Severino backing Bankstown City Lions success

The 27-year-old dead ball specialist has since upped Bankstown City Lions? chances of taking out the TeleChoice Premier League Premiership and discussed a couple of views with Football NSW?s Media Manager Mark Stavroulakis.
MS) How does it feel being back playing in Australia again? 
DS) It?s good to be home again, I really missed Australia this time and I think it’s a perfect time of year for myself to come home.
MS) How was your experience playing football in Malta for the Silema Wanderers?
DS) My experience in Malta was a mixed one. Originally I was there on a short holiday from my season in Italy but ended up staying there. The football there is very technical which suited me perfect and I had a good time playing and living there.
MS) You were close to signing a professional contract in China after that, what happened there?
DS) That?s true, I went to China in March to sign for Dalian FC who had won 7 from 9 Chinese Super League titles. Whilst I was there waiting for the club after agreeing personal terms, it simply fell apart. I believe it was the Chinese agents who were representing us that may have gotten too greedy and didn’t close the two-year deal I had agreed on.
MS) Has there been any A-League interest since returning?
DS) Yes there has been as I’ve been informed that a few clubs are monitoring my performances which is what I had hoped for. I’m scoring freely at the moment and hoping to be part of the A-League in the coming month fingers crossed.
MS) Bankstown City Lions have always been a familiar club to you, how have you seen the team in 2009?
DS) Whilst I was overseas I kept in touch with their progress and it was no secret they struggled in the last third. We’ve now fixed that problem and the young boys both Peter Tsekenis and Peter Papoythis have signed are almost the best going around. The team is hitting it’s straps at the right time.
MS) Do you feel as though the club has what it takes to take out the TeleChoice Premier Championship?
DS) I think that we might just run out of games to catch Sydney United but you never know. I believe they had 11 points on us since I joined the team and we’ve closed it to 4 with four matches remaining. But I do believe we will make the final and from there anything can happen on the day.
MS) Which TeleChoice Premier League club has impressed you thus far?
DS) The toughest match we have played since I arrived was against Sutherland Sharks. We edged them out 4-3 in a top match and I’m anticipating them to be in the Semi-Finals.
MS) Do you believe the style of football has improved since returning?
DS) I believe it has as the amount of talent and good young players coming through is great, especially now with the A-League having an Under 20?s competition for the young boys to push themselves in developing into potential senior players.
MS) You are known as having the best left-foot in the TeleChoice Premier League especially from dead ball situations, what is your secret?
DS) There’s no real secret but having the confidence to step up and not be scared to put the ball where you want it to go. But endless nights of practicing for years has got something to do with it. I’ve developed my own style and run up and made it my own.
MS) What is your view on Player/Manager Peter Tsekenis who has been a keen supporter of your game?
DS) Honestly he didn’t know too much about me a few years ago. He rang Nick Carle asking about me and took his word. He understands my game and what I can offer to the team and we work off it. He is a man who takes calculated risks which have paid off time and time over. He obviously wants to take his coaching to the next level and when he gets there I hope I’m still young enough to play under him.
MS)What are the rest of your goals for 2009?
DS) To win the TeleChoice Premier League final and along the way score as many goals as I can and finally to play in the A-League. I want to take my football to the next level and want to be given my chance in the A-League.

-By Mark Stavroulakis