Special Feature: Andy Bevin, APIA Leichhardt Tigers’ roaring Kiwi enjoying football life

Since January he has been playing for his local side however, prior to this he was playing College Football in the USA for West Virginia University where he was also studying
Readily admitting to being an Arsenal fan in recent years there has been a plethora of players to admire leading the attack for the Gunners but does one stand out and has hasn?t modelled himself on any in particular.
?No, not really.
?It?s how I?ve progressed , my build and physical attributes and do what works for me as I?m not the tallest player.
?I try to be nippy around the ball, twist and turn the defence and be nippy around their feet and try to create chances for others to feed off and, obviously, if I get a chance I will try to take it but I think it?s almost impossible to model yourself on anyone in particular as we are all individual.?
When pressed hard enough he readily admitted.
?OK, Thierry Henry is the Arsenal shirt I have my wall at home, Dennis Bergkamp is another hero of mine and being half Dutch myself you have to look after the boys….and Robin van Persie of course!,? he chuckles.
?He has had an outstanding season and is a typical players, not the fastest around but you look and see what works for him and maybe see if you can adapt it into your game, the way he beats defenders and the way he hits the ball.
His adaptation to the APIA Leichhardt Tigers side looks very promising, especially against Rockdale City Suns where his low centre of gravity and fast feet were a constant nuisance to the visiting defence.
?I think I?ve settled in quite well and it?s different from playing back home with some very technical players so you just have to take what comes to you on these pitches.
?When a chance comes your way you need to try and do something special because it?s more of a physical game and I?m not the most physical player so when something comes my way I am looking to create opportunities or have a go myself.?
When asked what he would like to be in five years? time he stated ?Six foot!?
Fair play to the likeable lad for getting one over the questioner but added.
?I would hope to be a full-time professional somewhere of course, I?d love that to be Australia.
?Like everyone else, I would hope I could take the opportunity if it came along so my aim to play well for APIA and hopefully turn a few heads and see what comes of it.
?I would love to give it a really good go and make a profession of it so that?s what I?m working towards.?
State League football isn?t paying everything and there is a need for the lad to work part time as a waiter as well as concentrate on football after spending last year studying.
The studies have been put on hold for a year as he tries to make his mark in the round ball game and especially hopeful of possibly making the New Zealand Olympic football squad for London 2012.
?The squad gets picked next and that would be a dream come true for me to be a part of that but I need to see how my season goes here and decide whether to play and study or play full-time.
?We?ll have to wait and see.?
Due to tender years, Bevin is far too young to understand the significance of the opening title being a part-time waiter, Manuel from Fawlty Towers etc. but he has a very dry sense of humour and his head very firmly screwed on.
One thing is for sure and certain though, keep your eye on this kid as the Kiwi selectors could certainly do a whole lot worse than pick the lad to go London and from there, who knows?
-By Micky Brock