David James in Iceland
A move to the Nordic country’s ÍBV Vestmannaeyjar has helped the former English international revive his career, and has even given him the opportunity to play a game again in Europe. Here James has the opportunity to extend his own charity foundation.
Being a place where daylight gives way to darkness for a few hours each night during the summer, Iceland seems to be the ideal place for David James to extend his soccer career.
At the age of 42 and with 23 of them as a professional behind him, the former English international is in the twilight of his career. However, he is determined to enjoy it while it lasts in the ranks of the ÍBV Vestmannaeyjar.
Since joining the club in April, the former goalkeeper for Liverpool FC, Aston Villa FC, Manchester City FC and Portsmouth FC has already been involved in European competition, after his side lost 2-0 in the first leg of their tie. UEFA Europa League second qualifying round tournament against FK Crvena zvezda.
“I don’t know much about football in Iceland, but what I have seen has impressed me and has opened my mind,” said James about his signing for the Vestmanna Islands team in the south of the country, which also has 4,000 people and an active volcano.
“This has been a very good experience, a great adventure and the people of Iceland have made me feel very good,” said James, 53 times caps for England.
Tempted to leave by his former Portsmouth teammate and current IBV manager Hermann Hreidarsson, the English goalkeeper is enjoying his time at the club where he also serves as assistant manager. “This is my first coaching experience and it has been very good for me, and the players are interested in my experience,” he said of a squad that has four Englishmen in its ranks such as Matt Garner, Bradley Simmonds, Ian Jeffs and Aaron Spear.
“There is a possibility if we give our best and there is nothing written in football,” he concluded.