HAS MALIK REVEALED

Behind Closed Doors caught up with the fans favourite Has Malik. Although from Bill Mo, and from a personal point of view we fell out badly the first time we met at a heated IMS match. Myself and Has have seen eye to eye since, and he is a actually a top lad, confirmed by his Loughborough Experience Award last year! He is in training to become part of the network and has already got a lot of cigars everywhere. In this feature Has reveals the highlights from his footballing career and his views on the football world...

Can you tell me about your time at Loughborough, highlights and lowlights... what squads you are in etc?
I spent my first year out injured and am trying to give this year a go as much as I can. So far I’m relishing every chance, love the experience and living the dream. Got myself into the Freshers 1s and after a frustrating start the hard work I put into training has paid off and I’m a regular squad member.

Can you shed any light on your footy career outside of Loughborough?
Trialled with Wimbledon FC briefly at a young age before playing for Sutton Borough District when I was 14/15 won a couple of honours with them. Realised I didn’t quite have the quality to make it big but I went on to represent Surrey at U19s, captained my school 1^st XI and picked up a few awards at my local Sunday league side.

What is the highest achievement in your career so far?
Lifting a county cup has got to be up there even though it was a few years ago. Hopefully next season, if I’m still involved with LSAFC, I’ll have the chance to win a trophy in Loughborough colours.

And which is your most memorable game for Loughborough?
Sounds a bit boring but on a personal note it would have to be our 1-1 draw away to Warwick. Not only had I made the starting line-up but the spirit with which we played on that day was something I do not think I’ve ever experienced before in football. We wanted it from the off and even after going a goal down, showed great resilience to get ourselves back in the game. From a squad point of view it would have to be our narrow 2-1 semi-final defeat to MMU Cheshire.

Who was your best friend in LSAFC (Not including Nick Drew)?
All the lads are quality and a good bunch to train, play and go out with. Danny Simmons in particular is a great bloke…although he’s in my position!

Have you any funny tales that you can tell us?
Well Drew Sherman especially, amongst others, have provided some comic moments. Apparently (as the story goes) our coach Sean rang Drew at 4am and said we had training urging him to get down to the EHB Astro ASAP. There was no training but Drew was there…on his own. Elsewhere – Charlie Pearce, Drew and Rob Smith mouthed off at some bouncers when leaving a club one night. I think the bouncers then offered to drive the lads home before dropping them off in the middle of nowhere. The boys walked and walked – classic!

Which team do you support?
Spurs.

Who is your childhood hero and why?
Well between Jurgen Klinsmann and Hulk Hogan it’s hard to choose but the outright winner is the Karate Kid, those films had more influence on my childhood than I care to remember.

Who has the best and worst hair cuts at the club?
In our team it’s got to be Drew Sherman, the club social sec, otherwise I wouldn’t really want to say.

What is currently playing on your CD player?
Jack Johnson perfect for summer chill out.

Lastly, what does the future hold for your football career? Do you have a message for the lads at LSAFC? Thanks a lot and good luck for the coming year. Bring it home once again. Myself, I’ll be out for a year through rehabilitation following surgery on my cruciate ligament. It’s unlikely I’ll play for LSAFC again but I’m due to stay involved coaching the Development Squad. It was short-lived but I loved it so cheers!



A huge thanks to Has for this article. Look forward to having you onboard the JP crew next year!