Pictured Above: A young Steven Pimm leads the Mitcham players out of the race during a Senior game.
It's not often new recruits get a one on one interview on a local EFL website. There are always exceptions to the rule and this story is one worth documenting.
Ever since I took the reigns of club president four years ago there has been one player on our "to get list"...Steven Pimm. I am a young president and unfortunately I was not around during the "glory days". I was however a young supporter in 2005 watching a vibrant forward running around Walker Park every second Saturday. This bloke wore the number 9 Guernsey and wore it with pride.... and for a very good reason.
Stevens father Greg was a well respected man around the football club. He also wore number 9 for the Tigers. A very competent, consistent and loyal senior player, in fact a dual premiership player in the years 1980 & 1981. Greg Pimm was a well known name in the Tigers "glory days".
Unfortunately every story has an ending and this ending is too well known to several of us around the club. Whilst playing Ringwood at JubileePark on June 17, 1989, Greg had a severe medical complication while playing the game. Sadly Greg Pimm could not be revived leaving not only the Mitcham football club and community shocked, but the whole league.
It is always a hard thing when you lose someone so special to your club. I can’t imagine how hard it would be if they were family. Steven Pimm has made the decision to come back to the club.....a big decision when you consider the family background. Mitcham is a club Pimmy has always loved. As much as there is an emotional link in this story....Pimmy has come back to write his own chapter in the clubs history.
I sat down with Pimmy this week to get his thoughts on his return to Tigerland;
Q: What is the reason you have come back to Mitcham?
A: I have always wanted / planned to finish my career at Mitcham. I’m looking forward to working with a young and exciting group. I have always wanted to play for dad's trophy (Pimm Memorial Trophy v Ringwood), which is something I have never had the chance to do.
Q: What are your thoughts on the club since your return, both on-field and off-field?
A: The club and committee have been fantastic since my return. I've never felt so welcome. Scott (Homewood) has been very good taking me under his wing as a playing assistant coach which is a new challenge I'm looking forward too. A few of dad's mates have contacted me since I signed and they are fairly excited to see me wearing the Yellow & Black jumper once again. Last time I was at the club (2005) there were some very good footballers...and we knew it. Thinking back I think we may have taken it for granted! This time around there is a different buzz! Although winning a premiership is the ultimate goal...these boys love being around the club. The hard work and eagerness of the list I have seen so far, creates a fantastic culture within the playing ranks both on and off the field. A key reason I want to be involved at Mitcham again!
Q: What will it mean to pull on the number 9 jumper in 2013? There is obviously a strong family background at the club. From what you have said so far, your aim is to write your own chapter! What do you aim to achieve at Mitcham over the next few years?
A: Firstly I would like to thank Patty Spendlove for giving up the number 9 jumper for me to wear in 2013. It honestly means more to me than he will probably ever know!! There is obviously a huge history behind that number at Mitcham. Dad played a lot of very good games wearing it. I’m hoping to do the same....but kick a heap more goals than he did! I’m not very good with stats, but I think the last player to wear the number 9 in a premiership side was a "Pimm". I'm hoping that in the next couple of years it will be my turn to play in a long awaited flag wearing the number 9 jumper with Mitcham.
Pimmy has taken on an assistant coaching role alongside Scott for the 2013 season. Let’s hope the Tigers can get off to a very positive start to 2013 and help Steven complete his personal aspirations. I know from a club point of view the entire Mitcham communty is on the same page. Its time for the Tigers to stand up and match it with the best!
I Look forward to seeing you all at the practice matches,
Keep an eye on the website for updates on new recruits and club news.
Matt McCubbin
(President, Mitcham FC)
Last Modified on 12/02/2013 22:53