Simeon Jackson in action against Arsenal last season.

Norwich City striker Simeon Jackson looks ahead to his career after football

Friday, June 15, 2012
9:29 AM

Norwich City striker Simeon Jackson is already planning for retirement after his professional playing career comes to an end in this country.

The 25-year-old made 26 appearances in the Canaries’ successful tilt at Premier League survival – including a goal in the final day cruise against Paul Lambert’s Aston Villa at Carrow Road. Jackson’s season only officially ended earlier this week after playing his part in two 2014 World Cup qualifiers for Canada.

The Canucks made an encouraging start to their next phase of qualification on the road to Brazil by picking up four points from games against Cuba and Honduras.

Jackson revealed he plans to fulfil a long-held dream next year when he sets up his first ‘soccer’ school in Southern Ontario. The striker recognises he is a role model for aspiring footballers in his homeland and wants to put something back into the game for the next generation.

The Jamaican-born frontman was also eligible to represent England at international level through his mother, but Jackson never had any doubts about pledging allegiance to the Canadian cause.

“I had nightmares about choosing which country to represent if the opportunity came along. When I first got the call-up to the under-20s for Canada, and putting on the jersey for the first time and getting that experience, it just made sense for me really,” he said.

“The country that we’re in is so beautiful.

“You have children that have more than one nationality, and it becomes tough if you get to a decent level of playing. I’ve always said it all depends on the individual and who they feel is right to play for. So you just have to leave it down to them. For me, I made the right decision – I’m happy with it.

“I want to help kids in Canada improve themselves, and get the opportunity to play in Europe and at the highest level through a soccer school, and maybe coaching when I’ve finished playing.”

Jackson’s route to the Premier League started in Sunday League circles after being released by Gillingham’s academy.

The striker’s Norwich goals have carved a special niche in the Canaries’ recent history – topped by the memorable header at Portsmouth that clinched promotion from the Championship in May 2011.

“That was an amazing feeling to score a goal like that and for a club like Norwich, too,” he said. “Getting into the Premier League is an amazing feat.

“My uncle and aunt originally got me into football. I didn’t want to play anything else, but it was difficult to break through. Chances were few and far between and more than one or two others slipped through the net.”

21 comments

That bit of gum lost its flavour overnight!

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Mad Brewer

Sunday, June 17, 2012
Geffy1, I think you are the first to mention the unmentionable on this board-which was all about Jacko and chewing gum until then!

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Mad Brewer

Saturday, June 16, 2012
Hey EDP and posters! Stop mentioning PL with every report or comment. He walked out on City and is now just history! I think players would be wary of a manager who just ups and leaves them potentialy in the 'lurch'

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Geffy1

Saturday, June 16, 2012
I sincerely hope Mr Jackson will complete his dream of opening a Soccer School, I also hope that he does not always do so down south, but take the odd trip up into Gods Country (Northern Ontario) and teach the boys and girls up here. The kids up here are real fast, try outrunning a swarm of hungry mosquitoes, or black fly, or deer flies, you have to be fast and agile.. Here hoping for the same or better season for the Canaries..

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canuk

Saturday, June 16, 2012
Oddly enough, bluelight, my reply to you did not make it through the fog. I`m too good to write stuff for the BBC, so I just do it for myself. In all modesty. I`m glad it amuses you (sometimes!).

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Mad Brewer

Friday, June 15, 2012
@MadBrewer haha purely coincidental. I have been called 'big red' by my friends in the USA since I was always tall and sunburnt back in my days working there.

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Big Red

Friday, June 15, 2012
@MadBrewer haha purely coincidental. I have been called 'big red' by my friends in the USA since I was always tall and sunburnt back in my days working there.

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Big Red

Friday, June 15, 2012
brew,you crack me up.you should be writing material for the bbc.or are you allready?

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bluelight

Friday, June 15, 2012
That`s a BIG coincidence, Big Red! That old brand of Cinnamon flavoured gum was launched by Wrigley`s in Canada & USA 40-odd years ago. I don`t know whether you are aware of this, but a footy pundit (Paul Merson?) on British TV referred to Simeon as "Cinnamon" (he couldn`t cedar difference) and the name sort of stuck. Funny old World. ;-)

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Mad Brewer

Friday, June 15, 2012
@MadBrewer haha purely coincidental. I have been called 'big red' by my friends in the USA since I was always tall and sunburnt back in my days working there.

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Big Red

Friday, June 15, 2012
Btw, Big Red, is your Alias a reference to `Cinnamon` Jackson, by gum? Don`t try to wrigley out of answering!

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Mad Brewer

Friday, June 15, 2012
Jackson will bag some more goals given more chances...has to be done this year as the fans love him. Could be even more poignant if the the demigod that is Holt returns to chubby tyre fitter status. He's half way there :o)

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JimBob

Friday, June 15, 2012
Hi, Big Red,Your post arrived pre and post my reply! Confusing. Ref. Jacko; I once thought that his touch and positional `nous` were a tad lacking, but last season he was beginning to look a class act, improved in every department except work-rate. There was no way he could improve his work-rate! Like you, I think we may see some fireworks from him next season. Of course, without his late burst of goals in the Championship, we may never have got into the Prem at all. That late, late goal, completing his hat-trick in the 3-2 win over Derby, was my favourite. Just which part of his anatomy DID it go in off?? I didn`t see any tears in his eyes and his voice is still naturally low..... He is one of the true gentlemen of sport in a world so much in need of them. ;-)

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Mad Brewer

Friday, June 15, 2012
My favourite player at the club. I think we have a lot more to come from Jacko yet and I hope we'll be seeing more of him this season. On and off the field he's an all round top footballer - we could do with a few more like this in our country. Down to earth and remembering where they come from. Best of luck with the project Jacko!

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Big Red

Friday, June 15, 2012
Great project to have, Simeon and best of british with it........Canarydownunder its only a late night with XXXX

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wivenhoebudgie

Friday, June 15, 2012
You can do it, canarydownunder! Try to remember "Beer is not just a breakfast drink". ;-)

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Mad Brewer

Friday, June 15, 2012
That's it MB. At least you get to watch the Euros at a sensible time - Sweden v England at 4.45am over here.

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canarydownunder

Friday, June 15, 2012
Hi, canarydownunder. Yes, it`s the time when we fans get all restless and the press reels out anodyne, ghost written `expert opinion` stories from ex-players in desperate need of a few extra quid! Not talking about Jacko-he`s a top guy, as Big Red said. OTBC.

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Mad Brewer

Friday, June 15, 2012
My favourite player at the club. I think we have a lot more to come from Jacko yet and I hope we'll be seeing more of him this season. On and off the field he's an all round top footballer - we could do with a few more like this in our country. Down to earth and remembering where they come from. Best of luck with the project Jacko!

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Big Red

Friday, June 15, 2012
Good man, Jacko! Best of luck, but we still need you to knock a few goals in next season! And beyond. OTBJ

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Mad Brewer

Friday, June 15, 2012
Don't you just hate the close season?

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canarydownunder

Friday, June 15, 2012