Seattle Sounders: Interview with Tyrone Mears

Seattle Sounders: Interview with Tyrone Mears

The Seattle Sounders entered the 2015 campaign, looking to improve on last year’s defensive efforts. Of the 10 teams which qualified for the playoffs, they conceded the most goals, along with the New York Red Bulls.

So far this year, the Sounders have shown signs of improvement, with three clean sheets in their first five games. One of the reasons for this, is the addition of right-back Tyrone Mears.

With 14 years-worth of experience, playing in England’s top two divisions (as well as a spell with Marseille in France), Mears appears well equipped for the MLS. We sat down with the 32-year old to talk about how he ended up in Seattle, what he does in his spare time and who his favorite woman is.

Emerald City Swagger: Tyrone, thank you for taking the time to talk to us. As a fellow Englishman who also grew up in the North West of England, I have to ask how a young boy from the Manchester area ended up playing football in Seattle? 

Apr 4, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Sounders FC fans hold up their scarves during player introductions against the Houston Dynamo at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated Houston, 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Tyrone Mears: I came over to train during the last English offseason, while Seattle were still playing, so that gave me a little bit of experience of this club. Then they gave me a call to ask if I’d be interested in coming back over and I said yes straight away!

ECS: David Beckham said CenturyLink Field is the only place over here that comes close to the atmosphere in Europe. How would you compare Seattle to England?

Mears: It’s a lot more relaxed. There’s a lot more trust on the players. The difference between the MLS and England is it’s a lot more tactical over there. Here, the onus is on us to go out and play and as a player you like that. You want that trust from the coaches and fans for you to step out there and show what you can do.

ECS: How well do you feel the defense is doing so far this season?

Mears: When I came over here, the coach said the team was fantastic going forward, but we had to improve defensively, and we’re working hard on that. Not just the back line, but the whole team, with people like Ovo and Clint getting back to assist. The more those guys can help, the more clean sheets we can keep and the more we’re going to win.

ECS: How are you adapting to life in Seattle?

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Mears: It’s been really easy. There’s so many friendly faces. Coming over here, everyone told me the weather isn’t too good, but to be honest, it’s been great. Yes, you get rain sometimes, but the sun always seems to be out. I have been warned it’s not always like this, but I’ve had a good winter and spring, and I believe the summers here are always amazing.

Overall, it’s hard to put a finger on it. I think everyone here just seems to be happy. I think that’s the best way I can describe it. You’re walking down the street here and people want to speak to you and not because you’re a soccer player – I’ve hardly been recognized – but because they want a friendly chat.

ECS: What do you do to relax and get away from the game?

Mears: To be honest with you, I’m actually thinking about taking a course to become an air pilot, so I’m currently trying to sort that out. Other than that, just general things like playing on the PlayStation. Normally I would have had my hands full with the kids, but my family stayed in England. Now, it’s been a little bit different, because I’ve been getting home to find no kids, and wondering what to do with myself.

Mar 28, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Seattle Sounders FC defender Tyrone Mears (4) controls the ball against FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium. FC Dallas tied Seattle 0-0. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

ECS: When will you get to see them next?

Mears: They’re actually here now. They’re here for a few weeks. So it’s been nice finishing training and having something to do. I also love my kids coming to see the games. They used to come to all the games in England. Having them here is fantastic. My eldest, who loves soccer, tells me I should have done this or I should have done that, why didn’t I score, and all the other things.

ECS: If you weren’t a footballer, what job would you do, bearing in mind what you just said about becoming a pilot?

Mears: The pilot thing would be good, but I’ve always loved Formula 1, so that would have been ideal.

ECS: I’m sure that would have been a lot of fun. Right, I’d just like to finish with a quick-fire round, so I hope you’re ready. What’s your favorite food to eat or meal to cook?

Mears: Favorite food is Sushi and my favorite meal to cook is anything Italian, involving pasta.

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ECS: Favorite music?

Mears: I’d have to say I love hip hop and R&B, but I’m quite open and I like all kinds of music.

ECS: Favorite TV series?

Mears: At the moment, Sons of Anarchy

ECS: Good show. Okay, I don’t want to get you into trouble here, but who’s your ideal woman?

Mears: Errr………….My mum! (Laughs)

ECS: I like it. Safe answer. Next, you’re stuck on a desert island. What three essential things do you need?

Mears: Now you’re testing me…..(thinking)…..food would be nice. Some sort of entertainment, like a TV and another person, so I have someone to talk to.

ECS: Nice. And finally, what’s been the highlight of your career so far?

Mears: I would have to say my experience in Marseille. However, I also enjoyed winning the playoff final with Derby County. That was amazing.

ECS: Tyrone, thank you again for your time. Good luck for the rest of the season.

Mears: My pleasure and thanks.