Exclusive Interview: Jay DeMerit

Photo Courtesy of Jay DeMerit

Name: Jay DeMerit

Age: 37

Position: Centre Back

Club: None - Retired

Nation: USA

Former USA International, Jay DeMerit, played his youth football at the University of Illinois at Chicago, before making the move to England to forge a career for himself. He started at Southall in 2003, before moving to Northwood for a brief spell. From there, he moved to now Premier League side Watford, where he had a long and successful time at the heart of the Hornets defence. He scored 9 goals in 183 games for the Hertfordshire based side. His most notable goal was the first in a 3-0 win over Leeds United in the Championship Playoff Final, to earn Watford promotion to the Premier League. He quickly became a fan favourite at Vicarage Road, and is still highly thought of in that part of the country. After leaving Watford, DeMerit moved back closer to home, signing with the Vancouver Whitecaps. He made 71 appearances and scored one goal during his time in Vancouver, before announcing his retirement. During his career, he won 25 caps for his country, and was part of their 2007 CONCAF Gold Cup winning squad.

Q - How does the MLS differ to the English Leagues?

Jay - Overall, they are both physical and athletic leagues. I'd say the quality in the final thirds is a little better in England. In the MLS, there are a lot of big travel days and the league is much more spread out geographically so it's also harder to create those "derby" days in the stadiums. But the MLS is certainly catching up to the bigger leagues around the world, which is exciting.

Q - How has the league evolved since you moved to Vancouver in 2011?

Jay - I think even when I entered the MLS , there was probably 6 guys per 11 that could start in other big leagues around the world. With the additions of a higher salary cap and more DP spots in MLS, I'd say now it's close to 9-10 per starting 11, so that's a great improvement.

Q - Looking back on your career, can you talk us through your rise up the English leagues, then on to Vancouver?

Jay - Landing on English shores with nothing but a backpack and a dream was never going to be easy. But the English culture of football kept me there when the times weren't easy. It was amazing to be a part of such a great culture where the sport matters so much and I knew I had to make it work. So that's just what I did. Worked hard, believed in myself and my qualities and worked relentlessly until I made it happen.

Q - You spent a number of years at Watford, do you have anything to say about your time at Vicarage Road?

Jay - Playing in the playoff final (and especially winning it) is still surreal at times. Sometime I see a replay of that goal and the amazing team performance across the board that day and it just brings a smile to my face. It's those moments that no one can take away from you, and it's those moments that make the legacy of the club that much better. I'm proud to be a part of that legacy.

Q - You also have a number of USA caps, what was it like to represent your country?

Jay - The greatest honour you can ever have in the sport in my opinion is to represent the flag of your country. To be one of the 11 picked to go out and perform at that stage has great pressure, but I always tried to turn that into excitement, that I was fortunate to be one of those players, and that usually transferred into doing a decent job for the team. And you create a great bond with your fellow countrymen.

Q - Do you think people are starting to take the MLS more seriously this year? And do you think this will continue?

Jay - I think so, with world class players coming into the league every day, as well as culture and supporters groups getting stronger, it's only a matter of time before it's right up there with the best leagues in the world.

Q - Do you think the rise of the Chinese Super League may hinder the MLS in terms of player transfers?

Jay - It might, but if that's the case, I can see it hindering all of the leagues around the world.

Q - Are you looking to go into coaching now you've retired?

Jay - I’ve started my own camps for teenagers up in the mountains where I live near Vancouver. We teach life skills through experience and a mentorship program, all while camping out in the mountains and playing high end soccer. It's so much fun and we are changing the curriculum of youth development in sports.

Q - How do you rate the Whitecaps chances in the MLS this season?

Jay - They should push for the playoffs. They have a deep squad but you always need one or two to have a breakout year, so I think it will depend on that.

Q - And one final one, from my Watford supporting friend - he wants to know if you’ll become the manager of Watford?!

Jay - I’m happy to be a life ambassador for the Yellow Army, but I don't need any more grey hairs quite yet!

We’d like to thank Jay for his time, and we wish him all the very best in his future endeavours.

Don't forgot to check out Jay's training camp for teenagers below: https://www.theriseandshinefoundation.com/captainscamps

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