Fresh from signing his permanent contract with AFC Wimbledon of English League One yesterday, goalkeeper Nik Tzanev very kindly gave of his time to answer a few questions for me. Speaking in an accent that is very much half-Kiwi / half-English (he has lived in the UK since 2006), Nik opened up on the hard work that got him to his current success, the merits of a loan move to non-league football and also gives some advice for aspiring young Kiwi players who dream of making it as a professional in England.
It’s often said that we’re living in a media age. This has never been more evident than with the game of football which now receives saturation second-by-second coverage on various websites and social media. 
Some people say that the modern-day footballer is self-absorbed with no time for their supporters. It’s said most would rather be clubbing at Chinawhite’s in London than honing their skills on the training grounds of their respective clubs. As long as the hefty pay packets, so synonymous with the modern day footballer, are funding a luxurious lifestyle then the world is good. However, such people have clearly never met my interview subject… 
For me personally, it was fantastic to read yesterday that John Buttigieg – former Malta defender – has been given the job of Manager at Sliema Wanderers for the coming season. He brings a vast experience with him which has also included a spell in charge of the Maltese national side as well as Birkirkara and the Floriana Youth Academy. 
It’s been announced today that Portuguese club, Boavista, have signed Maltese international, André Schembri. The 30-year-old has signed a two-year contract with the Porto-based club who will be taking part in their third straight campaign in the top-flight Liga NOS in 2016-17. 
For those readers interested in Portuguese football, I have recently prepared an article for PortuGOAL.net on the current race to avoid relegation from the top flight. The Liga NOS has a two-team relegation system to the Liga 2 and there are no fewer than seven teams that are presently in danger of falling prey to the drop. 
