Wayne Brown: On loan from Fulham to TPS Turku (Finland)

Brown, in action on his debut for TPS.

Name: Wayne Brown

Date of Birth: 6th August 1988

Place of birth: Kingston upon Thames

Position: Central midfielder

Previous clubs: Fulham, Brentford

Present club: TPS

Wayne Brown is a player with some potential. Viewed by Fulham followers in the press and the stands as a battling, hard-working midfielder, the 20 year old has found first team opportunities hard to come by this season, due to the good form of those ahead of him in the pecking order. Reserve team coach Billy McKinlay has heaped praise on Brown, whose only start for the Lillywhites this term has been in the 3-0 loss to Manchester United in February. With first team appearances limited and an intriguing loan move to TPS and top flight football in Finland offered, Brown has grabbed the opportunity with both hands, as the goal on his debut suggests.

Having joined Fulham at the age of 14, Wayne worked his way up through their youth system, before making his debut for the Londoners against Bristol Rovers in the 2007/08 FA Cup. A loan spell at League Two side Brentford followed, as did a contract extension with Fulham, which keeps him at the club until 2010.

Wayne very kindly agreed to an interview soon after scoring against Haka after 4 minutes on his TPS debut – a feat that earned him Performance of the Week here at Les Rosbifs.

Les Rosbifs: How did the move to Finland come about?

Wayne Brown: The gaffer at Fulham (former Finnish national team manager Roy Hodgson) had mentioned to me that it could be an option to play in Finland, as the season went through the summer. TPS had watched me in a few games and they were keen on taking me on loan. The gaffer gave me permission to join them if I wanted to and went from there.

How are you finding things so far?

I’ve been training for a couple of weeks now and they’re a good bunch of lads to be around and train with. I’ve moved into my apartment, so I’m starting to feel at home now. It was great to start my debut with a goal but disappointing to lose the first game.

How was your time with Brentford? The club had a mixed season last year.

It was my first loan spell so I learnt a lot. I played 11 games which was good and got some good experience and knowledge of the game in a lower English league.

How does playing and training with TPS compare to Brentford? I suspect the standard of play in Finland is slightly higher than league 2?

It’s hard to say at the moment because I’ve only played in one game and not seen too many games ye. From the little that I have seen though, the standard looks good.

What sort of standard is the Finnish League? Better than Championship, or League 1?

I would probably say League 1.

How does football in Finland differ from that in England?

So far I think the tempo isn’t as high or as intense as it is in England, You get a bit more time on the ball.

What about the training facilities and stadium – how do they compare?

They are very different. I’m not used to training on Astroturf pitches, which is big change and very different to grass. But the facilities are fine. We have everything we need. Fulham’s facilities are perfect – pitches, gym, medical, fitness, coaches, etc.

What are the fans like?

The fans are good. We have a section with very loud fans which always helps and they never stop singing, which will only help you on the pitch.

And the press?

The press are fine. I had an interview after the game on Saturday which was good.

How do the press and players view you? As a typical English player?

I’m not really too sure. I think they will make a decision after a few more games.

How easy/difficult has it been to fit into the Finnish way of life?

It’s been no problem at all. Everyone has been helpful at the club, by finding me somewhere to live, a car and so on. Chris Cleaver (his English team-mate at TPS) has been showing me around the town and everyone talks English so it’s great. Training has been easy to understand.

Do you get on with Chris Cleaver? It’s rare to find two English players at the same club overseas!

He has been great from the first day. He picked me up from the hotel, showing me the town, talking to me in training about what’s happening and so on. A really nice guy.

How have you found the language?

The language isn’t a problem because everyone speaks English. I’m learning words each day, such as hello, thanks, etc.

Obviously this is a short term move, but would you have preferred to have been loaned to another English club?

I went to League 2 last year which was good, but this is a different challenge for me in the top league in Finland and one I’m looking forward to. It’s loads of games in the short period I’m here.

What do you miss about England and English football?

The hardest thing is not seeing your family and friends, girlfriend and the roast dinner!

What next in your career?

Well, after my loan period here, I go back to England and have a small break before returning to Fulham. Hopefully then I will be a part of the gaffers plans for the season, or maybe I will be loaned to a Championship team in England.

How do you think you and your team will fare in for the rest of the season?

We were disappointed to lose the opening game but we have good coaches, manager, medical staff and players. I have no clue what the other teams are like but we will try our hardest and hopefully we will be rewarded at the end of the season by our position in the table. We have the ability to do well.

Any aspirations to make this a permanent move?

I’m very happy at Fulham and still have a year and half left of my contract. This is just a good opportunity to play some first team football and gain experience for when I return to England.

Or would you consider a move to another country, instead of going back to England?

I’m very settled at Fulham and in England with my family. I believe it is the best league in the world, with the best players and that’s where I want to be.

My thanks to Wayne Brown for giving up his time for this interview – I wish you the best of luck in Finland at with Fulham. I would also like to thank the incredibly helpful Hanna Korpimäki at TPS for her help and Teemu Saarinen for use of the images.