INTERVIEW: Glynn Hurst

Former Bury FC, Ayr United, Chesterfield & recently former Marine Reserve manager Glynn Hurst talks about playing professional football, his career in the game and being a manager. 

GH: I was fortunate that I got to play football for 18 years and had a good career and just really happy that enough managers thought enough about me to want me to play in their squads, thats just the way I viewed it anyway. 

DK: Yeah, you've lived quite a lot of people's dreams.

GH: Yeah, true, that's what people say but I never viewed it like that, I just looked at it as becoming the best I could be and doing what I loved doing. I know a lot of lads would jump at the opportunity but I can honestly say I didn't take it for granted. I made the most of all the opportunities that were awarded to me.

DK: You played for quite a few big clubs, I have to say it was quite mindblowing to see that. 

GH: Yeah, it's mad, I don't know if maybe I was that good of a player, I didn't look at it by the size of the club, I just looked at it as more people to entertain! That's the way I viewed it, it's just more people to send home happy if you score goals and you do well. I've never been daunted by the size of the club so to speak.

DK: What was it like to be a professional and be at that level of the game?

GH: It's a very fortunate position to be in, we were young lads when I was in the last tembers of my career, they've gone on and done fabulous things with their careers. It's really important that you are in a position of a being a role model and its lovely to see as well when you see a lot of the young lads were fairly treated at the start and now having long careers and been really successful but it's important in those positions because it's very few and far between what players make it and fulfill your ambitions and your dreams. You've really got to do it in a positive way and set good examples to the younger generations and also to the older generation as well, so you're in a very powerful position of extreme responsibility 

DK: What would you say is the highlight of your career playing wise? 

GH: We got to the semi final of the Scottish Cup, played at Hampden Park against Rangers, that was one the highlights. Got through to the third round of the FA Cup when I was in non league with Elmley, that was another highlight. We got to the play offs with Bury in the second or third season when I was there. Getting player of the Football League, when I was at Chesterfield in League One, and just my career in general - scoring goals, just doing something that I loved really! 

There were standout moments but I just enjoyed it all! 

DK: You scored a few goals throughout your career, what was your favourite one? 

GH: My favourite one was when I was at Chesterfield, when we had to win on the last day with about 2 minutes left against Luton, at which point I scored to keep Chesterfield in League 1 for another season, probably my most memorably and most important goal. 

DK: How did you find the standard from playing in England to Scotland? 

GH: At the time that I was at Ayr United, Martin O'Neil was the manager at Celtic and I think Walter Smith was managing Rangers. Scottish football was still really strong at that time, the Ayr United squad that I played in was very very strong, it would have done well in League 1 down in England, in fact I'd go as far as to say we'd probably have gone close to winning it with the, squad what we had! Lots of good players like Andrei Kanchelskis, Laudrup was at Rangers, I think Gazza, it could attract the big names. Rangers were getting to the finals of the cup and getting to the last 16 I think of the Champions League. 

Scottish football was still quite strong in those days, you could probably argue that now that's not the case. 

DK: You played for quite a few non league clubs as well, what do you think the difference is between playing Pro and playing non league? 

GH: Good question! Just somebody's opinion I think! Just somebody's opinion and willing to take a chance on you, I don't think it's any different to that. If you look at Jamie Vardy for instance, he's a prime example - he was at Oxbridge(?), then went to Fleetwood, then to Leicester. I know non league, I know football, let's just give people an opportunity! 

DK: I noticed you've a few caps for South Africa? 

GH: That's right, 5 Under-23 caps for South Africa! I was fortunate enough to play for South Africa U23s. 

DK: What was the highlight playing for them? 

GH: It was good, we went to Denmark and played two games against them, it was a good experience - played against some good nations, Mexico, Denmark, Sweden, we even played against USA national team, with Alexi Lala and Claudio Reina (apologies if spelt incorrectly!) playing in that game! It was a very enjoyable time in my career! 

DK: If you had to pick one of the clubs that you played for that stand out, which one would you pick? 

GH: I would probably pick Chesterfield, out of them all, I enjoyed every single part of it but I'd pick Chesterfield without a shadow of doubt! 

DK: Out of your whole entire playing career, what was the one standout moment? 

GH: Getting player of the month for all 3 Divisions of the Football League, that's an accolade in itself, because obviously there's plenty of brilliant players in there, 

League 2, 1 and the Championship, and to be month is the standout moment, one I'm very proud of! It was good, and quite humbling as well at the same time! 

DK: Who was the best player you played with? 

GH: The best forward I played with was Andy Walker at Ayr United, tjlhe former Celtic and Bolton man - remember him McGinelly and Owen Cole at Bolton, he's a Sky pundit now for the Scottish league. he hit it off, we only played one season together, but a brilliant forward. Really good fella too. He was brilliant to play with. 

DK: Who was the best player you played against? 

GH: Toughest one was probably Colin Hendrick, who's a former Scottish International, former Bolton player - a really good strong centre forward, really good player at Blackburn as well. 

DK: What inspired you to become a manager? 

GH: After retiring, I went to University and got my Teaching career up and running and got through to a good level. All along I was thinking of being a manager, I took charge of my son's team for 3 and a half years, and then helped take over another team for about 18 months after that and I found that I really really enjoyed the coaching, the managing side, getting the best out of it. 

The opportunity at Marine, decided to bring back their reserves after a seven year absence, I applied for the job and got interviewed and fortunately enough they gave me the job. 

It's been brilliant, when I first came in it was three weeks before the start of the season, we had a trial and I think we had about 30 players down there and we picked our squad from there in a very very tough Division Three - some really really good teams, we where fortunate that in the, second half of the season we were outstanding, the boys were terrific!

We won 11 out of 12 and got to a cup final as well, we had about 5 or so games left so we nearly went up by points per game, but we thoroughly deserved promotion in a tough league. 

I feel at home being a football manager, it feels right for me and like a natural part of who I am! A lot of people have commented that it feels like I'm in my natural home working in the dugout, being a manager and coach so to speak - so I think that's a testament from other people as well! 

Really enjoy being a manager, it's been fabulous! The objectives this season where to get promoted and to possibly get into one of the cup finals, which we ticked both of those boxes, so those first two challenges have been met. 

There's been lots of challenges though, picking the squad, from players that nobody else wanted so to speak, we've molded them together and trained them properly in a very professional manor, the squad's grown together! 

Even the season before the boys were terrific. 

DK: If you had to pick a highlight from the season just gone, what would you pick? 

GH: We beat Bolton Vicks 2-1 in the semi final of the cup and Bolton Vicks were unbeaten in fifteen games coming into it, it was 2-1 going on 6-1, the boys were terrific. We had too much for Bolton, who are very well known in non league who's manager is also making their comeback as well! They're a terrific side, but we were excellent on the day. 

When we release players, we also help them find other clubs, because they've came in and worked hard - whilst they're not quite what they're looking for look if forward for the first team, it's only right that we help them find other clubs! 

DK: What advice would you have for people aspiring to be a manager? 

GH: Be honest with yourself and with your players and your staff. 

DK: What would you advice youngsters aspiring to be professional footballers? 

GH: Work hard, and give yourself every chance you can to make it.

Huge thanks to Glynn for kindly agreeing to do the interview and wish him all the best as manager of Ashton Town AFC Manager.

©️ Drew Kendall, 2020.

"When we release players, we also help them find other clubs, because they've came in and worked hard - whilst they're not quite what they're looking for look if forward for the first team, it's only right that we help them find other clubs!" - Glynn Hurst. 

INTERVIEW: Will Frost

Sporting 87 'A' manager Will Frost discusses what its like to be and what inspired him go become a manager, and his time at Sporting so far. 

DK: What inspired you to be a coach/manager? 

WF: After playing U18 football at Sporting I realised I was never going to be a ‘decent player’ so I started coaching in the youth section whilst still playing for the ‘A’ side it was always in my mind to become a manager/coach in an adult team one day just maybe not as soon as it came about. 

DK: What's it like to be a manager? 

WF: Even at our level a lot of people don’t realise how much time and effort goes into it whether it be chasing players for the weekend, organising and taking training, watching U18s on a Thursday night on top of running a youth team and a full time job it is my life ultimately but I wouldn’t swap it for anything. I love it!

DK: Tell us a bit about your time at Sporting so far, and how you became the manager of the clubs A team? 

WF: So in 2015 whilst playing for the ‘A’ Team I got involved coaching a youth team and other areas of the club. At that point I was just enjoying playing whilst  I still could but unfortunately in the summer of 2016 Mike Ginn who was Manager of the A Team at the time became ill and is sadly no longer with us. Initially Mark Crawford took over the team with me assisting and still playing until he stepped down in December 2016 and at the age of 19 I was asked to take over initially till the end of the season and I guess the rest is history as I am still in charge  to this day.

DK: What's been your highlight during your involvement with the club so far and why? 

WF: The highlight for me was getting the ‘A’s promoted from Intermediate C to Intermediate B last season as too gain a promotion at such a young age was a massive step for me as the previous two seasons hadn’t been the easiest. The team spirit we had built was phenomenal. 

On a personal note winning Club Person of the year in 2018 was a nice award too win and too have my hard work recognised by people such as Jon Warnock made all the hard work worth while.

DK: How do you reflect on the season just gone from both a personal and team perspective? 

WF: This season just gone has been an interesting one obviously moving up into a new league was always going to be a big challenge and the aim was always to stay in the division. 

It was a slow start to the season due to the fixtures but once we got our rhythm going In all honesty I was abit surprised at how well we did and it is shame the season had ended how it did as I believe we would of maintained a top 5 finish and been the highest ranked ‘A’ Team in the SIL. 

Personally it has been fantastic to see the youth teams flourish over the past 12 months especially some of our U16 many have made the step up to play in our U18 Thurlow Nunn team and I look forward to seeing them progress into Adult football in the coming months.

DK: If you could relive one game (and would remain the same) from your coaching career so far would it be and why?

WF: The one game I would relieve would be winning 5-4 away at Ransomes Reserves in our promotion season just so I could watch it without the stress!

DK: What is the best ground you've coached at so far and why?

WF: No disrespect to some of the other teams in the SIL I haven’t been to lots of nice grounds and at Sporting we are lucky with the Victory Ground as in my opinion it is the best facility in the league so it is difficult to pick a stand out. 

However I do always enjoy going to clubs such as Stonham Aspal, Old Newton and Grundisburgh because they have a bit of character about them and they all have good people involved and after a game I enjoy going into a clubhouse and seeing all the old photos of teams etc in my opinion that is what local football is all about.

DK: Do you have any aims or targets going forward, and if so what are they?

WF: Moving forward the aim for the A team will be to stay in Intermediate B whilst progressing more and more youth players into he squad. 

On a personal level it will be just to get more and more experience under my belt I’m coming up to 23 years old and 100 games in management but I know I have a long way to go to get too where I want to be!

DK: If you could sign any 2 professionals (current or former) for Sporting (any team) who would you pick and why?

WF: Jordan Henderson - A leader both on and off the pitch and doesn’t get the credit he deserves. 

Shefki Kuqi - All time favourite player.

DK: If you could relive any sporting moment from any time in person what would you pick and why?

WF: Sporting 87 vs Black Eagles 2002/2003 Jon Warnock coming off the bench and scoring two goals in a 3-2 win! - I’m told that this did happen 🤷🏼‍♂️.  

INTERVIEW: Billy Peck

Next in our "Meet The Ferals" series, Moreton Hall Ferals player Billy Peck discusses his involvement in the club. 

YouTube video, Playlist for all video interviews. 

Quickfire Questions:

Favourite hot drink: Coffee 

Favourite cold drink: Lemonade 

Favourite video game: (COD) Warzone at the moment. 

Favourite video game growing up: Black Ops. 

XBOX or PlayStation: I've got both, but I'll probably say XBOX. 

FIFA or PES: FIFA. 

Favourite TV Show: Probably Power but at the moment Peaky Blinders. 

Favourite film: Avengers End Game. 

Favourite sport other than football: Cricket. 

Favourite professional team: Liverpool.

Favourite pro player: Henderson. 

What's the best game you've watched live: Everton in an FA Cup Merseyside Derby. 

If you could relive any sporting moment from any time what one would you pick: Steven Gerrard's goal in the FA Cup against West Ham. 

If you could play with any 2 professional footballers past or present for Ferals who would you pick: Steven Gerrard and Lionel Messi. 

How have you enjoyed your time with Ferals so far: Definitely, best I've ever played before. 

What's been your highlight playing for Ferals: Just playing with your mates is the best thing about it. 

Favourite goal you've scored: Goal against Horringer. 

Favourite personal Ferals performance: Scored 2 against Thurston away a couple of years ago. 

Favourite Ferals team performance: When we beat Gym United on penalties, we threw the game but played well. 

How do you reflect on being unbeaten this season, only losing 2 Cup matches: Yeah good, obviously I haven't played as much as I would've wanted this year, but yeah definitely very impressive, a very good squad at the moment and we're only getting better as well! 

What targets do you have going forward for next season: Score more. 

What's your highlight of this season: Out of the games I've played, either the goal I scored away at Wetherden or when we played against Mellis and Newdick stole my goal! 

If you could pick a Ferals to be in quarantine with who would you pick: Fred 100%! He's hilarious! 

Who would you say is the joker in the team: Fred. 

Your favourite Ferals player: Dongray. 

If you could pick a Ferals 5 aside team who would you pick: Aston, Dongray, Fred, Cam and Ells (Aston Fallows, Callum Dongray, Fred Stewart-Hogg, Cam Nicholls & Elliott Frost-Palmer).

What about your all time professional 5 aside team: Neuer, Terry, Gerrard, Messi and Ronaldinho. 

 

INTERVIEW: Scott Butler

Gorleston manager Scott Butler discusses being a manager, his time at Gorleston so far and more. 

DK: First question, what inspired you to become a manager? 

SB: The thought of not being involved in the game 

Played for so long, loved the game and at the time of thinking it maybe time to call it a day on the pitch I couldn’t imagine not having a weekend without being involved in the game. 

My dad went into management also and felt he was very good at it and seeing my brother do it after injury forced him to stop playing was also a factor that inspired me to give it a try.

DK: Can you give us some insight into your coaching/managing career so far (clubs worked for & any notable achievements)?

SB: I’ve jointly player/managed windmill in the Great Yarmouth Sunday league 

2016/17 with Taurean Molloy 

We won 21 out of 21 

Winning the league, league cup, Knockout Cup and the Sunday senior Cup at Carrow Road 

managed Gorleston Reserves from 2015-2019 

Winning Anglian comb League titles in 5, 4, 3 and 2 putting the reserves back in senior football for this season

The League cup in 2015/16 and 2016/17 

And the Norfolk junior cup at Carrow Road in 2018/19 season 

The fair play award in the Anglian comb leagues 2015/16 and 16/17

Offered first team job at the club after the first few weeks of this new season along with Ricci which has obviously unfortunately been null and voided. 

Although I’m very proud and honoured to have managed the reserves through the successful period (as above) and proud of the successes achieved I do respect some of the success we’ve had was ‘expected’ especially by people outside the set up however you can only play what’s in front of you and try win the competition’s you are in and it isn’t just done on name, reputation and paper. 

However I just want to say that all the success that we had in that 4 seasons with the reserves set up I want to give all the plaudits and credit to the players, the experience players I had within the squad, the youngsters coming through in that period and some adapted so well and become important players within that period, the players blend, commitment, quality, desire, attitude and will to push the reserves back towards senior football in the manner they did with the way they performed week in week out all that is what brought the success and as much as we live in a world at times where people don’t like to see people succeed and it’s easier to shoot those down I want to say to people be proud, share and support each other and want to most of all say a huge well done to all the players involved in them 4 seasons and most are still involved in the club now and still pushing it all forward and we are very lucky to have such quality at the club experienced and youth and I’m sure together we can all continue to and aim to bring good times to Gorleston for the loyal greens supporters

DK: If you had to pick 3 standout highlights from your career so far which would you pick and why?

SB: Winning the Sunday senior cup with windmill as although it was a quality squad of players, everyone is great mates and that trophy meant so much to the landlord and all involved with the club after losing in the final twice before 

Winning the junior cup with Gorleston Reserves it made Gorleston become the most successful club in that competition, it signed off the end of the reserves stay in junior football and it was a competition that meant a lot to all the commitee players and supporters and ofcourse the chairman at the time Alan Gordon who unfortunately sadly recently passed away and on the back of the cup final tracksuits it was printed with a charity that was close to his heart so I’m glad we was able to lift that trophy at Carrow road in front of him 

And the ultimate was to be offered the chance to become joint manager of the first team a club I’ve always been involved with, played for, watched at a younger age and in my the main job I thought about to achieve when I decided to begin a career in management 

Great club.

DK: Do you think there's much difference between the different divisions and if so how? 

SB: In the Anglian Combination the difference between ang com 5, 4 seemed very minimal division 4 had a few well organised sides and it’s no disrespect to any of the sides we played 

Division 3 was noticeably a better level 

And division 2 was a very competitive league with 7/8 good sides in it. 

This season before it was null and voided the reserves sat 2nd in division 1 but had a tough game every week so the levels, standards and quality does improve as you climb the leagues 

Teams become fitter and more organised which you would expect as in the lower divisions you play a lot of reserve sides however once you hit ang comb 2 especially there’s very few reserve sides and you start playing clubs main first team sides 

Going into the thurlow nunn there is a jump in levels from Anglian Combination 1 which is all I can judge it on at the moment as our reserves sit there and I have regular conversation with our reserve managers obviously- don’t really see much of the Anglian comb premier however players that come from that league seem to do well in the thurlow nunn and the teams who have gone from the ang prem to thurlow nunn one have done very well 

But if a player is hungry wants to learn train put it in and build their levels, their fitness, their standards then ofcourse there’s no reason why they can’t succeed 

There is a noticeable difference every time you climb the tables.

DK: What's it like managing in the Thurlow Nunn?

SB: It’s an honour to be managing at this level and especially at Gorleston I’m very proud of that 

Its a good level has many good players, sides and ofcourse opposition managers it’s challenging and I am enjoying it 

Every week brings a new challenge, there’s no easy game, there’s no week that you can let your standards slip 

Even though the season was null and void I took a lot more learning in the months we did have this season than I have in all the previous seasons I have done as a manager 

And I look forward to the new season both myself and Ricci along with others members at the club are working hard behind the scenes to make sure we can push for a successful 2020/21 season at the club 

And me personally will also be looking to improve my skill set, my knowledge, keep learning, talking to other experienced managers/coaches and do all I can to be the best I can be for the football club, players and supporters as we go into the new season, to be a success in the role I’m in at the level we are at for hopefully many years I am very ambitious and always willing to listen, learn to keep improving as a manager. 

DK: How do you reflect on the season just gone from both a personal and team perspective?

SB: It’s a season we can learn from, so many things that as a club we need to move forward and improve on and the season just gone has given a clear outline of the areas that we as a management team and a club need to improve on and build 

It’s definitely a few months to learn from and use as a guideline of things that need to change for both the team and also areas for us to improve on as managers and there’s already a lot of work going on behind the scenes.

DK: What targets do you have looking forward to next season? 

SB: We haven’t really sat down and discussed targets at the moment but personally for me 

With the quality we have at the club, with the changes, standards and the philosophy we are looking to put in place with our first pre season as a management team I would like to see us challenge for silverware in both the senior cup and league cup and certainly looking for a top half finish 

A nice run in the vase would also be great for the club again these are just some early thoughts in my mind but there is no reason why these can’t be achieved but it will take hard work, dedication, desire and belief from all and that starts with a solid and effective pre season which sets the bench mark for how the season will shape up.

DK: What's the best ground you've worked at and why? 

SB: I’m gonna have to be biased and say our home ground emerald park, it’s a fantastic set up for a non league club, the pitch is always well looked after and maintained by our brilliant ground staff, it’s a ground that all opposing teams like to come too and I personally believe it’s the best ground in the thurlow nunn league - it’s our final season there before we make the exciting move to a new ground but it’s a place I know many will miss. 

INTERVIEW: Max Dinnell

Whitton United player Max Dinnell discusses his career so far. 

DK: First off, could you give us a bit of background to your career so far?

MD: Yeah no worries mate, I just do a time line sort of thing if you like then go into more depth later👍🏻 so got picked up at Colchester academy at a very young age u10s, and spent nearly 5 years there I believe, then relationships fell apart which resulted in me leaving to where I rejoined my local team in Cornard. At U16 level I joined Afc Sudbury and played there for a year whilst playing for Cornard U18s which I continued to do for 2 years, alongside getting a call up into the first team 3 seasons ago at 16 years old👍🏻 After a very successful season for myself at 16/17 in senior football I managed to pick up a move to Haverhill which at the time was a no brainer. And then just before all this pandemic interrupted life I signed for Whitton United.

Colchester Academy- Getting snapped up at an academy at a young age was of course a massive achievement for me and my family. At the age I didn’t really understand the opportunity I had which till this day I really regret. I went full time in the academy was training 2/3 times a day whilst at Thurstable school which is connected with Colchester United. It was a massive commitment for me travelling an hour there and back everyday. And which I owe massively to my parents! I grew as a player and person through the academy and met many great people that I still contact today, however my maturity levels and behaviour at 13/14 landed me in a bad spot which ultimately gave me the decision to leave otherwise they’d release me. The change in school and lifestyle made me go back to normality within football and comfortable back at Cornard where I spent a year getting back to enjoying football and being back local! After that I moved to AFC u16s team where I played on sundays and playing alongside some former Colchester team mates like Liam Bennett and Ross Crane. Whilst playing for Sudbury I was also playing a year up in u18s football for Cornard where I got a feel for the senior game, a year later I became the Captain of the team as a first year was a big achievement as it showed my ability and leadership within a group of older players, as soon as I turned 16 I got put straight into the first team picture and I’ve got to thank Liam Aves for that. The senior game was massively different, in my second ever appearance off the bench I was knocked out cold after being on the pitch for about 2 minutes away at swaffham which is a memory I’ll never forget! The full season after was one to remember, it was a season for me to express myself as a young player and give it a real good go and senior level, I was playing with good experienced players and young exciting players and I learnt a lot, I was scoring goals from different positions and added so much to my game. We had a mediocre season as a squad but managed to find form in the cup run which led to the final of the Suffolk cup at Portman road. The semi final will be a night I’ll never forget. The atmosphere of the team and to score the winner and to save a goal line clearance with the last kick off the game made it that bit more special, with a brilliant bunch of lads. The Portman Road final didn’t go our way which is a massive shame but to have that opportunity and have family from Scotland come and watch me play was a real honour of mine and a memory to treasure!💙 after the back of a massive season for me having reached Cornards top appearance maker I believe for the season previous I got the opportunity to move up a level and make the step to Haverhill rovers, thanks to James Bloomfield who brought me over and introduced into the club. This Season at Haverhill has been full of ups and downs. I’ve played with so many different players I could never name them all, which tells you part of the story to what went wrong. I played under 3 different managers who all had there traits. And met some really great people. I’ve been lucky with the clubs I’ve been at Cornard is run by good honest people and people who put everything in to make that club better every year and I believe it’s going in the right direction, and Haverhill has people who put massive amounts of work in behind the scenes to keep it where it is today and make it even better. However football always changes and things ended there massively to my disappointment, the last thing I wanted to do was leave the club but football is a game of opinions and ultimately when I’m not playing football I’m not happy. I struggled massively with injuries this season which is a first for me because I’ve never had a problem before. I strained both of my hamstrings badly to where I was seeing specialists and out of playing for roughly 3/4 months of the season which was a massive hit for me because it didn’t allow me to get a run in any of the teams and show what I felt like I could deliver. So I made the move to whitton who were keen to get me in, I had a lot of interest from clubs but whitton seemed like the right choice at the time, I had the familiarity of James and the chance to join a team who were in a very good run of form at the time and in a higher league position. However with everything that’s gone on I never got to give it a good shot which is a shame. For me personally I’ve been speaking to people I know well within football and with people doubting me this season just gone and me not being able to get a consistent run in the season I’m buzzing more than ever for this season to arrive and show people what I’m all about!

DK: If you could pick a standout moment of your time at each club, what would you pick and why? 

MD: By far the Semi Final Suffolk cup win. Until this day that still is my greatest football memory, the game was edgy and the fact I scored to win us the game and save a goal line clearance onto the post in the last second and then he named man of the match was massive for me just a shame we couldn’t win that Final! A highlight of mine at Haverhill would have to be from a Vase game, away to Benfleet I believe where I managed to score a brace and help us through to the next round which at the time gave me a big boost!

DK: Who's the best player you've played alongside so far and why?  

MD: Tough question, I’ve played with some very good players who all deserve to be up there for different reasons. I would have to say Kieran Michaels, he’s got some technical ability and is a top bloke. Me and him were playing together in a struggling Haverhill team at the time and he was still being able to pick a pass or put himself about which I think goes unrecognised with a lot of people. I think if he got into a real footballing team who knew how to get the ball down and play round teams is where you’d see him at his best!

DK: Who's the best player you've played against and why?  

MD: Tough one again! I’ve played against some very good players but surprisingly I’m going to say Michael Shinn, when I played him I knew about his experience of the game but didn’t really think that would benefit him how it did, he was ghosting about and picking passes left right and centre and playing against him in midfield was a toughen!

DK: If you could pick a team of the best players you've played alongside who would you pick and why?

MD: GK- Toby Egan, the boy got a lot of stick at times for mistakes he made but one of the best shot stoppers I’ve ever seen and a top bloke as well.

RB- Kieran Michaels, could have put him in a few spots in this team. Echo what I said before but top quality player.

CB- Alfie Carrol, proper defender, put his body on the line for everything and left everything on the pitch.

CB- Lawrence Porter, most consistent player I’ve played with, always felt confident when seeing him behind you. One of the best guys I’ve met in football.

LB- Henry Hall, Could play anywhere along this back line, and even arguably higher up the pitch! Modern Defender and a proper asset to have in a team!

CM- Perry Moody, Top player, knew how to put it a big tackle and pick out a cracking pass.

CM- Brad James, Top ability, wish I played with him longer! Proper midfielder, can score and defend!

LM- Tyger Smalls, could play in a number positions in this team. Unreal ability with the ball at his feet. Top goal scorer and composure for a kid his age!

RM- Ryan Gibbs, a player that’s got to be in this squad, top player in a number of positions, shame he has struggled with injuries otherwise he’d definitely be at a much better team!

ST- Sean Bartlett, Brilliant player on his day, prolific goal scorer with great experience and a top bloke who taught me a lot!

ST- Jordan Palmer, when he was on form he was a typical striker, a nuisance for defenders and a clinical finisher!

DK: What targets do you have looking forward? 

MD: Well of course the obvious answer is to play at the best level I can. But for me at the moment I’m still very young (18) so I want to be enjoying my football. My targets are to make sure I’m in a postion where I’m not picking up needless injuries and then I can push forward into bigger and better teams👍🏻. 

DK: What's the best ground you've played at so far and why?  

MD: I’ve had the fortune to play at quite a few big grounds due to my time at Colchester and witness some top class facilities. No better than Tottenhams training ground, arguably one of the best on the planet. But it terms on grounds I think it would have to be the more recent and the trip to Portman Road, purely because of the occasion and the atmosphere of the night, the biggest crowd I’ve played in front of and to have my family watch was an honour of mine.

INTERVIEW: Wesley Soloman

Leiston Reserves manager Wesley Soloman discusses what inspired him to become a manager, his coaching/managerial career so far and his ambitions going forward. 

DK: First off, what inspired you to be a manager? 

WS: That’s a difficult question to start with! 

There’s a mix of reasons firstly seeing some bad managers/coaches right at the bottom adult grassroots football. Shouting screaming and generally being negative,  being narrow minded tactically and not giving youngsters a chance. Seeing youngsters all sat on the bench or running the line. Something I hate is often youngsters first experience of adult football is often running the line. 

Secondly having a group of mates back then around 20 wanting to play together and there was a bit of pressure to give it a go! 

Lastly, when I was chatting to other players and managers being told you can’t be competitive or successful playing all youngsters in a team. That really put the bit between my teeth. Really wanted to go show people what could be done.

DK: Tell us about your coaching/managing career so far (clubs you've worked for and  noteable achievements at each)

WS: Well it in 2007/8 I coached at Waveney Youth U9 for approximately 3 years but after completing my apprenticeship.  at work commitments meant  I was staying away from home and couldn’t commit as much time. 

After a few years out of coaching things settled down at work and with a bit of peer pressure I created a team in the Lowestoft and District league for the 13/14 season made up of mainly mates and close friends. 

Over the next 4 season, two promotions (one as champions one as runners up) a cup final, creation of a reserve side and a 4th place finish in the highest division followed. 

The hunger and ambition to coach higher grew with time. However the boundaries/hurdles in taking the club higher (ground regulations and costs mainly) meant i had to leave the club I created behind and look for a new challenge.  

Over that summer of 2017 George Millington (then first team manager of Waveney first) called and asked me to coach the first and reserve sides. With both sides being in the Anglian combination and a significant jump I leaped at the opportunity and after a successful pre-season a management shakeup 8-9 games into the season see me become Waveney Reserves Manager. A challenging time see the reserves stabilise under my management going from bottom 4/5 to top 4/5 but running out of games to gate crash the promotion party. Progress continued over the close season on and off the pitch and a solid 18-19 season see Waveney reserves get to both quarter finals of  Senior Reserve & League Cups (losing both on pens) whilst also gaining promotion with a lot of U18s /younger players  present throughout the season. 

A disagreement over the close season behind the scenes unfortunately see me part companies with Waveney. It was a difficult time for me and if I’m honest it hit pretty hard. 

I was really enjoying my management/coaching. The senior players I met at Waveney where a great bunch and a lot of effort was put in personally behind the scenes off the pitch. 

That effort off the pitch was rewarded with Waveney’s Volunteer of the year 18/19. 

I firmly believed I could of got Waveney Reserves back to back promotions and really pushed on with a young hungry side with a few experienced heads mixed in. 

A little break followed and several opportunities come and went with none really igniting the fire within to get back into management/coaching. 

A conversation with then 1st team manager of Leiston  Ian Cornforth took place during late September/early October in 2019. Things went really well and I was offered the managers position of Leiston Reserves. I’ve never looked back after that. The players, coaches, committee members I’ve come across have been a great and I feel we have started building something terrific and taking big steps forward. It’s been a real challenge but it’s been largely throughly enjoyable! 

I am grateful to George Millington and Ian Cornforth for the opportunities in football they have given me.

DK: If you could pick a standout moment with each club you've coached so far, which would you pick and why? 

WS: Erm tricky one again.

Back to back promotions with pot black the side I created was a proud moment to to prove it was a good side and not a one off and having started with nothing. 

Waveney for sure though would be promotion in my first full season.

Leiston I’ve only been there a short time but feel a lot of U18s have made progress. We have also had some good results against top sides Lakenheath probably being the pick/highlight being 2-0 & 4-2 down coming back to win 5-4.

DK: What's the best ground you've worked at so far and why?

WS: Clipbush Park - Fakenham Town FC, Great facilities, Great People, Great Fans.

DK: How do you reflect on your time at Leiston so far and how do you feel the season went whilst you were in charge?

WS: My time at Leiston have been terrific overall so far. Admittedly there has been some really challenging moments where I’ve doubted myself or ability but I’m not one for giving up or to be beaten. However, the committee are great, the players are all talented and hungry for success. I’ve met some great people. It was a real turbulent year with 4 changes of first team management. Overall I maintained league position whilst playing top half sides. Few good results in the mix too. It’s a bit gutting really because we had 12 games left and all apart from one or two all where bottom half sides so feel there was a great chance of picking up a lot of points in the run in. I have learned so much about the league, the players, the teams we where playing against it was a real challenge and a steep learning curve but puts us in great place for next season.

DK: What targets do you have looking forward to next season?

WS: I’m a very ambitious person so I have my own targets and club targets! 

We have one of the youngest sides in the division with generally an average age of U20 for most games. 

Personally people keep telling me that you can’t be competitive in this league with a young side. So I want to prove that theory wrong and finish in the top 8 whilst being competitive week in weekout. 

The club priority though to create a great environment to learn and develop young players, progressing them to the first team. 

Combining those too things mean I want Leiston Reserves to be the best side to learn and develop at step 6 in the area outside the professional game whilst being competitive in the league week in week out. 

INTERVIEW: Anthony Fryatt

Anthony Fryatt discusses why he became a coach, working at Framlingham Town and more. 

DK: First off, what inspired you to be a coach? 

AF: When playing I have always considered myself as a leader, I have captained pretty much every team I have played for from a young age. Add to that I have always had a keen interest in the tactical side of the game.

It felt a logical step even at the young age of 19 to ask to start coaching one of the young sides at Woodbridge & was offered the chance to become manager of there the under 11s. I haven’t looked back and have loved every minute!

DK: Tell us about your coaching/managing career so far (clubs you've worked for and  noteable achievements at each).

AF: As mentioned in the previous question my coaching all started out at Woodbridge and with the youth teams. 

I was made manager of the Woodbridge town Thurlow Nunn under 18 and this was where I had most success having two great runs to the 4th qualifying rounds of the FA Youth cup coming almighty close and pushing Sudbury who were then and still are the best youth side locally all the way to extra time the first year & losing narrowly to Bishop Stortford the following season. There was also a central division title win thrown into the mix. It was a similar group of players who played for the reserves in the senior reserve cup final at Colchester’s Western Holmes community stadium - I was a part of the reserve coaching set up too as well as occasionally dusting off the old boots!

What pleases me most about that group and what I consider to be my greatest achievement is the amount of players from that team that have gone onto become established first team players at thurlow nunn level and above. I won’t go on to name them all but 4 of them are still regulars at Woodbridge & 4 of them are all now playing there trade at Leiston a few divisions up & we have  managed to get three to join Fram. 

Upon the end of my second season in charge of the under 18s and as Assistant manager for the reserves I decided the time was right to leave Woodbridge and end my 7 year association with the club. The very next day my phone rang and I was offered the chance to become first team Assistant Manager at Framlingham Town and the opportunity to coach at first team level was one I couldn’t refuse even if it came as a surprise to me. We were gearing up for our first season at step 5 and my first day in the job was away at Ely on the opening day of the season. 

Since joining Fram I have learnt so much and am continuing to learn I have a great affection for the club & despite another tough season (that has just been cancelled) there really is so much to be positive about moving forwards and more success to talk about I’m sure!

DK: What's been the highlight of your career so far?

AF: In a footballing context last seasons win vs Hackney Wick in the FA Cup has to be right up there. We had come close the year before taking whitton to a replay at the first stage but to get the win which clearly meant so much to everybody at the club was a fantastic feeling. 

On a personal level, I have recently completed my UEFA B coaching course a qualification that was very hard work but very rewarding and I have learnt so much from the process.

Above all of that what gives me the most satisfaction is messages from players and parents of players that i have worked with over the years indicating the significance of my role in there footballing career, this is the most rewarding thing ever to receive and without naming names I’ve had some very very nice ones over my career!

DK: What's the best ground you've worked at so far and why?  

AF: I think that this one would have to be Glasswells Stadium (bridge road), the home of Histon. 

The realisation of how far we had come at Framlingham hit us the minute we walked through the gate there, being in the same league as a team who had been so close to the football league not so long a go was a terrific expierience and the ground they have is amazing. 

Despite being at the complete opposite ends of the table we have them a very good game there as well one of our best performances and we were very unlucky to lose against the run away champions. 

The hospitality there is also terrific and they are so welcoming a lovely club!

DK: How do you reflect on the season just gone from both a personal and team perspective?  

AF: I won’t beat around the bush and try to hide it, this season has been a very disappointing one. 

Whilst we were never under any pressure to go straight back up a top half finish was the minimum we expected and we looked set to come way short of that so we were very disappointed. 

To pick at a few positives we promoted lots of players from our under 18s for debuts with many getting a good run of games & we have stuck strongly to our principles of promoting players through the youth system, keeping a local core to the squad and playing an attacking and exciting style of football. This reflects in the amount of goals we have scored and based on the goals for column we should be much higher in the table, but we have lacked that game management at key times - we know on our day we are good enough to beat anybody but have not been anywhere near consistent enough! But that I guess is common with such a young group we went into some games last season where our oldest player was 25 - on average I would guess the average age of our team was around 21/22 most weeks if the core stay together the years ahead could be very exciting! 

So whilst there is positives we know that we must do better next season and I have every faith in the group of players we have to make next season a successful one, whenever it goes get underway. 

Personally it’s probably the year in my coaching journey that has given me the most learning points. We had probably the best pre season with some quality performances in both games and training and we we looked really sharp and raring to go. As a group I think we certainly let complacency creep in and as a management team we have to take a large amount of the blame for that. 

This outbreak has given me lots of time to reflect on my role and what mistakes I have made and how I can improve. I have always been harsh on myself and that hasn’t changed I have lots of things I will be doing differently when we get back up and running again and I can’t wait to get going again! 

DK: What targets do you have looking forward?  

AF: Next season we want to finish in the top half and push on to get an FA cup spot which is normally around top 7 obviously PPG dependant. 

Beyond that and certainly within the next 3 seasons we want to get promoted back to Step 5 but this time at a time where we as a club are ready both on the pitch and behind the scenes & then establish ourselves at that level whilst sticking to the principles outlined in the previous answer. 

Personally I am still only 27 (about to turn 28) and I still have so much to learn as a coach especially in a first team environment, longer term I see myself as a manager as opposed to a number 2 and that is certainly an ambition of mine. But I’m in no hurry for it, I am at a great club surrounded by great people and want to continue learning my trade as well as playing my part in bringing success to Framlingham.

INTERVIEW: Jonny Sweetser-Hawkes

Jonny Sweetser-Hawkes discusses his career so far, starting off in Bury FC's Academy, playing for Tyn-Y-Gongl, a successful spell at Bro Goronwy & returning to Pentraeth for a second spell. 

DK: First off, could you give us a bit of background to your career so far (such as clubs played for, overall major achievements)?

JS: Started of playing for Bury academy then had a serious injury then returned to football once I’ve moved to Wales and started playing for local club in my area called Tyn-Y-Gongl which are still going to this day played there till I started men’s football which I started at Pentraeth fc played a season there then moved to Bro Goronwy played there for 10 years this is where I won a lot of trophies as a player won some very saute after trophies such as the NW Junior cup back to back then again a few years later won promotion to higher league then in the next season won that league to buy unfortunately due to ground criteria at the time we couldn’t progress up the leagues I’m now back playing football at Pentraeth fc where I’ll probably finish my grassroots career.

DK: If you could pick 3 highlights from your career so far which would you pick and why? 

JS: Wining the NW Junior cup back to back because it’s a cup that covers North Wales so there’s some very good teams in that cup 

Wining the Anglesey league in my first season with Bro Goronwy I didn’t play every game that season as they had a very good goalkeeper but the title decider game on the last day of the season I was picked to start and we won the game which won us the league  I did play 2 years of Sunday league football aswel where in the second season I captained the side to winning the league which was another great achievement.

DK: Tell us a bit about your time in Bury's Academy, how did you find your time there?

JS: Well I really enjoyed my time there this is where i really found my love for the game the training just everything about the academy I loved it but unfortunately things didn’t work out and then I go a serious injury to my knee.

DK: How did you find your first spell at Pentraeth, tell us a bit about it?

JS: I enjoyed my time there we did have a good team and manager training was always good and different but the main reason for me leaving was at that time bro goronwy were progressing a lot faster and the opportunity to move  up the leagues quicker was in my eyes a great opportunity.

DK: Tell us a bit about your time at Goronwy, sounds like a successful spell there? 

JS: Yeah very successful time there under in my opinion the best manager on the island lee potter he helped me gain so much more confidence as a goalkeeper and playing as a sweeper keeper .. the years there have flown by I can’t remember a season where we didn’t win atleast one trophy available to us in the last 10 years . He put his trust in me as his number one which just made my confidence grow more and more.

DK: What was the standout moment from your time at Goronwy? 

JS: My standout moment has to be wining back to back league titles 09/10 10/11 seasons.

DK: What's been the highlight of your time at Pentraeth as a whole so far?

JS: My first spell was good it was a good season it’s were I was spotted by manger lee potter which really kickstarted my career in welsh football.

DK: What's the best ground you've played at and why?

JS: Farrar road Bangor city’s old stadium as I remember winning a cup there .. you could feel the atmosphere as you walked in to the ground.

DK: Who's the best player you've played alongside and why? 

JS: It’s hard to pick just one as I’ve played with a lot of very good footballers but if I have to pick one I’d pick Andy williams now playing for cemaes bay fc been scoring goals for years was scoring more than 25-30 goals a season and still doing it now into his 30s he’s an experienced and excellent striker and goal score his reading of the game is unbelievable.

DK: If you could pick a team of the best players you've played alongside who would you pick and why? 

JS: Right back Christian hough outstanding reader of the game and great defender 2 centre half’s Dylan Jones again another great reader of the game and tackling is superb Sam carter solid in the air and on the floor great passing range left back Ashley jones naturally gifted with ball at his feet and his defensive cover was great.

Right wing Liam griffiths fantastic engine on the field with a wicked right foot and great pace and passer of the ball 2 centre midfielders Gary swindles would run all day reading of the game was amazing would always drop in to the holding position if needed a long side him has to be his brother Andy swindles another engine in midfield with an eye for a pass is unbelievable and will run all day can read the game fantastic left wing Sean Pritchard (eggs) fantastic player with and without the ball reading of the game and his pace and eye for a pass and his crossing are unbelievable.

2 strikers first on that list has to be Andy williams just a born goal scorer and just a complete all round striker and will be scoring goals for years to come jac Thomas who is only in his early 20s but scores goals for fun and will continue doing that for many many years and that’s my team.

 

Interview: Josh Shepherd

Josh Shepherd discusses his coaching career so far, from working in Bhutan to the standard in England and more. 

DK: What inspired you to be a manager?

JS: I always had an interest in coaching from when I turned about 16, I would spend hours and hours on football manager. Once I got to the age of 20 I knew I wasn’t going to get to where I wanted as a player so decided that I would follow the path of a football coach.

DK: Tell us about your coaching/managing career so far from start to present?

JS: So I started at the age of 20 when I got an Assistant Managers role with Wolverhampton Sporting in the Midland Premier Division. I then moved to Spain where I started coaching with CD Nerja before being asked to go to The Gambia where I took up an Assistant Manager role at Real de Banjul. Upon arriving back to England I got a coaching role at Tamworth Academy and started to work with the Panjab National Team who are part of CONIFA. In 2016 I moved to Cambridge and took up an Assistant Manager position at Haverhill Rovers who play in the Thurlow Nunn but due to various reasons I left and joined Debenham FC for the remainder of the season. In 2017 I got the offer to join Long Melford who again were in the Thurlow Nunn Premier League, we were a small village team punching well above our weight and managed to get the record points total within the league. In February 2019 I was offered the chance to join Thimphu City as the Manager for an international tournament in India where we competed against teams from Nepal, Sri Lanka and India. We had a decent tournament getting to the semi finals before being asked back as the Manager for the Bhutan Premier League which is where I was from May-November 2019. I’m now back in England and looking for something within non league.

DK: What's the highlight of your career so far?

JS: I think getting the job in Bhutan has to be the biggest highlight so far. Not only was it my first professional head coach role but I was the first person to ever officially have a footballing VISA in the country which was a proud moment.

DK: Do you think there's any differences managing in Bhutan to England, if so what are they

JS: There’s a huge difference between both. The first thing is the intensity, in Bhutan you don’t get a moment on the ball, as soon as you receive it you’re pressed. The second is the physicality, in England it’s much more physical but that’s due to the longer ball aspect of the game and the size of the players. The third and most notable difference  is the mentality. In England we live for football and will do absolutely anything to win games, In Bhutan and Asia as a whole it feels to me that it doesn’t have as much importance, here it ruins your week whereas there it’s kind of oh well onto the next. That doesn’t mean they don’t care at all but it just doesn’t feel the same.

DK: What's the best ground you've coached at so far and why?

JS: The Bhutan national stadium in terms of how beautiful it is with the scenery and main stand but in terms of atmosphere if would be a stadium that we played at in Assam, India for the Gold Cup. We played against the host side who we beat 1-0 but there must of been about 8000 in total for the game and they had an ultras group with huge drums etc.

DK: Tell us a bit more about your experiences at non league, how have you found managing/coaching at that level (in the UK)? 

JS: I love coaching in non league but it has it challenges. The first one being the amount of time you get to work with the boys, usually it’s once a week, maximum twice so that has a lot of implications on things such as working on phases of play or preparing for the opposition, you just don’t get the time. Secondly you have to deal with the pitches and poor facilities, although they are getting much better and pretty much for half the season you’re able to play on a decent surface. Lastly you have players who get tempted by a few extra pounds and with the way it is at the moment it’s easy for players to jump ship.

On the other side of things you’re working with some real good players, lads who have stepped out of the pro game or lads who jut haven’t been given that chance. You also get to work closely with a club, the volunteers and the supporters and it really does give you a sense of satisfaction winning games for them.

DK: What's your favourite non league ground?

JS: I’d have to say Haverhill Rovers in terms of facilities as it was a new build but in terms of stadiums probably Histon.

DK: Looking forward, what are your aims in terms of finding a new club and what plans do you have in mind when you do so?

JS: I’m open to offers at the moment, ideally I’d like a managerial position but if I was to step up the levels I’d also be interested in an assistant managers role depending on the club. I’m hoping to join a club which has ambition and trust in an experienced young coach, my biggest downfall is player knowledge of the local area but I understand the importance of a coaching team so would happily bring someone along side me who has that knowledge. 

INTERVIEW: Elliott Frost-Palmer

Next up in our "Meet The Ferals" video series, Moreton Hall Ferals defender Elliott Frost-Palmer is, next to answer the questions. 

Quickfire Questions:

Favourite hot drink: Not a hot drink fan, but I'll have to go with a hot chocolate - only real hot drink I drink!

Favourite cold drink: Dr Pepper - can't go wrong with Dr Pepper or Coke Cherry.

Favourite video game: Football manager - 100% can't stop playing it at the moment, addicted to it! Been playing it for years, obviously FIFA, COD with the boys, bit of Pro Clubs - can't go wrong with them!

Favourite video game growing up: I used to play Road Trip on PS2, that was a good game, obviously all the GTA's, there was a game called Test Drive Unlimited 2 on XBOX I think - that was an unreal game so I'll go with Test Drive Unlimited 2!

XBOX or PlayStation: PlayStation now, used to have both growing up but all the lads are on it now - Crowey, Peasgood has even came over from XBOX - over from the dark side! 

FIFA OR PES: FIFA all day of the week, but to be fair the early PES back on the PS2 - PES 3 and 4 they were a lot better but since the first FIFA I played a lot of - I think was FIFA 07 that was a good game, so I'll go FIFA! 

Favourite TV Show: Noah's Arc on Netflix, that's a good series! Smashed out about ten episodes in about a week, one I'm liking at the moment! Obviously you've got the classics like Inbetweeners and stuff like that - they're all good! Love Island, Big Brother, but at the moment I'll go with Noah's Arc! 

Favourite film: Wolf Of Wall Street or Good Fellas, they're probably the two that I like at the moment, also the Irishman on Netflix - that's a really good film, although it's 4 hours but it's certainly one of my favourites! 

Favourite sport other than football: My second favourite sport is probably tennis, I'm going to think back later that it was probably the wrong answer, but I can't think of any others - so I'll go for tennis! I don't mind golf, but I'm not actually very good at it. I'll go with either tennis or golf. 

Favourite professional team: Brighton, we aren't very good, but it's all part of the fun isn't it? 

*Me: New one, I haven't heard! Nice variety* EFP: Yeah I guess most people are either Liverpool, Arsenal or Chelsea etc those are pretty much the most popular ones! 

Favourite professional player: All time is 100% David Beckham, no comparison to the bloke, absolutely love Beckham, quality player, had everything - he could play, pass, cross, score freekicks like me. At the moment, I like Kevin De Bruyne, I like him a lot, he's my favourite at the moment. Obviously you've got to go with your team, so I'm going to go with Brighton players - I'll go with Neil Maupay. 

Best game you've watched live: Most enjoyable one, I'll go with Leeds 1 Brighton 2, I think it was on my birthday and we beat them 2-1 - think we scored last minute, Leonardo Ulloa scored, that's probably my favourite game I've been too! Can't think of many entertaining games I've been to really. Normally my luck when I go it's a low scoring game! 

If you could relive any sporting moment from any time which one would you pick: That's a tough one! Maybe 1966 World Cup, I would've loved to have been there, obviously England winning the World Cup! Or David Beckham's goal against Greece- scenes in that one, at Old Trafford, last minute, gets us through the qualifier - wouldn't mind being there! Actually going to go with Beckham's goal, just because of the scenes that would've been! 

If you could pick any professionals last or present to play alongside with for the Ferals who would you pick: Obviously Beckham and then up front I'm going to go with R9 Ronaldo - the real Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, I'm just going to have three midfielders! David Beckham, Ronaldinho, Zidane, and then at the back I'd go with Maldini at the back! 

How have you enjoyed your time at Ferals so far: Enjoyed my time? Definitely! I've been with Ferals since age 11 or 12, so yeah we've had some good memories since then! Lost some games since then we should've won - lost a league title we should've won, we've won a few Cup finals - well we've won 3 Cup finals since I've been there! I think the lads have won one more before I was there as well, so yeah quality really! I've played for Ferals for about 10 years, hopefully if my legs hang in there I'll probably have another 10-15 to go! 

You should get a testimonial then as you've reached 10 years: Yeah exactly, I wouldn't mind one of them! Think they'll be a few of the boys queuing up for one of them! Fred should have one, Crowey (Fred Stewart-Hogg and George Crowe) should have one, and Aston's been playing (for Ferals) since I was there, Sam (Waterson) - them three should be getting a 15 year testimonial at this rate, obviously Ade (Crowe) for his service! 

What's your highlight been for Ferals (so far): Had a few to be fair, had a few Cup finals, my favourite I've got to go with the first one. I think we played Ipswich Valley White, I think we must've been Under-14s, Under-15s - it was actually my birthday, don't remember what year it was! We must've been underdogs as they won the league that year, so what happened was that Fred scored an absolute worldie - he's probably told you about it - it must've been about 35 yards out, absolute worldie! Think that put us 1-0 up, they then equalised and then I remember thinking "come on we're going to bottle this," I thought "we've just got to keep going, keep going." It went to extra time and then penalties, I didn't think we were going to win on penalties to be honest! Penalties one of those funny things and Ferals don't have a great history with penalties - we've won a few but I think we've lost most of the ones we've been in. I remember winning 5-4 I think, six penalties had been taken, they missed two and we missed one, I just remember that absolute scenes - made my birthday! Think it was over at Gainsborough in Ipswich, so yeah I'm going to go with that one! Cup final win against Ipswich Valley White 100%.

Adult wise, you've been involved fro mthe start in that part , what's it been like progressing through the Divisions: It's been good to be fair, obviously Division Three, when we joined in Division 3 it was quite a competitive division, we didn't win any titles or anything, but obviously Horringer were in our league - who were a good team. Obviously Moreton Hall 96 who've now, came up with us. The first season in Div 3,there,was obviously Danepak, we were just getting used to it as it was quite physical in that league - we're quite physical anyway - we had some big lads like (George) Palmer, then (Callum) Dongray joined us when we got to Division One, which makes us a different level, physically, the bloke's a beat! Yeah, that's been good, getting promoted, winning a lot of games, we would've probably liked a little bit more competition - there weren't too many great teams in those divisions, what you'll find in the quality from Div 3 and Div 2 I'd say is quite similar in some ways, but when you come to Div 1 - that's a step up, but I think we've done brilliantly since we've come up. Played some good teams, won some games, lost a few games which has been a good learning curve - really enjoying it to be fair, good progression, we're doing well! 

Obviously teams like Brandon, great team, that'll be really good next season, another head to head battle with them and I'm sure Tostock will be involved as well - since getting a lot better definitely!

Gym were a quality side, that's a shame really about Gym leaving the league, it opens it up I guess but it's a, shame they're leaving as they're another good side that have left the league. Howard's are another good team, can't forget about then - they can bring a good team on their day and turn you over! They've beaten us before, so yeah they're a really good side! 

What's your best personal performance for Ferals: I've had some iffy ones, that's for sure, when you're in defence you don't really think about good games you've had, but the goal will stand out for me, against Brandon! That one stands out and is my favourite goal for the Ferals! 

Probably when we played Horringer in the cup final, more from a collective performance though, we played well on the day to beat them 5-1! I thought I personally played well and I thought everyone else played well, so I'm going to go for more of a collective performance. 

I remember it being scorching hot, absolutely boiling, I remember waking up and having such a really good feeling about the day, I thought "yeah we're going to win today!" To be fair, I think that all the time, I Lways wake up and go "yeah, we're going to win today," even if I am hungover! Everyone chipped in, everyone gave 100%, subs, bit annoying that I think we broke on the right hand side, I can't remember who it was - it might have been Fred, it might have been Dove, they've gone down the line and I've literally sprinted from right back all the way into the centre of the box and I was just calling for it and I was screaming for it, I remember whoever put it in I think they missed me it must've fell to Bill Peck and they scored, so I was a bit gutted! 5-1 at Ram Meadow, you can't complain about that performance! 

When you're not in defence, you're on goal, how did that come about: I don't know really, I do fancy myself as a good keeper, at eleven aside I've had a few clangers don't get me wrong, I'm more of a shot stopper. I fancy myself at 5 aside, Crowey would back me up on that, naughty five aside keeper, just happened when I was younger. I'm trying to think of the first game that I actually went in goal, I think Aston got injured or something, I think I might have said "oh yeah, I'll go in goal," I did alright because I'd played in goal before as a kid. I think it was against Diss, about 7 or 8 years ago, Aston got injured and I went in goal, this was a full sized goal - I must've been about 5 foot 4, I think I did alright actually! I think I kept a clean sheet fro mthat point on, so yeah just stuck from there! Obviously I've been in goal quite a few times when Aston isn't here and Dan (Stobbart) took my place last year as back up keeper, but he left so I'm back in the Reserve so complaining at all - I've quite enjoyed it! 

You almost kept a clean sheet earlier this season, against Moreton Hall 96 in the 9-1 (win): Tell me about it, that clanger! I've had that a few times though over the years, I've played against 96 a few times in goal - I think we played against them two years in the cup, in the semi final, I was in goal - and I remember getting Man Of The Match and I didn't make one mistake! Ball come in across, I went out- I should've left it really as I think Crowey was there- spilt it and it managed to bobble into the back of the net, so that was annoying but I got man of the match that day, so maybe that's secured my number 13 shirt! I've got a goalkeeping shirt, because Ade's given me one, I think I've got number 13 (outfield number is too). 

Bit of an old school shirt, can't beat the number 13, I quite like that! Lucky for me as I get in the team! 

How do you look back on this season: Good, overall I'm going to say that it's been a good season, obviously not finishing it is a bit annoying but being undefeated in the league has been really good, beaten a lot of good teams, we've turned up with 11, ten or eleven we've done well in them (games), won quite a few games. Obviously it's quite nice to win the league, well actually "winning" the league (if it went to PPG), that's always nice to win 3 points! 

The worst part was probably our cup performances to be fair, I think we could've done a lot better - I think we're in one Cup still, we lost round in the first round of the Suffolk cup whuch is annoying, because obviously I know we can do a lot better than that! Next season hopefully we'll do a lot better, hopefully get to a semi final or final. We haven't done well in the Suffolk Cup at all really, I think last season (18/19) we got to the quarter finals but we haven't got further than that, so hopefully next year we'll improve on our cup performances and obviously win the league next season, which would be quality to do a league and Cup double, or treble as I think theres another league Cup, so plenty of cups to go around! Hopefully we'll win a few more! 

Definitely is, normally Ferals make a cup final each year: Yeah exactly, hopefully next season we'll get two and we'll get the Suffolk one as well, that'll be quality! 

What's your highlight been if this season: Brandon 100%, when we beat them at home 3-1, good result, we knew Brandon were a good side and that really stood out for us. We're going to challenge this year and to get that win was quality because I think we went 1-0 and 2-0 up, they're a good side and we sat in quite a lot, I think at the end it got a little bit nervy but it was 3-1 so it wasn't too bad and you can get a few many nerves when you're 2-1 up, as the next goal is crucial. We fought hard, got stick in and held out well to get the win, hopefully we'll get a few more wins against them next year and beat a few more other sides! Howard's, was a good win, 2-1, I wasn't actually here for that game, but the last minute goal, seen the videos of that, that, was quality! 

Gym first game, that was another good one, to beat teams like Gym you've played really well, simple as that, doesn't matter what team they have, they're always going to battle. We've had a few games where we've gone 5-1 up and they've came back and it's 5-4 and you're hanging in there in the end, really good to beat teams like that! 

Do you have any targets for next season: Win the league, win a cup at least, and would like to get a few more goals! 

Freekicks give me opportunities to score goals, I would like one or two from open play, so yeah hopefully a league and a cup and 5 or 6 more goals next year, that'd be good for me! I'd be happy with that! Couple of clean sheets as well, sometimes I forget I'm in defence, sometimes I forget about Palmer and Co in defence and go forward, can't forget about them! Yeah exactly me and Dongray marauding forward, poor old Palmer, Crowey and Aston at the back! 

If you could pick a Feral to be quarantined with, who would you pick: I don't actually know, that's a tough one to be fair, I'd probably go with Glover actually, just because I think Glover would have good hygiene, as if we're in quarantine for 12 weeks I don't want somebody that's disgusting! 

Who'd you say is the joker in the team: Think you're looking at him! There's a few of us in there, there's quite a bit of banter, obviously Fred's in there, Charles is in there, Crowey's in there - all of us, everyone likes a laugh! We've got a good squad, Dongray likes a laugh, we've got a few jokers in the dressing room to be fair! 

I may not be the best player, but I'm the best entertainer! 

Who's your favourite Ferals player: It'd either be Dovey or Dongray, pure quality, I think I'll go with Dovey - played with Dovey since under 9s or something, his touch is a joke! There's not a better finisher out there to be honest, if you can get someone in the one on one situation and it's Dovey, you know it's in the back of the net! Dongray is, a very close second! 

If you had to pick a Ferals 5 aside team, who would you select: I've got to stick myself in there somewhere, so what I'll do is I'll stick myself in goal - sorry Aston but I'm quite the cat up the rugby club, so I'm going to give myself that one! 

I would normally pick Aston but I've got to get myself in there somehow and got to get people like Dongray in there, so I'll go with me in goal, Dongray in defence - actually I'm not going to do positions as I think Dongray would be handy up front, so we'll go with me, Dongray, Dovey, Peasgood's mean in a five aside, probably Charles as I think he's a steady player in there, keeping it all nice, Dongray in there, Dovey in there, Peasgood to score the goals up top and me to keep a clean sheet so it'd be an entertaining game with that line up, that's for sure! 

If you could pick a five aside team of all time professionals who would you pick: That is a tough one - I'm definitely not going to pick myself in this one! In goal, I'm a massive De Gea fan but he has slipped off a, little bit so I'm going to go with Dida in goal, AC Milan legend, Brazil legend, just an absolute class player! In defence I'm going to go for a 1-2-1, Roberto Carlos and in midfield I'm going to go with Ronaldinho, this is going to end up being a Brazil 5 aside. I'm going with Dida in goal, Roberto Carlos in defence, Ronaldinho in there and I've also going to go for Rivaldo, Rivaldo was a class player and up top R9 Ronaldo. 

Ronaldinho hitting the dross bar 3 times, I know it's fake but it's quality. 

What if I banned you from using Brazilians, what would you pick then: In goal I'll go for De Gea, nice agility, good keeper - actually I'm going to go for Casillas, because its one of those funny five aside goals he's quite short so he'd be able to get down low for them. In defence, I'll probably go with Rio Ferdinand, quality on the ball, if you've picking 5 aside I'll go Rio Ferdinand, but defenders I like I'd definitely go for Vidic, Vidic was hust a different gear as well but I'm going to go with Ferdinand, just that bit of quality, Beckham obviously, Messi. Messi would be quality in a 5 aside, then up top I'm going to go for Ronaldo, CR7, that's absolute quality that team! I think that'd be a good match for any team, I don't why I went with Ferdinand in there I'm going to go with Maldini. My team would be De Gea, Maldini, Beckham, Messi and Ronaldo, I think that 5 aside team would match up to anyone in the world to be fair! Even match up to my Brazil 5 aside team! 

INTERVIEW: Daniel Gleeson

Daniel Gleeson talks about his football career, playing for, Cambridge United, going to Notts County, playing for Luton, representing England C and more. 

DK: First off, could you give us a bit of background to your career so far (such as clubs played for, overall major achievements)?

DG: As a 15 year old lad was just playing local league football until was signed by Camb city (jez George) Jez then moved to Camb united where I was then invited for a trial, trial was a success and signed a short term deal which took me to 16 and up to the point in which u either get a 3 yr scholarship, at 16 signed a 3 yr scholarship with united and made my Prob debut at 17 under John Taylor! Went in to play around 200 times for United in 2 spells reaching play off final on 2 occasions. In between my 2 spells I had 1 year at notts county making around 20/25 apps before returning to United on loan before signing again permanently. After 2 more years at United I signed for Luton for 2 years again losing 2 play off finals! During my time at united i was selected for the England C team making 7 apps and travelling to away games in Barbados,Grenada  and Italy were def some major highlights.after a difficult last season at Luton with major back injury my full time career came to an end.then went on to play for Lowestoft town and captained them to play off success and gain promotion to conf north,then had brief spells locally with Camb city, Histon.

DK: If you could pick 3 highlights from your career so far which would you pick and why?

RG: Making my debut at 17 is something I will never forget as a kid I had always dreamt of playing professional football and had received many knock backs as lots do,”he won’t make it” just 1 comment that’s stuck with me forever!!” (He did make it) to do it for my boyhood club was very special.

Although we lost the play off final,again my 1st app at Wembley will always stick with me! Walking out at the National stadium in front of 40/50k was an unbelievable feeling.was not the outcome  we wanted but again a to play there was a dream in itself. 

And finally to represent my country albeit at non league level is something I’m very proud of played with some fantastic players and got to travel to some special places doing so 

DK: Tell us a bit more about your time at Cambridge United, how did you find it & give us an overview to your time there?

DG: Loved my time at united met some great lads and imo my last 2 years there were my best playing day during a 10 yr career, my overriding feeling is that I left and didn’t Acheive what I would have loved,promotion back to the football league with the club that i supported from the age of 6 but at the same time im proud to say I wore the amber and black shirt and certainly wore it with great pride. I lived my dream and that’s something nobody can ever take from me.

DK: What was it like being involved in the playoff finals, describe the feeling?

DG: The play off games are something very special. Lots of pressure riding on a game or 2! My semi final experiences have been surreal all but 1 of the 4 I’ve been involved in we were behind after the 1st  leg and the 2 2nd leg wins in a united shirt were phenomenal experiences to be apart of.last min extra time winner against Stevenage was something else! But to lose 4 years running in the final was heartbreaking! And from 1 to the next it didn’t get any easier, 40 odd games were you’ve given everything you had boils down to 1 game.. and in truth in none of those finals did we turn up. Why?? Pressure expectation who knows if I knew the answer I’d have cracked it after the 1st defeat! Grown men brought to tears over a game of football!! It’s more than a game and it always will be and u never really learn to deal with those losses! They hit home very hard!

DK: Tell us a bit about your time at Luton?

DG: Leaving Cambridge to join Luton was the toughest decision during my career! I was playing very well for United and as mentioned I’d say those were my best couple of years! I saw this as an opportunity I couldn’t turn down for many reasons, Luton is a huge football club with home crowds of over 10k week in week out and a travelling support in at the time non league of over 1500/2000 every week.i saw this club as a major chance for myself to get back into the football league and Lastly I simply can’t lie the money was amazing! A footballers career is short make of it what you can. My time at Luton as a player wasn’t great my 1st year I done ok but I was never the player I was at Cambridge to which frustrated me massively! Physically in my 1st year I felt great,never fitter but I just struggled to perform,We underachieved as a side,a side for me that should have walked the league with the players we had! We let the manager down which ultimately he paid the price for (a cruel game) my 2nd year was a right off,played a handful of games and my back problems gradually got the better of me.2 cordial epidurals and 1 op later we were 3/4 of the way through the season! I got back (semi fit) for the run in but my time at Luton was up! Looking back did I make the right choice!? For me yes I would hate to have looked back at though what could have been,what did I miss out on, I do often sit back and think had I stayed at united would my career have been prolonged did I pay the price with injuries due to my daily travel! But all that said I have no regrets with the choice I made and am grateful for the career I had.

DK: What was it like to play for England's C team, must of been a big achievement - give us a bit on insight to it?

DG: Playing for the England c team was great,the set up and professionalism was 2nd to none.picked up from your home address in a private car and taken to Airports,1st class travel,stayed in amazing hotels in beautiful places all over the world and most importantly got to wear the 3 lions,we played Finland,Barbados,Grenada all away and these experiences were phenomenal, presentations after each game with your cap,staff on hand to provide your every need,literally treat like royalty to meet and play with some very special players many of whom plied there trade in the premier league and again something I am very proud of. Also played Italy away from home!

DK: How did you find your time at Lowestoft, tell us a bit about it? 

DG: My time at Lowestoft was a mixed 1! For 2 years it was great,captained the side to promotion to and the clubs highest ever league position in the conf north.the manager Craig Fleming then left for the premier league and I was left in joint charge of the 1st team with Ady Gallagher and mick Chapman.we kept the side in the conf north which was a great feat! Then following season was bizarre! Myself and Ady left in charge and things turned sour! Guessing we never really saw eye to eye but it was me that received a call to say I was not wanted at the club! A bizarre call to say the least! Told to not attend training,or matches and find a new club! All completely out of the blue and to this day not explained! A tad disrespectful I felt after what I had given the club in a 2/3 year spell. A disappointing end to my time there but that said a fantastic club.

DK: What was it like to be part of their promotion and the clubs most successful period? 

DG: We had a great side and just missed out on promotion the previous year in the play off final to concord,but the following season we made up for it and gave the fans and club some of it not their best days. It was great to be part of particularly after so much play off heartache on a personal note.i loved my time there but was very disappointed in the way that it ended.

DK: What's the best ground you've played at and why? 

DG: Would have to be Wembley although the ettihad was very special.the pitch at the ettihad was ridiculous! 👌

DK: Who's the best player you've played alongside and why? 

DG: Played with lots that have gone onto bigger things but George pilkington at Luton was exceptional. He played centre half and not the tallest of men but he made the game look so easy. Never complicated anything done the simple things well and don’t remember him ever putting a foot wrong.

DK: Who's the best player you've played against and why?

DG: During my time at Cambridge we played Boston and Gazza was player manager!! Not the player he had been but a legend all the same! And the same for Luton when we played Parma in a pre season friendly and Hernan crespo was the skipper!! Was very surreal to play against the Argentine legend. As a young yts for United we played Celtic in a tournament and aiden McGeady tore me apart!! He was on another level.these are just 3 of many that I was lucky enough to share a pitch with.

DK: If you could pick a team of the best players you've played alongside who would you pick and why?

DG: Gk-  John Ruddy, England’s international days all you need to know.                          

RB-Keith Keane (Luton) only played in this position a handful of times when we were at Luton but solid performer.                               

CB- George Pilkington. Just outstanding all round.                

CB-Micheal Morrison, still playing week in week out in the championship and has had a great career.                   

LB- Dean Moxy, played alongside him for England c team and he went on to play premier league football.               

RW-Claude Knakpa, we had a bit of a love hate relationship but on his day was unplayable!                   

CM- Rob wooleaston, product of Chelsea youth team and for me he should have played much higher and unreal talent and a great lad.                                   

CM-Andy drury- got himself a much deserved move To Ipswich from Luton and technically scAry how good he was.                                  

LM-Jake Howells- very technically gifted and could win a game on his own.           

CF-Andre Gray- a raw talent when he joined Luton but some talent he was.                  

CF-Scott Rendall, a proper goalscorer and if for nothing more then just “that goal against Stevenage”

INTERVIEW: Tom Brown

Mulbarton Wanderers Reserve team manager Tom Brown discusses his current role, his career long stay at Mulbarton and more. 

DK: First off, what inspired you to be a coach 

TB: As I’ve reach my early 30’s, my ability to play football at a decent standard dropped. I wanted to stay in the game and more importantly, at my club Mulbarton Wanderers. So when the offer came to be player manager of the reserves, I took it. I’m more of a manager than a coach. I joint manage the team with Josh Farrow and we have Chris Carter as our coach. Bringing in the players, setting up the team, man managing individuals and getting a good squad morale is more my thing.

DK: Tell us about your time with Mulbarton so far, from playing to managing the Reserves?

TB: Started at age 7, played through all the youth levels and progressed into the adult teams. Had three years out to go to university but apart from that I’ve been ever present. Played first team, reserve team and A team football for the club. Been top goal scorer for many of the seasons, won lots of promotions and cup finals and captained the Reserves and A Team regularly. Overall a very successful and enjoyable career. Always loved the social side of it too. It’s always been very good at Mulbarton.

DK: What's been the highlight of your time at the club so far? 

TB: Tough question. There has been many. Winning the league at Under 13’s was decent. More recently, winning 3 cup finals in 3 years at Aldiss Park, and scoring in all 3 of them. Generally just seeing how the club has progressed to what it is today is brilliant though. Currently have a very successful and quality first team and reserve team.

DK: What's it been like being at the club for so long?

TB: Good. Wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t. Run by quality people and it’s my home village so I have no intention of ever leaving. Few of my players in my squad have also been at the club since the start; it’s a great club to be involved with. It’s my second home. The football club and the pub afterwards as well actually.

DK: What's been the standout game during your time at the club so far?

TB: Me personally, scoring 6 in one game in a cup semi final. From a club point of view, last seasons first ever game in the FA Cup. Very proud achievement.

DK: Tell us about your time managing the Reserves so far, how has it gone so far?

TB: So far, so good. I’ve had stints doing it and helping out before but this season was my first full season (or so I thought before the corona virus stuck). Assembled a very good squad, some of who were with me when I managed Bell Inn in the Norfolk Sunday League. We were sitting third with games in hand before the virus, almost certain if promotion, with only 1 league loss. Really enjoy it, couldn’t do with without Josh and Chris and such a great group of lads.

DK: Mulberry Park, Mulbarton. Always loved playing there. Big pitch, great surroundings and brilliant social club. Got one of the best groundsmen around (@thgroundcare). Apart from Mulbarton I’ve always liked Aldiss Park, Dereham and have many fond memories whilst playing and managing at The Footpath, Poringland.

DK: Who's the best player you've played with/coached so far?

TB: There’s been a few class players. Richard Skelly. Mark Appleton. Dale Simpson. The stand out player for me though is Simon Freemantle. Played with many teams, managed for Bell Inn and Mulbarton Reserves, simply outstanding. Best feet I’ve ever seen in the game. And can finish too.

DK: Who's the best player you've played against and why?

TB: The best individual performance was probably Jordan Rocastle. I played in goal that match and bet him £10 pre game that he wouldn’t score an overhead kick against me. He already had a hat trick then with ten minutes left, he flicked the ball up on the edge of the box and planted an overhead kick into my top corner. Unbelievable.

DK: If you could pick a team of the best players you've played alongside/coached who would you pick and why?

TB: GK. Tom Harvey. Played with him at Cambridge Academy and Mulbarton. Great shot stopper and vocally brilliant.

RB. Jamie Butler. All rounder. Non stop energy.

CB. Luke Appleton. Solid. Reliable. Could have gone far without injuries.

CB. Mark Donovan. Only played for him a bit due to him retiring soon after but the complete centre back.

LB. Richard Skelly. Ex pro, played with and managed him for my Sunday side. Absolute class. 

LM. Simon Freemantle. Best player I’ve ever seen at amateur football.

CM. Craig Parker. Played with Craig at youth level and school teams. Very hard worker and the most professional attitude I’ve seen. Played all his career and high standard and still going now. Class. 

CM. Matt Dye. Helped me a lot as a youngster. All round centre midfielder. Top bloke.

RM. Jesse Payne Wilkins. Not really a right winger by trade but can’t not have him in my team. Can play any position on the pitch.

FD. Dale Simpson. Been with me wherever I have managed. Essential part to any of my squads. Scores goals, doesn’t stop running, a complete nightmare to play against.

FD. Mark Appleton. Started playing up front with Mark at 7 years old. Dominated the youth leagues. Favourite striker partner of all time.

DK: What targets do you have looking forward?  

TB: Carrying on a successful management reign with Mulbarton Reserves, gaining promotion after promotion and bringing some of the youngsters through. Then hopefully progressing to manage the first team in the future.