Some things about Neil Etheridge

INFO"S ABOUT NEIL ETHERIDGE:
He loves Rnb and HipHop songs
He watches Entourage from HBO.
He admits to being picky with girls.
He stopped schooling to pursue his football career.
His favorite food is adobo.
Neil Etheridge doesn’t mind going into showbiz.
He was invited to play for the Azkals in 2007, declined because he didn’t know anything about the team or language.
He love's to cook.He used to watch her mum cooking.
He's favorite color is black.
He close to his parents.
He alway bring mobile phone, wallet, keys and money.

Neil Etheridge: Showbiz can wait

MANILA, Philippines - Filipino-British Azkals goalkeeper Neil Etheridge is not keen on entering show business.

Etheridge admitted that there are a lot of offers for him to join showbiz but his priority right now is football.

"“I have a very successful and a bright future playing football in England and I want to experience that before I really enter showbiz. If my time is up before I can enter showbiz in the Philippines, that's just life. But for me football is my main priority.... I’ll carry on doing that. It makes people happy," Etheridge said.

Etheridge made the statement in an interview with ABS-CBN News during a victory party in Makati.

Etheridge and other members of Azkals arrived in Manila early Sunday following theirsuccessful campaign in Myanmar last week. The Philippine Azkals made it to the final group of the 2012 Challenge Cup tournament by hammering out a sensational 3-0 victory over the Bangladesh Bengal Tigers on Friday.

Aside from Etheridge, Phil Younghusband, the Azkals midfielder, has also been offered showbiz projects.

It would be recalled that Phil was criticized by no less than actress Angelica Panganiban after the latter learned that the Azkals heartthrob supposedly accepted an offer to appear in an independent film.

Victory party

Meanwhile, some Azkals members, including an injured Phil, were unable to attend their victory party because of other commitments, James Younghusband said.

An excited James, who is looking forward to their future competitions, added that the team is taking a brief vacation right now before preparing for their next competition in June.

When asked about his love life, James admitted that he misses his half Filipina, half British girlfriend named Fona. He said it was difficult to communicate with her while the team was in Myanmar.

Filipino-Spanish booter Angel Aldeguer Guirado, meantime, thanked all Filipinos for their support. He scored 2 goals when the Azkals clashed with Bangladesh Bengal Tigers on Friday. -Report from Gretchen Fullido, ABS-CBN News

Azkals don't cause earthquakes: Etheridge

MANILA, Philippines – When the Philippine Azkals were in Japan for training, a major earthquake and huge tsunami struck that country. Another earthquake rocked Myanmar as it was hosting the Challenge Cup group where Azkals were one of the challengers.

These coincidences led many to say in jest that earthquakes seem to hit when the Azkals are around. And now that they are back in the country, jokes are now circulating that the Philippines might be hit next.

Filipino-British goal keeper Neil Etheridge simply shrugged off the teasing as he pointed out that earthquakes are something that cannot be predicted.

“You can’t predict anything. It’s an act of nature. It’s an act of God. You carry on with your days as normal as possible,” he said.

“I take things as they go. I got a flight back to London tomorrow evening. If anything was to occur, then it occurs.”

Etheridge also maintained that he is unfazed by all criticisms being thrown at him and his team, saying that he would rather not dwell on individuals “who criticize and hate on people.”

He said: “I’m quite confident on my own ability and I like to show that on and off the field…. Fortunately, I am who I am. I try to please many people as I can. I have lots of fans and I'd like to keep them happy. So, I would like to concentrate on people who keep me happy more than the people who hate and want to bring me down.” -Report from Gretchen Fullido, ABS-CBN News

New Fil-Spanish Azkal Angel Aldeguer "ready" to join showbiz

V Patrol World screencap from ABS-CBN News

When asked if he had plans of joining local showbiz, new Filipino-Spanish Azkals player Angel Aldeguer toldABS-CBN News through his interpreter, "I like showbiz at home so I think I'll be ready for that."

Aldeguer, 26 years old and 6'3 tall, plays for the Spanish Third Division Club Deportivo Ronda, according toMalaya. His mother hails from Isabela. In the report aired yesterday, ABS-CBN News said the Antonio Banderas look-alike has started training with the Azkals but he will not join the team in the match against Mongolia on March 15. "I wish them all the luck in the world, and I hope they win that match," his interpreter quoted him as saying.

Azkals Coach Hans Michael Weiss has praised Aldeguer's versatility on the field. "While other players talk (about) what they can do, he does his talking on the playing pitch... Aldeguer is a versatile player who can play midfield or forward," he told Malaya.

If the Azkals win against Mongolia, Weiss told Malaya that the Malaga native is certain to be included among the 23-man roster he will submit for the Myanmar group stages.

Aldeguer does not speak English but Weiss told Malaya, "This won't be a problem since the football language is universal... I will supply them with a dictionary that translates football terms in Spanish, German, Italian, English and Portuguese."

Azkals cover Metro Society’s ‘Men Issue’

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Azkals were virtual unknowns when they first broke into the football scene, probably closer to the mongrel breed they had been named after than the winning and winsome team they are today.

But since then, they've become overnight sensations and practically rallying figures for the sport and the Philippines' newfound pride in the sporting scene.

Football's overnight sensations and good-looking players with their legions of admiring fans here and in other shores—it could very well be a formula for a magazine publishing company to hit gold.

Well, "Metro Society" certainly thinks so.

Azkals in March issue

This month, the Azkals will grace the cover of the magazine’s men’s issue. It features Neil Etheridge, Rob Gaier, Jason de Jong, Captain ball Aly Borromeo, Anton del Rosario and Simon Greenwich.

The cover shows the Azkals dressed in Louis Vuitton suits flown in from the United States. They’re also half-clad, shirts off and in full-sporting gear in the inside pages.

The magazine features sports photography by Philip Sison showing the players with the Philippine flag. Another photo shows the players caught in a mid-air leap.

"We had the Azkals for three hours. They were very cooperative," said Metro Society Editor-in-Chief Raul Manzano in an interview on ANC's "Headstart."

Manzano said the Azkals are good copies for the clientele of the magazine, adding a lot of society people even flew to Bacolod to watch their last game with Mongolia. He added that some of the players including the likes of Anton del Rosario, who is a Tuason, is also a member of the elite.

He even revealed someone from another magazine even spied on their shoot, proving that competition exists in the industry.

The issue which is scheduled to hit magazine stands on March 10, is expected to fly-off stands, especially in Bacolod and Iloilo where the Azkals have a huge fan base.

Metro Society has printed 65,000 copies, 15,000 more than what the magazine has originally printed. Editors are confident the issue will sell and could even merit a second printing.

The Younghusbands, however, are not part of the March issue as they couldn’t make it due to earlier commitments.

"The Younghusbands were in the magazine two years ago as the cover," Manzano explained.

Readers will be expecting more from the Younghusbands, however. Metro Society is currently negotiating with Fil-Britons Phil and James to contribute in the sports section.

Phil Younghusband and 4 more Azkals players sexy shirtless for Preview Magazine Read more: Phil Younghusband and 4 more Azkals players sexy shirtless

Phil and James, Younghusband, Ian Araneta, Simon Greatwich and Aly Borromeo of the Azkals pose shirtless, sweaty and greasy, in their photoshoot for a magazine.

In the said shoot, Phil Younghusband was the only one who knelt down (on one knee) and the rest, including his brother James(in red shorts), are all standing.

According to Gio Paredes, the pic's uploader on Phil Younghusband's Facebook Page, the photoshoot is for Preview Magazine's April 2011 issue.

He also revealed to Mykiru that the Azkals are also featured on another fashion magazine coming out this March. (I already know the name of the magazine). You have to watch out for that!

I also hope that Garage and Men's Health magazines will also feature the Azkals on their next issues.





Read more: Phil Younghusband and 4 more Azkals players sexy shirtless for Preview Magazine ~ MyKiRu IsYuSeRo http://mykiru.blogspot.com/2011/02/phil-younghusband-azkals-preview-mag.html#ixzz1GC7Izuc4

Neil Etheridge, Phil and James Younghusband of the Azkals are all "single" Read more: Neil Etheridge, Phil and James Younghusband of the Azkals are a

Neil Etheridge and the Younghusbands, three of the Fil-Brit Azkals players, are all single, according to Phil Younghusband himself.

Azkals striker Phil Younghusband definitely made his fans happy when he revealed on national T.V. that he is very much single.

TV Patrol's Korina Sanchez had a one-on-one live interview with Phil last night and she asked if he has a girlfriend.

Phil gamely answered the question. "Wala, wala na po...Not right now
pero maybe siguro in the future."

And just because of that, Phil immediately made it to the Top 10
Trending Topics on Twitter the same evening.

Korina also asked how many Azkals are still single. Phil cited the names of those who are single and those who are not.

According to Phil, his brother James Younghusband (#7) is also single
as well as Neil Etheridge (#1). But Jason De Jong (#17), Rob Gier (#2) and Ray Jonsson (#27) are already taken.

And how about their goodlooking coach Simon McMenemy? Phil revealed that Simon already has a fiancee. (Yes, he's engaged to marry next year)

With the attention he's getting and now with lots of fans, Phil could easily break into showbiz. But the Fil-Brit footballer isn't open to it for now.

Korina asked if he wants to be an "artista", Phil said: "No, ayoko. Daming tsismis."

True! Showbiz might just cause him distractions, especially
now that Azkals have a promising future ahead of them.

Photos courtesy of Beetrix_ on Twitter and the AFF

Neil Etheridge, Vice Ganda's newest crush

Azkals' goalkeeper Neil Etheridge is the new "apple of the eye" of Vice Ganda, at least as of the moment ('coz he might have a new crush tomorrow or the next day).

Vice, who's turning 35 this March, is now eyeing on Neil Etheridge, who just turned 21 last Monday, after liking Neil's teammate Phil Younghusband.

On Twitter last night, Vice tweeted Angel not to date Younghusband.

vicegandako: "@143redangel magpapaalipin ako sayo habang buhay wag m0 lang hadlangan ang pagiibigan namin ni Phil! Mahal ko sya!!! *nakaluhodnagmamakaawa"

vicegandako: @143redangel humanda ka! Sasapi ako sa mga bampira! Magtutuos tayo! Ako ang itinakda!!! Waaaaaa!!!!

But minutes later, Vice changed his mood and has given up Phil to Angel, coz he now likes another Azkals player, the hot and gorgeous Neil Etheridge.

vicegandako: "@143redangel o cge magpaparaya nako kay Phil. Basta ichika moko kay Neil Etheridge ha. Eeeeeeeee!!!!!!"

And then before Vice logged out of Twitter last night, he posted this tweet: "
A simple "Happy Valentine's Day" greeting from @Neil38Etheridge would make my life complete! Eeeeeee!!!!!!"

Neil Etheridge is now Vice's 4th crush this 2011, after Paulo Hubalde, Edward Mendez and Phil Younghusband, and the long list will definitely continue 'til the end of the year.

***

On a serious note...Neil Etheridge may not play for the Azkals' 2nd game against Mongolia on March 15. Seriously sad news right?

A brand new report on Inquirer Sports today says that it's unsure whether Neil's original team, the Fulham FC, will allow him to play again for the Azkals, especially that he now needs to devote more time for the Philippine team which has a strong chance of advancing to the group stage of the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup.

“I will be away for too long and the club may not allow that. But of course, I am also considering the importance of the match,” Neil tells Inquirer Sports.

Neil is also set to sign a long-term contract with Fulham FC. Does this mean goodbye for Neil as an Azkals player?

Azkals----> Neil Etheridge

Neil Etheridge has made the leap from Academy goalkeeper to international performer in the blink of the eye.

The gifted stopper joined Fulham as a 15-year-old hopeful, but quickly became one of the Club’s brightest talents. His performances caught the eyes of the England youth selectors, but having represented his country of birth at Under-16 level, it has been his mother’s home nation where he has arguably made his greatest impression.

Having won his first full cap for the Philippines in 2008 during the AFC Challenge Cup, Enfield-born Etheridge has been catapulted to star status.

“It’s a bit surreal to be honest,” explains Neil. “There is a lot of interest whenever I go back there and it’s funny because over here I live a quiet life – not too many people recognise me if I’m honest.

“But in the Philippines they’re crazy for the team - you get mobbed. Obviously, because I’m part of the set-up at a Premier League club, that’s massive for them. The fans want to hear all about it – and that’s nice.

“I try and take it all in my stride, and as a result I’ve had to grow up very quickly. It is like living two different lives. It was difficult to get my head around at first, but it’s a fantastic experience to be part of.”

Consequently, Etheridge has seen parts of the world that few in his situation would witness. Running out against the likes of Brunei, Bhutan and Tajikstan is a far cry from the Surrey confines of Motspur Park.

At 21, he has 19 caps to his name and looks set to become an important player for the Philippines for many, many years to come.

“That’s not a bad amount of international caps for someone my age,” says Neil. “I’m seeing places that I never thought I would see and at the recent South East Asian Games I played in front of a crowd of more than 100,000.

“We did really well to reach the semi-final, the furthest the country had gone in a very long time, so it was a special moment not just for myself, but the whole nation. It was an unforgettable experience for us.

“To play in front of that many people was mind-blowing, and I’m sure that when the day comes that I make an appearance for the First Team, it will be something that will have stood me in good stead.

“Football in the Philippines is on the up and a lot of time and money has been invested. The game means so much to the people, and already the hard-work is showing results. We have lots of new coaches and facilities, and that’s very positive.

“I like to think that I have become a key member of the squad, and I want to be part of the journey for as a long as I can. I look forward to being involved and helping the team – it’s exciting.”

Etheridge was initially on the books of SW6 rivals Chelsea in his early teens, and whilst he admits that his opening education there taught him a lot, he cites his six years at Fulham as being the most beneficial.

“It’s at Fulham where I have made my progression,” reveals Neil. “I’ve learned a lot here and I feel, particularly in the last 18 months, that I have come on leaps and bounds. I feel more confident and a real part of the First Team squad now.

“It’s difficult when you first come up from the Academy – it takes a little while to assert yourself. I’ve worked my way up through the scholarship and I’m very proud of that. It wasn’t that long ago that I was playing for the Under-18s, although it does feel like a long time now.

“I try and keep in touch with the players I came through with - it’s only Matty Saunders and Matthew Briggs that remain here from that group now. That just shows how fine the line is at this level and you just don’t know where this game will take you.

“As a result I’m determined to prove my worth and hopefully be a part of things here as well. You have to adapt quickly and show what you can do – for a goalkeeper sometimes that can be extremely difficult.”

Having spent part of the 2008/09 season out on loan at Isthmian League Division One South club Leatherhead, Etheridge has maintained a regular place in Billy McKinlay’s Development Squad starting XI.

His advancement has also seen Mark Hughes name him on the bench for 10 of his First Team squads as David Stockdale moved up to fill in for the absent Mark Schwarzer – an indication of the regard in which Etheridge is held.

“I may not have played, but I still look back on that period at the start of the season and then at the turn of the year as pivotal moments for me,” he says. “It was just such a rewarding experience to be part of the squad on matchday.

“I got to go to grounds like Anfield and, of course, walk out behind the team at Craven Cottage. At this stage of my career I can’t ask for much more. Training with the First Team every day is one thing, but travelling with the Manager and the players on the day of the game is what it’s all about.

“It was another surreal experience, but one that was also very, very enjoyable. It goes without saying that I want more of the same.

“It would mean a lot for myself, my family and my country.”