Rob Gier began his footballing career when he joined Ascot United at the age of nine, it wasn’t long before the scouts came knocking as he impressed in defence and he was snapped up Wimbledon FC, he made his way through the ranks of the team before his first-team debut at 19.
He played for the South-West London side for four years and during the transition years in which they moved to Milton Keynes. He left the club for a series of short spells at the likes of Rushden & Diamonds, Cambridge United, Woking, Aldershot Town and Grays Athletic before returning to Ascot.
It’s during his spell at Ascot that he was called up to the Philippines National Team, Gier’s eligibility was as a result of his Mum’s heritage. The success of the national team meant that both the Philipino football scene and the team, including Gier as captain, were catapulted into the spotlight and they become celebrities in the country.
Related: Find out more about Berkshire’s international footballers here
Gier enjoyed seven exciting years in the national team playing in many international tournaments before he retired at the age of 35. He had been advising and coaching within the team whilst playing, so it was a fairly straightforward choice and decision to go into managerial duties.
He joined Oxford University Women obtaining his UEFA A coaching licence before he joined Reading FC Women as their development coach initially before being promoted the Women’s Academy manager in July of 2018.
We discussed Rob’s whirlwind journey in football in the ‘In Conversation With…’ podcast for Football in Berkshire. Listen below or click here for more ways to listen!
