For Kevin Grogan It's Not What If But Rather What's Next

In 1998 Manchester United signed Kevin Grogan, one of Ireland's most talented footballers, on a 3-year-contract.  That same year the attacking midfielder played an instrumental role for Brian Kerr's Irish team when they won the Under 16 European Championship in Scotland.  Grogan had a bright future to look forward to or so it seemed.

After winning the European tournament upon his return to Old Trafford the 16-year-old began to have problems with his groin, hip and pelvis. After two operations and a bout of rehabilitation Grogan was back at it, however, so was the pain.  Eventually he was diagnosed with bone erosion in his pelvis, which was caused by overuse during intensive physical training.

While he rested the United Under 17 Academy team closed in on a chance to win their league.  Grogan was called back prematurely and although he helped the team win the title he was apprehensive and fearful about taking several cortisone injections.  The 1998 season ended relatively well, then in 1999 United wanted Grogan to undergo another operation on his groins.  "It carried a lot of risk because physically I wasn't fully developed.  They had nothing to lose.  I had.  It was my body."

Alex Ferguson understood Grogan's decision not to have the operation.  Good sound advice from Brian Kerr encouraged the gifted footballer back to League Of Ireland's UCD to play ball under less strain and a degree in Sports Management to boot.

It was a great move for Grogan as he enjoyed the college life and he was still producing the magic, he was doing well.  Late in the year of 2000 he went back to United.  The trip got off to a great start when he met Roy Keane on the flight.  "He told me to keep being single-minded.  We had a good chat," said the spirited Grogan.

Right away Ferguson had Grogan train with the first team where he held his own.  The manager decided to have a practice match and called out the midfield of David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Roy Keane and Kevin Grogan.  It was an incredible week.  He even thought a return to United was on the cards.  Then in February 2001 the injuries once again came back to haunt him.

Even when a specialist back in Ireland had told Grogan he wouldn't play again there was one more operation, one more stint with UCD, and a final contract at Millwall.  After two months of hard work and so close to achieving the most satisfying return of his short career it was not to be.

"As I walked around the training ground something clicked in my brain.  I started thinking positive.  I looked back at how hard I had worked over the past five years to get to Manchester United, play for the Irish international team and then to make a success of my time at UCD where I got a diploma.  Finally there was my success in getting back to full time football with Millwall.  I took a deep breath and walked into the manager's office with my head held high.  I sat down with the manager Mark McGhee for a chat.  I knew my career was over but I could walk away proud of my achievements and my efforts."

Single mindedness has always been a Grogan trait from the time he kicked schoolboy football for Belvedere FC to his interactions with Teddy Sheringham during rehab.  His very last grasp at a resurrection was in 2006 in Antwerp, Belgium where he went under a major operation followed by rehabilitation for 8 months.  Then after playing for St. Pats he signed for Glentoran in 2007 to regain his match fitness before going back to English football.  Unfortunately his efforts were in vain, the injury was back again.  His playing days at the age of 26 were over, he was appointed Director of Football for his schoolboy club Belvedere FC.

The last thing Grogan wants is pity and people feeling sorry for him.  "What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger," he said.  He has rubbed shoulders with some of the best players in the world and to this day he still roots for John O'Shea, Graham Barrett, Stephen Reid and Richard Sadlier.  "I've no regrets and no begrudges at all.  I think I am a stronger person now.  I believe that my good work ethic that stood me so well in football will stand by me in the U.S.  It's not a matter of looking back and asking.  What if?  It's about looking forward and saying.  What's next?"

We caught up with Grogan last Saturday on his day off, or so he thought.

What clubs did you play for? 
Seagrange United, Belvedere FC, Manchester United, UCD, Millwall, Bray Wanderers, St Patrick's Athletic and Glentoran.

Best player you've ever played with? 
Paul Scholes and David Beckham

Best manager you ever had? 
Alex Ferguson. 

Why? 
So consistent in every thing he does, week in week out year after year.  He is still going.  He has a great knowledge of the game and is extremely meticulous!

Tell us about your experience with the Irish teams? 
Pulling on the green jersey is the biggest honor any athlete can have.  It was always a proud moment for me, and my family.  I was so fortunate to have played under Brian Kerr and the late Noel O'Reilly.  Two great masterminds of the game.  They both gave us the knowledge and confidence to succeed at club level.

What was it like to win the European Championship? 
We were underdogs.  The opponents such as Spain and Portugal had great technical ability but we had one thing they didn't have...we were Irish.  And the little bit of madness that's always associated with the Irish pulled us through so many times.  When our backs were up against the wall we dug deep and came out fighting.  Lifting the European championship cup was something to this day I'll never forget.  The sense of pride was surreal.  It was emotional!

Best achievement as a player? 
The European Championship.  From a personal point of view my biggest achievement was my last operation and a full year's rehab in Belgium.  I was a hermit, no partying and a strict diet.  It was the hardest thing I have ever done both physically and mentally.  I am very proud of the effort and sacrifice I made that year.

What made you stay in the game? 
The feeling you get when you make the pass or score; something I still miss and have not replaced. 

Why come to America? 
As a kid you hear of the great American dream.  The attitude of people to strive to be the best they possibly can is one that has always inspired me.  America brings the zest out in me.  It fills me with the enthusiasm to succeed and bounce back.   It's a chance for me to pass on to the kids of America the knowledge that I learned from the great Sir Alex Ferguson.  I want to offer a coaching service to one day identify and nurture players to play at the highest level.  Plans to coach soccer camps, academies, clinics and teams is simply my American dream.

Do you have any events coming up? 
We are in the process of setting up our first soccer academy, go to metrosoccerny.com for information.

Can you tell us about your experience coming over to the U.S. and feeling the place out?
Coming here was exciting and a bit scary I suppose.  I wanted to meet everyone and see everything.  At times it was tedious traveling around the country networking.  I wouldn't change it for the world though.  I've met some great characters and got a great feel for this country.  The land of opportunity still exists, recession or no recession

How was the visa experience? 
Visas are very hard to get in this country and I was fortunate that my soccer background enabled me to get a 3-year visa to start my own company.  I got a great written reference from sir Alex Ferguson that he sent to the embassy for me...this obviously helped a lot I'd say.

If somebody is trying to do the same you have done, any advice? 
Just keep the head down.  Network, be respectful to everyone, and keep believing.  I'm only starting out over here and there are days that are a slog but like anything you got to keep going.

Do you think United will win the EPL? 
Yes

Do you think Ireland will qualify for the 2010 World Cup? 
They have a chance this time around.

What's next in the U.S. for Kevin Grogan? 
There is talk of a book and I have a new soccer training aid coming out soon that I designed.  It's in the pipeline.

Favorite memory? 
The day I signed for Manchester United.  I was at Old Trafford with Sir Alex Ferguson, my mum and my dad.  I was just about to sign the forms and there was a knock on the door...in came the living legend Bobby Charlton.  He was part of the many great United teams and one of the survivors of the Munich air disaster.  What a player and if there was ever any one player that typified Manchester United it was Sir Bobby Charlton.  It made that day that bit more special.  It was great to have my parents there with me.  Great memories for us all