I Spoke To… Shay Facey
Shay Facey lined up with world-class players during his time with Manchester City and New York City. But what lies ahead for the Walsall defender?
Not many footballers can say they spent their formative years learning from the likes of Patrick Vieira, David Silva and Frank Lampard. Not to mention David Villa, Vincent Kompany and… the list could go on.
But, one man who can is Shay Facey.
Shay Facey playing for New York City FC.
Born in Sale, Greater Manchester, he joined Manchester City’s academy as a child and made his way through the ranks.
On his time in City’s youth academy, he said:
“It was a huge blessing, really. City was always a well-respected academy and highly rated, so it attracted a lot of great young talent.
It helped me as, every year, the standard became higher.”
He spoke of the competitive nature of proceedings, adding:
“You had to meet the challenge of staying top of your group.”
Despite never making a senior appearance for the Citizens, the right-back made his name through a series of loan spells.
Firstly, he made the switch to the States with Man City’s sister club, New York City FC. Under the guidance of boss Jason Kreis, he made 24 MLS appearances.
In the Big Apple, the Mancunian trained and played with a number of rather special teammates. However, he had previously known Arsenal icon Patrick Vieira during his time with City.
Vieira managed NYCFC in 2016.
On playing with the legendary midfielder, Facey said:
“Patrick Vieira was the most influential player, I’d say. He would come and train the odd session (at Man City) whilst he still played at the club. He would sit and get ready in our dressing room which was great because we got to ask him loads of questions.”
But in the States, the full-back played with two more world-class midfielders in Frank Lampard and Andrea Pirlo. Having spent a season at the Etihad, the now-Chelsea boss ended his career in the U.S. before embarking on a managerial career.
Pirlo, a true legend of the European game, joined the same year off the back of an incredible spell for Juventus. Spain legend David Villa was also on fire for the American outfit the same year.
Facey understandably loved learning from the best, saying:
“It was great! I was able to see up close how a world-class player goes about his work during the week to get physically and mentally prepared. They were all really helpful in their own way and they were good people.”
Lampard, Villa and Pirlo representing New York City FC.
Shay Facey is also no stranger to the international stage.
He played 19 times for England at youth level between 2009 and 2014.
On his time with the Three Lions, he said:
“My first cap was a Victory Shield match which was televised. The game featured a lot of (future) household names on the senior side like Raheem Sterling and Nathan Redmond.”
In January 2018, Facey ended his decade-long spell in Manchester, moving to the East Midlands.
He signed an 18-month deal with Northampton Town and played under Premier League legend Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.
Facey is currently with Walsall.
Relegated from League One in 2019, the Saddlers currently sit in mid-table under manager Darrell Clarke.
They were on a decent streak of five games unbeaten before the impact of coronavirus stopped the season in its tracks.
He is keen to finish his first season in the West Midlands, saying:
“I like to be optimistic so, yes, I believe it will continue when it is safe to do so.”
There is no doubt he will be raring to go as he has aspirations of helping Walsall to the next level.
He spoke on his personal and club goals, saying:
“First and foremost, I want to help us win as many games as possible. I’ll give 100% every day and see where that takes both myself and the team.”
“I never look too far ahead but if the team does well, everybody in it will reap the rewards.”
Facey is still keeping fit and healthy during lockdown and outlined his regime, saying:
“I’ve been working out a couple of times a day, minimum. Yoga, weight training, stretching – that sort of stuff.”
Laying out his personal goals for the future, he said:
“I just want to be better than I was in the last game or the last training session. I always look to keep improving and learning.”
Shay Facey is eager to get the ball rolling with Walsall, make a charge up the table and fulfil more of his personal footballing dreams.
Article by: George Hartley
Formatted by: Samuel Slaney
Thumbnail by: Samuel Slaney
Images interpreted from: Getty Images, Walsall FC & Northampton Town FC