Interview with Dr. Adrian Delia

by Ayrton Galea - 16th March 2013

With just one day to go from what many consider a decisive match, between sole leaders Birkirkara and champions Valletta, we decided to interview Birkirkara FC's Vice President, Dr. Adrian Delia.

Who is Adrian Delia?

43 years of age. Star sign Leo. Litigator. Determined father of 5 amazing kids aged 10 oldest year and a half youngest.

What can you tell us about your career background?

I've been a lawyer for twenty years. Initially I was at Mid-Med Bank legal office. Then I started off a private practice and today my Firm Aequitas Legal, where I am partner with two colleagues employs, over thirty people.

How did you become a football follower?

I've been following Birkirkara from when I was sixteen years old and ventured into the club in the Valley from the safety of my home in the Knisja l-Qadima area.

How do you spend your regular day?

Wake up, have breakfast and at nine I am at the office. Twice a week I have no time to get back home, before 9 /10 pm or even later. Twice a week I ensure that I go home early to help with the children. Tuesday is my day as we have the committee meeting at 7.30 and after that some of us go for dinner to keep on talking ball.

What is your philosophy in your life?

Be a Man for Others.

What are your main hobbies?

Other than my complete passion for our beloved team I don't have time for much else.

This is your second year in the Birkirkara FC's committee. Can you tell us what motivated you to join the committee? What has changed in these two years? How difficult is it to juggle between work, family and the club's day-to-day needs?

I had been contacted to participate actively in the club about four years ago originally, but it was a very hectic time for me as I was overseeing a particular growth period at the office and at home. I was motivated simply by the fact that I wished the best for my team but I am not the type of person to sit down and complain and grumble but instead come forward and do my little bit. I think we have to date installed a fresh approach in the club. Firstly we ensure that we start building a solid financial base not depending on one or a couple of people but a structure. Secondly to do things in a clear and transparent manner in view of the Financial Fair Play regulations structured by U.E.F.A. Thirdly and this is the most difficult to install a mentality that Birkirkara is not the second best team. In life you always aim, think and believe to be the First, the Best at the Top. Anything else spells failure.

What are your roles in this committee? How much work is involved? What motivates you most to keep working for our Club?

I'm the Vice-President. Rather than work its time. There is a minimum but no maximum ….. if you give all your time to the club there is still plenty to do (smiles).

One can understand that everyday is a busy day for the committee to keep the club alive. However, can you tell us the month or periods that you are most busy?

It's always busy times. Transfer windows in January and Summer are active periods proceeded by preparing for them as best possible. The months of the third and fourth rounds it's focusing on the team. May is the end of season and annual general meeting. Immediately afterwards it European football (which we have been participating in for the past 17 years uninterruptedly….the only team in Malta to do so)

Financial affairs are always a headache for Maltese clubs. How important are sponsors for our Club? Considering our limited resources, what attracts sponsors to our Club?

Sponsors are not only important for the club but fundamental. Other than funding from the European competitions they are our main source of income.

A club with the stature of Birkirkara FC deserves the best. However, one could say that Birkirkara's facilities are far from best. Are there any future plans for better facilities?

A club like Birkirikara doesn't deserve the best. A village like B'kara deserves the best. The club has to earn respect and become the best. Towards this end we shall strive work and sweat. We have formulated plans both in the medium and long term. As soon as this season is ended we will start a process of discussing these with our members and according to their reactions we will move forward.

Besides facilities, what in your opinion should improve in Maltese football?

Cleanliness.

Corruption is always a delicate and sensitive topic to discuss. However, how much is it harming Maltese Football in your opinion?

Rather than corruption alone it is the Perception of Corruption that also harms football. This is the most important agenda that I have brought with me to the club. Zero tolerance at club level. Zero tolerance at National level.

One of the most talk about topics between the football followers is betting. What is your opinion about betting? Is there any solution for illegal betting?

I have spoken about this at the MFA, on TV and in public. I have been selected by the MFA to form part of a task force to lay down new regulations to combat illegal betting at all levels and I am committed to do so tooth and nail.

Taking part in European competitions for the last seventeen years was definitely not an easy task. How important is it to keep this record alive from year to year? Do you agree that money received from taking part in European competitions is the club's main income?

Very important, as we are the only club in Malta to hold this amazing level of consecutive participations. This indicates a continued commitment of consecutive committees to always compete at the top.

In order to participate in European competitions, there is a hard task to overcome in the form of acquiring a UEFA licence. Can you explain to the supporters what must be done before acquiring the UEFA license to participate in the European competitions?

It is a very cumbersome task ably conducted by the secretary with help from dedicated members of the committee like the treasurer and President. I am proud to say that we were the first club to submit the full license this year.

How do you describe our Premier League campaign so far?

The tightest contest that I can remember.

In your opinion which was our best and worst matches so far?

Worst was against Hamrun when we lost 3-1. Best was against Valletta when we lost 1-0. Unfortunately I was abroad for the game against Tarxien.

What are your comments about the last match?

Simply stunning.

We are one point ahead of Valletta which we will face this Sunday. How much you really believe that we can win this match?

I believe. Strongly believe that we have a united squad not just a good team. We are motivated. We are together. We are Birkirkara.

What should be the secret for success?

Hard work . Hard work. Hard work. Success doesn't grow on trees. Can't or shouldn't be bought. It has to sweated, fought and earned.

What is your message to the supporters?

A supporter is the one that supports when support is needed. Someone who only celebrates when the club wins is not a Supporter at all.

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