Cummins' Future Undecided
Illawarra Mercury
Tuesday September 23, 2008
WOLLONGONG FC player of the year Danial Cummins is no certainty to play for the NSW Premier League champions next season - but he won't play against them.
Cummins, who won the Wolves' top gong at the presentation on Friday, is undecided about next season after juggling work commitments and a long commute to star for Wollongong this season.The 30-year-old said after working "silly hours" this year he would hang up the boots if he couldn't come to an arrangement for 2009."I'm more than happy at Wollongong with the boys and with John Turner, but it comes back to my day job," Cummins said. "I would never play against Wollongong - with the boys still here and JT (Turner) as coach I couldn't play against them."Last season I had to start early on training days and finish late on off days and work weekends."Cummins, who lives in Miranda, said it was difficult to work in the Sydney CBD, then make the trip to Wollongong four nights a week for training and games. The central defender confirmed there had been some interest from other NSW Premier League clubs in the wake of Wollongong's stunning premiership charge, but his loyalty to the Wolves precluded a move to a Sydney-based outfit.If he does line up next year, Cummins will be without good mate, retired captain Ben Blake.Cummins took the captain's armband in Blake's absence for a couple of games last season, but said full-time leadership wouldn't be an incentive to return."Its nice to lead a club like the Wolves, but it's not what motivates me," Cummins said. "As long as I am a senior player in the squad, I'll be in a leadership role."Turner praised Cummins' consistency during the Wolves' championship run. "What you see is what you get - Danial is a great leader, on and off the field," Turner said. "He helps me with my job out on the field and the biggest thing about him is his consistency, week-to-week."
© 2008 Illawarra Mercury
Share This