During his playing days, Stewart turned out for Newcastle Breakers and A.P.I.A Leichhardt in the National Soccer League (NSL) from the late 1980s to early 1990s. At A.P.I.A, he played alongside the likes of current Central Coast Mariners coach Lawrie McKinna, and present Sydney FC boss John Kosmina.
He left Australia in 1993 to play in the Malaysian League for Johor FA, joining former Socceroos such as Alistair Edwards, Abbas Saad and Alan Davidson, where they flew the flag for Aussie football. Stewart established himself in Asia as tough-tackling defender, striking fear into opposing forwards. At the same time, he fell in love with the region and has yet to leave, remaining there for 15 years.
Having since hung his boots, the 41-year-old now lives in Singapore, where he runs a football academy for children. He found time to talk to Goal.com Asia about his recent work...
Goal.com's Samuel Zhang (SZ): Before the inception of the A-League, you played in the old National Soccer League (NSL). What was it like back then?
Darren Stewart (DS): I played for Newcastle Breakers and A.P.I.A . Leichhardt in the NSL. Back then, club loyalty was a big thing. I think I've been very loyal throughout my career and up until today. I have gained many close friends and respect in that aspect - and that's something money can't buy.
The league was tough and really physical. I honestly think the era I was involved in was very good, with extremely great players. Also, we were no where near the professional standards in the A-League today. After training for us, it would be to the pub for a beer. Now, after training, it's straight into an ice bath!
If there's one thing that stands out, it would have to be the speed of the game today. It's much faster than when I was playing back then.
SZ: What are the changes and developments you've seen since the birth of the A-League?
DS: Professionalism, without a doubt. It's truly the main thing. It's a full-time job now. For myself, I had to work part-time as an electrician for a mining company when I played in the NSL. If you look at the clubs in the A-League now, there are full-time fitness trainers, doctors and physios. It is indeed a professional environment for the players.
I've been to a couple of matches myself - the crowds are massive and all the stadiums' pitches are outstanding. The A-League is great for the growth of Australian football.
SZ: You've played and lived together with the coach of Central Coast Mariners coach, Lawrie McKinna. What was the experience like?
DS: It was absolutely fantastic. Lawry and I were playing together at A.P.I.A. in 1988. He and his lovely wife Christine looked after me like I was one of their sons! I'll never forget how they treated me. And, it was just a mad house with them and their two kids. Every day was just brilliant. I'm not sure Christine would say the same!
But Lawry has done an outstanding job at every club he has been at. I feel he'll be involved either in the Australian National setup or at at big club in Asia in the near futre. The biggest asset he has, besides his coaching abilities, is that he's a good man and very honest.
SZ: There were many top Australian footballers plying their trade in Asia, and you were certainly one of them. What's the best part of playing football in that region?
DS: When I left Australia for Malaysia to play for Johor FA in 1992, I was embarking on a new chapter in my football career. The experience of being a full-time footballer was amazing. As I have mentioned, we were mainly part-timers back then. I had a good contract at Newcastle, but it was not anywhere near being a full-time footballer.
I spent seven seasons playing in the Malaysian League as an import player. And down there, I could fully concentrate on doing my best in training and play at my best every week. To be able to just concentrate on being a footballer was tremendous for me.
SZ: What's it like turning out for the Socceroos, then? There's definitely more recognition and money in it now than in the past.
DS: Of course there is more recognition now. But I would like to think anyone that plays for Australia feels as proud as the next person, no matter what money or league you're playing in. I was involved with the national team for just over 2 years, but I only played a handful of matches. Still, I loved every minute of it.
I made my debut for Australia in a friendly match against Croatia at Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide in 1992. We won 3-1. The experience turning out for your country cannot be described in words. It was just unbelievable. The best part, however, is the thrill of seeing Mum and Dad really happy to learn that I was going to play for the Socceroos.
SZ: After Australia's dismal debut at the Asian Cup, do you see the Socceroos qualifying from their 'Group of Death', where they're pitted against China, Qatar and Iraq?
DS: Yes, I feel Australia will qualify even though it's a difficult group. I did see the Socceroos winning the Asian Cup last year though. The only problem I can see that Graham Arnold did not have enough time to work with the team.
SZ: What are your thoughts about the appointment of Pim Verbeek? Should the FFA have gone local instead, or given Graham Arnold more time?
DS: I'll be personal on this one as I regard [Graham Arnold] Arnie and Kossie [Sydney FC coach, John Kosmina] as good mates. But no one could disagree with Pim's appointment. And I'm sure Arnie and Kossie will be back with the Socceroos in the future.
SZ: Verbeek said he was going to use all A-League players for the first match against Qatar. He then called up all A-League squad, only to doubt their abilities. What's your thoughts?
DS: I'm really not someone to doubt his thoughts. But he must have his reasons for doing so. In fact, the statistics back him up. One reason he mentioned is the amount of defensive errors players are committing. That is why there are so many high scoring matches lately in the A-League.
But its a tough ask to get a big name player back from Europe 48 hours before a match, and to expect them to be at their peak.
SZ: Which players in Verbeek's list should Socceroos fans look out for?
DS: I believe that it's the more experienced players like Kevin Muscat and John Alosi that we will look to to guide us through until we get the big guns back from overseas.
SZ: In 2006, why did you turn down the opportunity to be head coach of Geylang United in Singapore's S-League?
DS: At the time the club were looking to go in a certain direction. I just thought it wasn't the direction for me at that stage of my coaching career. There were no problems at all.
I have the utmost respect for Patrick Ang (Club Chairman) and Seak Poh Leong (Club Advisor). I still speak to them both regulaly.
SZ: Any plans to coach at the top level in Australia or region?
DS: I will coach at the top level in Asia again at some time, but I am in no hurry. I have a tremendous job running Little League, a football academy for kids here in Singapore and Malyasia. And it is going great, so let's just wait and see what comes up!
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