Can
you tell me about your time at Loughborough, highlights and lowlights...
The highlight was appearing for the first team within my first week as a Loughborough student. Another high point is every time I walk through the PowerBase doors!! The lowlight has been the plague of injury that I have incurred since just before Christmas.
Can you shed any light on your footy career outside of Loughborough?
I played for a professional team, Cheltenham Town, upon leaving high school. This was a huge learning curve in my life where I gained an education in the game. I have also represented my district, county and region at 15 and 16yrs old. This lead on to a National training school with the best 2 players from each county in England (Respectively the top 50 players at the time).
What is the highest achievement in your career so far?
The highest achievement for me was playing in the reserve team at Cheltenham Town coupled with the England national training school selection.
And which is your most memorable game for Loughborough?
The most memorable game was the first one at Warwick where I got ‘screamed’ at by Mal in the first minute, when he said he was going to stay quiet for the whole game. Luckily that rocket motivated me to have a good game for the next 89 minutes!
Who is your best friend in LSAFC (not including Nick Drew)?
My best friend has to be David Kettle, purely for the banter value.
Have you any funny tales that you can tell us?
I don’t have any funny tales off the top of my head, although every week at either training, football socials, hey ewe, away journeys etc, there is always some sort of banterous behaviour going on. Maybe it will be published on LSAFC Online sometime.
Which team do you support?
Manchester United. I also like to keep up to date with Cheltenham Town’s progress.
Who is your childhood hero and why?
My childhood hero must be Peter Schmeichel because I always wanted to be a goalkeeper, and was for 6 years. Once I became an outfield player this soon changed to Ryan Giggs with his impressive, darting runs down the left flank.
After staring on CRIBS, you have a bit of a Frank Worthington reputation for being a ladies man… how has the fame affected your life?
Haha, firstly I don’t have a greasy mullet….anymore! Although the CRIBS feature has been viewed by lots of people the fame hasn’t really affected my life as of yet. I give it another week and expect to have to introduce some sort of security measures. People generally found the feature funny although the girls may be a little embarrassed to know that it could be screened in hey ewe!! Pure jokes!!
What do you think of David Kettle’s new hair do?
David Kettle’s new hair do can only be described as….hmmmmm…..different! Although in the words of the great Ketts: 'I am a trend setter, not a trend follower’.
Do you have a ‘fashion idol’ within the footy club and if so who?
I can’t really say that there is anyone in the football club who really inspires me to change my appearance in terms of fashion.
When people say in football ‘play in the hole’, can you tell me where that is?
What I understand by ‘in the hole’ is the position just behind the centre forward and above the midfield, like a staggered front line. There are a number of people in the squad who I'm sure will have various takes on this expression.
How do you think England will fair in the world cup this summer? Who is your tip to win it?
England is currently 8:1 to win the World Cup. I will probably be placing a small bet on them to answer your question. Brazil is my favourites to win the World Cup at 3.75:1. You never know with football though.
Lastly, what does the future hold for your football career? Do you have a message for the lads at LSAFC?
In the short term I can see a BUSA medal. In the long term I will not be chasing a professional club, as this is second to education for me at the moment. If it comes my way then I will obviously grab it with both hands but I won’t be forcing it. I can see myself having a long career in the game at which ever level I choose.
A huge thanks to Adam for this article.