saves including a deceiving kick of Pak Son Chol from a penalty kick in the 18th minute of the game last night.
  I got to say, if Neil Etheridge wasn't there, I think the score last night could have been 5-0. Thanks for giving  pride to our country, Neil!

  But of course, I'm betting a whole lot of Filipinos got a scare when Etheridge nearly got an injury after a collision with Pak in an attempt to score. It was his wrist that got injured. Remember, the last wish of a football team is to get the goalkeeper's hand injured. Thankfully, Neil got up and shook it all off.

  Our favorite goalkeeper is now getting his injuries checked.

Going to see if my wrist is ok! Hope its not broke x-ray here I come

— Neil Etheridge (@Neil38Etheridge) March 9, 2012

Results back, doesn't look like a break! :-D treatment and get ready for the next game!

— Neil Etheridge (@Neil38Etheridge) March 9, 2012

  We all hope you get better Neil, in time for the game against India tomorrow!!!

Neil Etheridge: "I Know What It's Like"

LONDON – Philippine Azkals goalkeeper Neil Etheridge is saddened by the controversy surrounding the national team ahead of the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup.
Azkal players Lexton Moy and Angel Guirado are currently in the spotlight after Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Match Commissioner Cristy Ramos filed sexual harassment complaints following the Philippines' recent 1-1 draw with Malaysia.
“Everyone has the right to express their own opinions on the matter, but obviously the timing wasn't great. It is unfortunate that this happened so close to such a big competition,” Etheridge said.
“I think a lot of the players were unaware of what happened or maybe something was misinterpreted," added Etheridge, who was in the dressing room when Ramos carried out her inspection of the Philippine team.
The British-Pinoy was caught in a storm of his own last year. Weeks before the Philippines' World Cup qualifier against Kuwait in July, Etheridge, Simon Greatwich, Anton del Rosario and Jason Sabio were accused of raping a Filipina in the home of team manager Dan Palami.
The accusation was made by a certain Paul Weiler. The case did not materialize, but the experience still left its mark.
"It's a shame. It does affect people's mindsets. Being involved in what happened before, I know what it's like. It is upsetting and players can take it to heart, but it's one of those things that you try and deal with professionally," he said.
The Fulham FC stopper, who recently confirmed his availability for the Azkals, will be joining his teammates in Kathmandu for acclimatization training this Wednesday.
He does not know what the mood in the camp is currently like, but the 22-year-old says he will provide a lift if need be.
"Even though I'm quite a young player, I take on a responsibility, because other players look up to me, being part of an English Premier League club. When morale is down in the camp I take responsibility to pick players up individually and collectively, whether they want to speak to me on a one-to-one basis or as a group,” Etheridge said.
The Azkals will face defending champions Korea DPR in their opening fixture of the AFC Challenge Cup on March 9. That will be followed by matches against India on March 11 and Tajikistan on March 13.
Etheridge is aware the Philippines is pooled in the toughest group of the tournament. He does not want the off-field controversy surrounding Moy and Guirado to affect the team's performance on the pitch.
"I'm sure they've [the players] already realized, but if they haven't I'll make sure they realize that we've got three big games coming up and this could be another proud moment for the Philippines,” Etheridge said.
“We're not going there to lie down and let everyone walk over us,” he added.

Source:  http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/sports/

Neil Etheidge: JOINING AZKALS FOR AFC

MANILA, Philippines — Goalkeeper Neil Etheridge finally got a green light from his Fulham boss, thus boosting the country’s bid in the tough AFC Challenge Cup set to start on Friday in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Coach Michael Weiss said in an interview with GoalNepal.com that the stocky goalkeeper will arrive in the Nepalese capital tomorrow to help the Azkals in their bid to make it to the semis of the biennial meet.
"I can confirm you that he is coming to Nepal. He will arrive in Kathmandu on Tuesday," Weiss told the website.
Etheridge was initially doubtful to join the team because of his commitment with Fulham FC in the English Premier League.
But after a splendid performance in the Azkals' 1-all draw with Malaysia in Wednesday's friendly match, Etheridge told reporters that he will ask permission with Fulham management to allow him to play. He got his wish.
Etheridge is a backup keeper for Fulham. His only appearance since joining the team in 2008 was in a UEFA Europa League match in December.

Source:  http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/353286/etheridge-joining-azkals-in-nepal




  Please support our national football team everyone!!!

Neil's Back!!!

  That's right everyone! Neil Etheridge just arrived yesterday in Manila! It has been months since our hunky goalkeeper got to visit the Philippines. I can almost hear the squeals and screams you guys are giving out while reading this blog. I know right? I freaked out when I heard about it too!
  I hate to say that when I heard that Neil wasn't able to come to the LA Galaxy game, I thought he'd never come back. But here he is now, suiting up for the game on Wednesday against Malaysia.
  
  
FACTS ON NEIL ETHERIDGE...

  Neil is wild. And when I say he's wild, I say it because I've got sources, people. Hate to break your heart, girls, but it seems like the hunky goalkeeper we all fell in love with is a bit of a ladies' man. I can even tell you he goes to clubs and parties every other night when he isn't too tired from training, both in Fulham and in the Philippines. We can't blame him really, since he's soooooo young and has this looks that can make the strongest of women swoon. *sigh* Oh well, there's still James Younghusband, right?



SIGHTINGS:

  Paolo Pascual showing his moves with the game against Laos that was held in Brunei yesterday. Thanks for goalkeeping, Paolo!
  Rob Gier along with Jason Sabio and -of course- Neil Etheridge arriving in the Philippines.
  Misahg Bahadoran leaving after winning a game with the Global FC against the Philippine Navy. Spotted entering the Azkals Sports Bar afterwards.
  ATTENTION! Azkals will have a practice later at the Turf GBC starting 6 pm. An audience is allowed!!! Come on guys, what are you waiting for? I know I'll be there. ;)

  Stay tuned for more updates on the Azkals....

Neil Etheridge: Does he have a girlfriend?

Full Name: Neil Leonard Dula Etheridge
Birth Date: February 7, 1990 (22 Years Old)
Birth Place: Enfield, London, England
Height: 6'3 -Wow, gosh he's tall!-
Field Position: Goalkeeper
Current Club: Fulham FC
Current Number: 38 (Fulham) 1 (Philippines)

Hotness Rate: 10/10 -Did you see his abs?-

Neil Etheridge should have a nickname from his team. Something that goes like "Football Hottie" or "Bad-ass Goalie". I know, the second nickname sucks. Apparently, I haven't been born with the talent to make up awesome nicknames for awesome people like Neil. But you have to agree "Football Hottie" does suit him. If you disagree with me please look up his abs on Google.
  So, you guys must be wondering if Neil has a girlfriend right? Hold on to your seats, pause, and relax. Don't get all panicky. I've got good news. Your in luck, because Neil is fortunately, single! I know right: kilig na kayo, noh?
  This was a long time ago but when I was watching television, I stumbled upon a show that featured the Azkals after their phenomenal game against Vietnam in 2010. They were asking some of the players to answer the host's questions and write it on a piece of paper so that their other team mates won't see their answer. The question "Sino ang babaero sa inyong lahat?". And guess what? Every one of the players wrote Neil's name down on the paper given to them. Yeah, so if you're thinking of trying to catch Neil's eyes, you'd better have a good appearance.
  I am actually following him on twitter now, and he has a lot of girl followers, believe me. If you're interested in seeing his I-love-girls-so-much tweets, follow him at @Neil38Etheridge and see his tweets for yourselves.
  If ever you get to be the next girlfriend of Neil, I would bow down to you. I don't think that kind of guy with those kind of abs would date just any kind of girl. Good luck to you!!! :)

  Neil posted this last December: “I can now officially say I will attend the AFC Challenge Cup in February! Fulham have granted permission and I am flying out weekend before!" he announced on his twitter page. That would be really great, because a lot of our Filipinos have missed him in the fields for the last couple of months. Neil will also be coming back to the Philippines on February 29 for the Azkals' friendly against Malaysia. So, to all the girls out there reading this blog, buy the tickets now, get your sexiest clothes ready, and an autograph and camera in hand, because Neil Etheridge is finally coming back!

Stay tuned for more gossip on Neil!