Can
you tell me about your time at Loughborough, highlights and lowlights...
what squads you are in etc? 1st team in my first year, 2nd team with the occasional first team appearance in my second year, then 1st team captain in my third year. There were several memorable moments though.....like getting dragged at 4-0 down after 25mins at Rushden & Diamonds in my 1st year. Getting 16 stitches in my head after the 2nd team final in my 2nd year. Getting sent off for a phantom punch at Crewe away, taking it to an appeal, getting off and celebrating with Bono, Barks and Mally in my 3rd year.
Can you shed any light on your footy career outside of Loughborough?
Nottingham Forest as a youngster. 1 year scholar at Lincoln City. Played for English Schools at U18. 1year at University of Louisville in the States. Currently playing for Gainsborough Trinity in the Conference North.
What is the highest achievement in your career so far?
Playing for England Schools was a bit of an honour I guess. We played in Malaysia and Singapore in front of thousands and got mobbed for autographs (think they thought we were the real deal). There's not much that can beat the feeling of lifting the BUSA trophy though playing competitively in a team with all your mates isn't something many people get to do after the age of about 14. And to top it off after 3 years by being crowned champions is really special.
And which is your most memorable game for Loughborough?
The final was awesome- not a great game but a massive buzz. That and the semi-final versus Northumbria - I was too nervous to play well in both!
Who was your best friend in LSAFC (not including Nick Drew)?
It'd be hard to single anyone out. I think your always closest to the guys in your own year so Leeo, Windy, Barks, Kinder, Gards, Buzza, Jimbo, Sincs, Birnie - miss you all! (Apologies to anyone who didn't get a mention)
Who's the joker in your side? Have you any funny tales that you can tell us?
You gotta give a mention to Barks (Lyrical talent reminiscent of John Lennon on the bus), although I'd like to go with Mally - an incredible repertoire of catchphrases and anecdotes!
Which team do you support?
Man U****d
Who is your childhood hero and why?
Didn't really have one to be honest. Although Steve Bruce and Jaap Stam (in his United days) we're different gear. Think I'm probably more of a Bruce on account of the finesse, the goal scoring and the boyish good looks!
How do you think England will fair in the world cup this summer? Who is your tip to win it?
England are good enough to win it but I doubt they will. There's so much luck involved in those type of tournaments.
Lastly, how has this season gone for you so far? what does the future hold for LSAFC, can we win it?
My seasons gone well so far. Had an offer to go full time with a club in the conference back in November but decided against it-still not really sure why. I've managed to see the 1st team play twice so far and I've been pretty impressed. Teams take time to gel when there are a lot changes but I don't see why they can't win BUSA. I'll definitely be at the final if the boys make it!
A huge thanks to Pelly & Barks for this article.