An Interview with ... Miki Hood

Miki Hood, what does he do at Concord?

I've been mixing with the people at Concord for about 3 months now, and I'm unsure what he does.  In fact, I'm sure people who've been around the club for a number of years aren't exactly sure either.
I spoke with Miki, so he could explain himself...

How long have you been at Concord?  Where were you before?

I actually played one reserve game for Concord Rangers during the 2005/2006, this was just after I had been released by Great Wakering.  I played up front on my own, away to Heybridge Swifts.  I can't even remember the score, but I got subbed after 70 odd minutes, and was so disillusioned with football that I stopped playing.
I was then thrown a lifeline by then joint-manager Danny Scopes just before Christmas 2007, and this was really a defining moment for me in the last seven and a half years.  He knew full well that I wasn't the best player in the world, but wanted to give me a chance again and got me involved with the reserve team, who were a very young side at the time.

You mentioned you had a game up front, but what was your preferred position?

Well, I was a bit of a utility man.  I fancied myself as a centre-forward, but I played almost everywhere, basically wherever I could get a game!  I did play as an emergency centre-half in a reserve game against Basildon United alongside current Bowers & Pitsea defender Luke Wilson, and the final score of 4-4 tells you all you need to know about my defensive capabilities.
Saying that, I played 20 minutes of an in-house game during pre-season at right back, because a trialist was running late.  In my opinion I was considerably better than the lad who eventually turned up, and had just done a year's pro at Brighton...he did look good on YouTube to be fair to him!

So have you officially stopped playing, are you still registered by the club?

My playing days are long gone.  I spent a season and a half playing reserve team football for Concord under Danny Clare (current goalkeeping coach) and was also his assistant manager for a season.  I think my lack of footballing ability and any form of fitness was always going to hold me back.  I've always talked a much better game than I can actually deliver.
Although I'm still living off a 35 yard left foot volley I scored in 2009 against Brentwood Town. It's far better than Taylor Miles' corker against Chelmsford. Honest...

What is your official role at the club, I'm perplexed as to what it is!?!

If you ask Weston-Super-Mare's assistant manager what he thought my official role is - well it probably wouldn't be printable lol!
I'm not actually sure to be fair.  Let's stick with utility man of the backroom staff.

What do you think you add to the club on a matchday?

Ermmmmm, intermittent Twitter updates, lots of noise, and I'm an easy target for any of Danny's pre-match stress :-)
In all seriousness, I help out with whatever's needed at the time - kit, warm-ups, testing the post-match food, and contributing to the unique atmosphere we create around the place on a matchday.

How about training, do you attend the training?

My training attendance could do with some work, but when I'm there I usually sneak biscuits out onto the training pitch for anyone that's in need - Stokesy and Woody lol, and bore the life out of the Physio.

You've been integral to the club's role in Social Media...how important is that to the club?

I think it's massive, and we've got more than just me involved with it.  People like, Alan, Andy and Jack contribute some great content for us to share - but in terms of broadcasting our name, and the exposure for the club - Twitter gives us a far greater reach than ever before.
The fact we were trending worldwide during this year's FA Cup 1st Round draw was incredible, and that's credit to everyone at the club.

When you joined Concord did you really think the club would be in the position it is now?

I knew something was happening, purely from the people that were involved.  I'd always had huge respect for Danny Scopes from his time at Great Wakering, and after seeing Danny Cowley and the team in action a few times after I'd joined, there was a real sense that the club really wanted to push on.

Who has been integral to that rise?

Me? :)

Too many people to mention really.

People on the outside like to try and associate what we've done with the money, which is an easy get-out clause for people across non-league football when they see a club achieving things and don't really know why.  But the Chairman, the committee, the staff, the players, everyone around the club gives everything to bring us where we are now...and hopefully further!

Your very vociferous in the dugout, has this led to you getting into any scrapes?

The reality is, we don't have 1,000 supporters behind us every week - so sometimes you have to try and create your own atmosphere from the sideline, which we do - and it's effective.
Some people find it disrespectful, but funnily enough that usually coincides with the result going in our favour.  No-one really minds how loud we are if they beat us. Draw your own conclusions!

So how can Concord attract more supporters?

Cheerleaders?

It will come, I think the community work that Phil Crowe and the board are doing will help hugely, they're really helping the club reach out and integrate into the local scene by getting more kids and families involved.
As a club we do have strong values, and do things the right way and that will only benefit us when people really get a chance to experience it first-hand, and attract them to get involved.
Things like the Conference Premier play-off final at Wembley this year will be great.

Why what's happening there?

Literally hundreds of our youth-team players and their families are making the trip to Wembley, thanks to a brilliant ticker offer from the league sponsors Vanarama, and a superb gesture from our Chairman to buy every youth player a ticket for the game, and provide travel up there.

That is fantastic

Yeah, it will be great for the younger lads to integrate with the senior squad and the staff across the day.  We're a community club, and it will really help to create stronger links within the club as well as outside of it.

This club certainly deserves more fans

I know it sounds biased, but it's a travesty that this team isn't watched by 1,000 people week in, week out.  They are a hugely talented and committed group and really do deserve the backing.  If you look at the numbers though, our percentage increase has been huge over the past few years, and hopefully we can keep that increasing more and more!

You seem to be morphing into a David Brent look-a-like, was this a thought out plan?

In my head I'm more of a Diego Simeone with a thyroid problem, or a slightly less chiselled Russell Crowe, but the Brent thing seems to have stuck, so why not roll with it?
It probably doesn't help that personality wise I'm very Brent-like as well, so that tops it off.
The good thing about it, is that when I get "Brented off" by people, it presents a great opportunity to celebrate a last-minute winner by doing his famous dance. Every cloud has it's silver lining I guess!

Haha...who are the funny guys in the squad, who is genuinely funny?

Danny Glozier is the biggest clown in the world, along with Gary Ewers who is genuinely the most vile and funny person I've ever met.

Whose the unfunniest then?

The Physio thinks he's a bit of a comedian, but in all reality all he's got to offer is some great abs and a girlfriend who nobody has ever seen!

I noticed that you bought a new sound system for the dressing room.  We already know that Kingy likes Madness, what about you?

That's a sore point at the moment, because the damned thing doesn't work! Still waiting on a replacement, and I'm tempted to name and shame the company!!
I've got a ridiculously eclectic taste in music, I wouldn't dare press shuffle on my iPod in the dressing room.  I like the usual House, R'n'B, commercial stuff - but usually spend my Sunday evenings listening to a random selection of Motown, Country, Bluegrass, Folk, Rock and Classical believe it or not.  I actually used to play the trumpet (got the grade sheets to prove it) and was pretty good, and the classical grounding I had with that has stayed with me.

The trumpet!! Wow I never knew or would have guessed that...if the club got promoted to the Conference would you play it as part of the celebrations??!!

The hidden talents! Hahahahahaha - if someone brought one along, yeah sure!

What would Miki Hood like to be doing in 2 years time?

I guess doing what I do in the Conference Premier would be amazing.
I was talking to Joe Gardner last week about it, and he hit the nail on the head when he said, he couldn't think of a better group of people to take on those journeys and that challenge with - and he's right.
I am keen to progress my coaching badges in the near future and look to get involved in the development of future players.  With Gary Ogilvie taking on our full-time academy from next season, and Phil Crowe really driving the club's community work forward, it would be nice to have a hand in, and put something back into a club that's given a lot to my life so far.

Finishing up....Who is your perfect woman, and what would you do to seduce her?

Wow...That's a bit of a curve ball!

Kelly Brook or Nigella Lawson - the bonus of Nigella would be the food as well, which is key to me!

In terms of seduction, I'd probably need some work on that.  The last date I went on, I got a bit tipsy and spent most of the night on Twitter talking rubbish to Stokesy and the Physio while my date was going to the bathroom. I'm not quite Christian Grey!

Saying that, I do well when I apply the Concord principles to it.  Press high, work hard, capitalise on triggers, and never ever give up.

Failing that, a Brent dance and hope she's a fan of the Office!!

"There's only one Micky Hazard"

Micky Hazard is like most Spurs fans,he bloody loves the club.  Obviously Micky had the great honour of playing for this wonderful club, so I chatted to him about his memories and what he thinks of the current side.

I started at the very beginning to find out how a North East lad settled into London life.

You moved down from Sunderland as a 16 year old in 1976, how did you find that?

I found life very very tough at first, I had never been away from my family and here I was in London at the age of 16 all by myself, scary.  I ran home on six separate occasions, but Spurs always persuaded me to come back and eventually offered me a deal to go home to Sunderland every ten days.  That certainly proved to be a great move as I settled during the following year and stopped pining for home.

When you went into the 1st team squad, Ossie Ardiles and Ricky Villa joined after the 1978 World Cup.  What was the atmosphere at the club when they joined?

The whole place was buzzing, they had just won the World Cup and they were now playing at White Hart Lane, truly amazing.

What did you learn in training and matches from the pair of them?

Training with them was awesome, and I was desperate to show them just how good I was, however it wasn't easy against World Cup winners.  I quickly picked up on how to behave on a football pitch and how to think about the game.  Ossie taught me ways to defend without having to tackle, but by reading the game ahead so to position yourself correctly to intercept or nick balls from your opponent, it was a total education watching them train and play.

You started both the Final and the replay of the 1982 FA Cup Final, what did it mean to you playing in the final at Wembley?

Playing at Wembley was just stuff of schoolboy dreams growing up, but all of a sudden it was reality.  Walking through the tunnel all suited and booted was just everything I dreamed it would be.  Then playing on the hallowed turf...just wow, amazing!  Then winning the cup just capped off an amazing day.

Talking of the final, a big thing for Spurs are the Chas n'Dave songs!! Did you enjoy singing on them?

Hahaha did I enjoy singing with Chas n'Dave....no! I was very shy and although I could sing, I was very embarrassed to sing in front of the others, but it was brilliant experience and I can always say I've had a top 5 hit! Haha

The side were very consistent in this period of time, and qualified for the UEFA Cup in 1984 qnd won it.  That cup run had some excellent ties against Feyenoord, Bayern Munich and the semi final against Hajduk Split.  What did it feel like to score the winning goal in the home semi final?

To score the winning goal in any semi final is amazing, but to do it at White Hart Lane in front of our own supporters was a memory never to be forgotten.
It was a direct free kick and I curled it into the corner, and as I celebrated the goal, Danny Thomas celebrated with me and knocked my contact lense out of my eye! Luckily we found it and I left the pitch to put it back in, as I came back onto the pitch the sound of the fans singing "One Micky Hazard" echoed around the ground.  That was a moment in time, specially reserved for me.  It was a truly unbelievable reception.  Fantastic.



The final was a magnificent occasion, however how important was getting a draw away to Anderlecht? Were the team gutted to concede the late equaliser (first leg was 1-1)?

We should have won that game comfortably in Anderlecht, we played really well and yes we were truly gutted to concede that late goal, we should have been at least 3 up.
The home leg was very very nerve wracking, but we played well with a young side. Remember, we had no Glen Hoddle, Stevie Perryman, Ray Clemence, Garth Crooks, Ossie Ardiles or Alan Brazil.  We did amazing to win it, in what was Keith Burkinshaw's last game in charge.

What was the atmosphere in the Lane like that night?

I truly believe that the fans inspired us to victory that night.  During the penalty shoot out, when Danny Thomas missed his penalty, the cheer they still gave him, inspired Parksy (Tony Parks) to save the next decisive penalty.  It then led to amazing celebrations, oh to go back and savour it all again!

During that penalty shoot out, were you due to take one after the 5 selected had taken theirs?

I was due to take the 5th one but was suffering with cramp when Keith had to put the takers into the referee.  I had recovered in time, to witness Danny's miss, and was ready to take the 6th one.

How did you feel at the time, were you nervous or confident?

I was not nervous at all, this is why you're a professional footballer for moments like this.  I was ready to win the cup for Spurs, but Tony made that great save, and another Glory Glory night was chalked up...COME ON YOU SPURS!

What was your greatest performance in a Spurs shirt?

I would have to say both legs of the UEFA Cup Final, to look within yourself and find your best form when the pressure is at it's greatest, when nothing else will do, that is so satisfying to achieve.  All the big stars were injured and I had to dig deep inside myself, and in my opinion due to the enormity I rank both games as my best ever in a Spurs shirt.  I'm a very very proud man.

You left in 1985 to get more regular first team football.  Do you regret leaving, or was it the right thing to do?

I totally regret leaving.  Spurs and I were made for each other, their beliefs were my beliefs, their  motto was my motto, to dare is to do (Audere est Facere).  There was a chemistry between us, a chemistry that could never be broken.  I still regret it to this day.

Returning in 1993, would you have come back if Ossie Ardiles wasn't the manager?

I would have walked back to the Lane no matter who was in charge.  It did help that it was Ossie in charge, as he played the game the way I believe it should be played.

I remember your performance against Liverpool in 1993, you were a calming influence in centre midfield and inspired the team to come back to draw.  Was this your role, some experience in the middle of the park?

Yes I was the experienced player now, and I loved every minute of that responsibility.  However a couple of operations put paid to a great start I had, and I couldn't find my best form on my return.  Sadly then my hero Ossie was sacked.

Moving to modern times, Spurs have been a consistent presence in the top 6/7 in the league.  We've had some great experiences in Europe, won cups etc.
What players during this time have excited you?

It's always a rollercoaster supporting Spurs, but I wouldn't change it for the world. Players that have excited me over the years are fairly obvious.  Dimitar Berbatov was a super player who was very elegant and graceful, he used to score some amazing goals.  David Ginola was very exciting when in full flow, Gareth Bale the same, he always used to score with some wonderful strikes, which were worth the entrance fee alone.
Then we have the emergence of another hero this season, Harry Kane.  Something we always have at Spurs, despite the rollercoaster, is that we have footballers you would pay to watch.  Long may it continue.

What players have reminded you of your playing style?

Luka Modric was very similar to me in terms of his control and passing, I was maybe a better dribbler than him, but he was a super player, who I thoroughly enjoyed watching.

I agree, looking back, I think he is the player we miss the most.  Just look at him at Real Madrid, doesn't look out of place at all.

In your opinion what does the future hold under Mauricio Pochettino?

The future looks bright, we have some quality youngsters coming through and add this to some of the big buys we have, and it's a recipe for success.  In my opinion we are one or two players away from being a top draw side, if Pochettino is given time he is the man to guide us back to the glory days, he's made a very good start.

You seem to be a big fan of Social Media, especially Twitter.  Is this something you enjoy, the interaction with fans?

Yes I'm a fan, so why shouldn't I interact.  For me I think the fans are the game and players should interact more than they do, as without these fans we are all nothing.

Speaking as a fan, what would be your all-time Spurs X1?

Tough one...here we go...

Pat Jennings - Simply the greatest goalkeeper of all time

Steve Perryman - A very good player who was the best Captain I ever saw

Cyril Knowles - A great defender who loved to attack, and was great at it

Mike England - A commanding centre back who won everything in the air, and could play on the ground

Ledley King - Read the game so well, and was so calm and composed on the ball.  Another great Captain.

Glen Hoddle - Simply pure GENIUS, no more needs to be said. AN AWESOME TALENT

Ossie Ardiles - A great reader of the game, a great playmaker who inspired everyone around him

Dave Mackay - A winner.  The most complete player in Spurs history

Chris Waddle - Outstanding footballer who worked his magic week in, week out, scored goals and created plenty

Jimmy Greaves - The greatest goal scorer in our history. Scored every type of goal from worldie to tap-in

Steve Archibald - Superb player who was razor sharp, and scored lots of goals

What a team!
Of course they can only be managed by Bill Nick!

If I spoke to a Spurs fan on the street, and I said "What kind of player was Micky Hazard" what would you hope they would say?

Hopefully they would say... exciting, entertaining, skilful, talented and loved watching him play, and more importantly loyal.

Micky many thanks for your time it's been a pleasure

No worries Chris. Thank you.

An Interview with ... Craig Burley

Playing in the Premier League, becoming Footballer of the Year in the country of your birth, playing, scoring and getting sent off at a World Cup, Craig Burley's football career certainly had it all.  The Scotsman then moved onto the world of co-commentary and punditry, his no-nonsense style has now found him the other side of the pond, I spoke to him to find out more about his career...

When you were growing up did you always dream of becoming a footballer?

That was the only thing for me, although I was pushed by my parents, I was obviously inspired by my Uncle George who was playing at Ipswich.
We used to go to Ipswich every year on holidays when I was a kid.  Bloody hell, I used to think Ipswich was Barcelona.  I was a little kid from a small mining village in Ayrshire, Ipswich were massive to me.

Well they were at the time, they were winning trophies and near the top of the league

They had some great players; Terry Butcher, Alan Brazil, Eric Gates, my Uncle.  However the two guys who impressed me most, were the Dutchmen Arnold Muhren and Frans Thijssen.  They captivated me. I was spellbound. I wanted to play in England.

You signed for Chelsea as a 16year old, were there any other clubs interested in you?

As a young 14/15 year old whenever it was the school holidays, I would go for week long invitations at football clubs.  The one I went to most was Stoke City under Mick Mills (Ipswich connection again!).  However when it came down to it, it was between two teams, Arsenal and Chelsea.  Arsenal were a mini version of what they're now, a very well run club.  Chelsea were not the club they are today, the facilities weren't great, but I was more comfortable there.  So I signed on YTS for £25 a week, and that was the decision made at 16.

When did you make your debut?

I was brought on when we were 5-1 down away to Nottingham Forest, under Bobby Campbell.  There were 10 minutes left, and I thought thanks Bobby! We lost 7-1.

Subsequently you were managed by Glen Hoddle and Ruud Gullit, what was it like playing under those two legends of the game?

Glen after leaving Monaco, actually trained with us for a while, before going to Swindon.  Little did we know that he would come back.  Under Glen it was great, he started the Chelsea ball rolling by bringing in Mark Hughes and Ruud Gullit.  I was disappointed to see him go, but you cannot turn down the national team job when it's offered to you.

Then Ruud became manager

I played with Ruud for a year.  He had been World Footballer of the year, 6ft 4 and a beast of a man.  What a player. Glen brought him in to play sweeper, but invariably he would end standing up front with Mark Hughes.  It was wonderful to play with him.
When he became manager everything was rosy, I was in the team, he was one of the boys.  However later on in the season, results were indifferent.  Players were unhappy.  If you asked to speak to him in his office after training, he'd say fine, you'd get showered and changed but by then half the time he had gone back home to Holland!

So what was the break down between you and Ruud?

Things unravelled at the FA Cup Final in 1997 when he left me out. I had played in the Quarters and Semi's, but I had a patchy season with injuries.  Talks had been ongoing about a new 4 year contract and they offered me a testimonial, Kerry Dixon had got 4,000 fans at his testimonial, and he was a Chelsea legend.  A testimonial was worth a packet of crisps to me! So I turned the contract down.
On Cup Final day, we're in the hotel at Cockfosters, Ruud wrote the team on the blackboard in the meeting room, and said "let's go".  I wasn't on it.  I will never forget that feeling, I was gutted.  Unlike some the FA Cup Final was like the Champions League Final to me, Chelsea were never going to win the league, this was my pinnacle.
Looking around all the boys were shocked as well that I wasn't in the side.  I was flattened.  I got on the bus to Wembley, and the route it took went past my house.  I contemplated getting off.

You were that pissed off?

I was fucking mad.  I was going to get off at Mill Hill, but it was only my mate and best man Kevin Hitchcock that stopped me doing it. I was gone, my head was gone.
I was on the pitch pre-game at Wembley, it was upsetting.
The funny thing was we went on an end of season tour to Brunei, Hong Kong and Thailand. He played me every game. I don't think he liked me by that point!
Then I was off to Celtic.

Were you a Celtic fan growing up?

I wasn't a fan to be honest, in fact I'm not a fan of any club.
As a youngster I never watched Scottish football, I just loved English football.
At the time I had no ambition to go back to Scotland, in fact I was talking to Crystal Palace and Coventry at the time.  However I signed for Celtic, even on the day of signing I was walking down the steps at Celtic Park, and my agent's phone rang.  It was Steve Coppell asking if I was still available, I had signed for Celtic 5minutes previously!
Once I arrived at Celtic though, I soon became aware of the size of the club and the history.  It really sank in pre-season that fans were desperate for us to win the League as Rangers were going for ten in a row.

Henrik Larsson and I signed a day apart.  I signed for £2.5m, and Henrik signed for £675,000.

I won't say what the money was best spent on!

Hahahaha it's safe to say we know!

Celtic did indeed win the league under Wim Jansen, what was he like?

Wim came in under the radar like Arsene Wenger from Japan.  Wim was magnificent, 90% of the players loved him.  I had my best season ever, I scored 15 goals and I was voted Scottish Player of Year.
It was soul destroying when he left, we basically did what no Celtic team had done in recent history, we had won the league.
Jo Venglos came in after, and he was like everyone's Great-Grandad, that was never going to work.  Then Barnesy and Dalglish came in, and it was a whole new board as well.

Some players are not cut out to be managers, do you think that was the case with John?

I got on really well with John.  His downfall at Celtic was that the people upstairs were ripping the carpet from underneath his feet.  It was a very political time at Celtic.  When I was on my way to Derby, JB phoned me the morning I was going to sign.  The phone went, and the wife goes "It's Barnesy" I thought "what the fuck does he want now"  Barnesy was going don't go, I want you to stay, the board are selling you.

Was it a desire of yours to get back to the Premier League, is that why you joined Derby?

It was a bit, but Celtic are a fantastic club to play for, magnificent stadium, brilliant fans.  We had some cracking players there, Paul Lambert, Alan Stubbs and Henrik.  I just wanted out of the goldfish bowl, it was suffocating at times.  You got to a restaurant and everyone knows you, trust me it's nice for a while, but in the end it's too much.  Christ, I don't know how some players manage it for 10 years.

You have the distinction of playing, scoring and being sent off in during the 1998 World Cup.  What did it mean to represent your country?

I loved it.  Playing Brazil first up, people thought this could get messy.  Let's be honest, Scotland are never going to play in a World Cup final, so to play in the opening game, whilst obviously not as important as the final, but it's still a significant game.  It was a great experience, and we didn't embarrass ourselves (Scotland lost 2-1).

What were the Brazilians like?

I played right hand side of midfield, so I was up against Roberto Carlos...boy he could run,  he was a tricky little bugger.

Barring the final, I'd say that tournament was peak Ronaldo.  What was he like?

Every time he got the ball something happened.  He'd pick it up, and three seconds later, you see Jim Leighton making a save, or the ball whistling past the post.  But remember they also had Rivaldo, Dunga, Cafu.  They were some side.

In the final game, you had to beat Morocco to qualify.  However you got sent off, was it deserved?

Oh yeah! I kicked the boy, I was stupid, my head had gone!  Though Norway beat Brazil in their last game, so in the end it didn't matter what we did against Morocco.  So I played in the opening game, scored against Norway and got sent off against Morocco.  If you're going to a World Cup you've got to cram it all in!!


Winding down in your career, did you think about coaching/management? Or was punditry something you were always keen to get into?

I never thought about coaching or management.  What I did was, and I will always say this to any young player, listen if you get a chance to do some media work do it. When I was at Chelsea, I was injured, and got asked by Capital Gold to commentate on a game, I said yeah...I was shitting myself, but I loved it!
Then Sky got interested, that was just studio stuff though.  Once I moved to Celtic, Sky were keen on me to do the Scottish stuff for them

Why were Sky so interested in your views?

Well Sky picked me, as I wasn't frightened in what I was saying.  I had an opinion, but looking back now on those times, I was wet behind the ears, but at least I got to understand the business, and if I liked it or not.

So you were commentating/analysing games whilst you were still playing. Did any of your forthright views lead to disagreements with players at the time?

No, not when I was playing.  But definitely when I stopped playing.  As soon as I went into the media full time, I made a conscious decision that I wasn't going to hold back.

So what happened when you finally retired from playing football?

I got a phone call from Colin Davidson, who had just left Sky, to take over total control of Setanta Sports. Setanta had just bought all the Scottish football from Sky. Colin said to me, I want you to be the studio pundit, will you do it?  So I took it.  If I hadn't took my opportunities when I was younger with Capital Gold, then stuff like this wouldn't have happened.

Exactly, you weren't sitting on your arse wanting for things to fall into your lap.

You've got to go and do it...you might be on £100k a week these days and think you don't need it, but you're a long time retired.  You can't just walk into it, at a later date.  Some do, if your Thierry Henry for example.  But us mere mortals have to earn our stripes.

Some of the pundits today are very bland

Well I decided as soon as I retired, I was now a pundit, and the coaches, players and managers were on the other side of the fence.  So I basically put a crash helmet on and went for it, I didn't hold back. I had managers not speaking to me etc.  My boss at Setanta loved it, he said this is exactly what we want.
Setanta then moved me onto the English football, and I didn't change, and that's why I'm in America now.

So when did you move across to America

I signed a 3year deal in 2013, after Setanta went bust, I was working for ESPN and Radio 5 live, and the in-house Premier League channel.

How did you find all the travelling going to games in this country?

In the Setanta days it was easy, as I was doing one day a week.  When I was working for ESPN/5 Live/Premier League I was having one day at home, and it was taking it's toll on that front.  Don't get me wrong I loved the job, if I was a single guy I would stay in a hotel etc, but I had a wife and 3 kids. Then the job in America came up.

Was it an easy sell to the family?

Yeah relatively, myself and my wife are the same age (43), so we did it.  For the 1st six months in America was tough, with all the bureaucracy.  It's stuff like, you can't get a phone, as you can't get credit etc.  They say you need to show 6 months bank statements, I'd only been here 6 weeks! It's frustrating.
We had to leave the eldest son at home, as he couldn't get a work visa. That wasn't easy.

So moving to the American role, do you commentate on games?

Not primarily, we do a show called ESPN FC, which is 6 days a week (Sunday to Friday).  Which is now re-entering the UK market in August, which will be on BT.
We occasionally do commentaries, but we do them from the studio in Connecticut, for example on Wednesday I commentated on Barcelona and Manchester City. Obviously we won't go to a lot of games for the cost, but we will be going to the Champions League final in Berlin for a week.

So when you cater for a North American audience do you have to dumb down the analysis, or do they get it?

As ESPN is global, we have to cater for a number of audiences.  So sometimes in a show, we will do a segment 3/4 times, depending on the audience.  For example, Far East, North American and Carribbean.  So we could have 5minutes on a MLS segment for North American, but we won't go into as much detail for the Far East.
Saying that I've got to go onto ESPN Sportcenter for 5mins about Liverpool v Manchester United and I've got to keep it generic.  If I start going "well the left back was too far round" it's not going to work on there.

So how long does the 30minute show take to record?

Basically it takes about 2 and half bloody hours to do!  A lot of stuff is electronically driven, and a lot of stuff ends up on the website www.ESPNfc.com

Well the days of the family sitting down and watching TV together are long gone now

Yeah, we had a big meeting a couple of months ago, and the boss of ESPN International said we don't see ourselves as a TV company anymore, we see ourselves as a multi-media platform. That's how a lot of these companies are driving their business.  It's just not what you do on TV anymore.

Do you want to talk about the Torres tattoo?

Hahahaha!!  Fucking hell that grew!

That took a life of it's own that did!

I remember his first ever Premier League game for Liverpool away to Villa.  It coincided with Setanta's 1st Premier League commentary, so I was at the game. Fernando Torres that day was brilliant, for 18months/2years I thought he was the best in Europe.  I'm flummoxed to see the change in the guy now.  Stupidly at the end of one segment, I said if he scores in this Barcelona game or Madrid derby whatever it was, I said I'll get a tattoo.  So the day of the game, I had a bit of trouble parking the car, so I missed the first 5minutes. I get into the office, and people are saying he'd already scored!

Bet they were giving you absolute pelters!

Oh aye, so we decided to go ahead with it as a mock

Would you have done it for real?

No way!  I'm not that much of a mug. So we did the mock-up, I have to say, it didn't look like him anyway! We ran it on the show, and the next thing I know it's all over the place.

Oh yeah it went viral

It's in the Italian newspaper, Spanish newspapers.  Somehow it get's into the Latvian and Russian press. It's on a Spanish news podcast, not even a sports broadcast.  It was getting out of hand, so we decided to come clean and say it wasn't a tattoo! It was a bit of fun, but I can't believe how viral it went.

Well that shows the way of the world now, say something now, that's your lot!

I was getting guys on social media saying your the man, well done.  I felt like saying come on guys!!
It was a bit of fun, but I won't be doing it again.


Moving back to sensible matters, you've been a pundit for nearly 20years now, what advice would you give to aspiring pundits?

One of the things I learned early on, to get longevity in this game you've got to be a team player. You just can't pick a microphone up and make it happen.  You've got learn how the VT and the replays work, how the match director works.  You've got to work really closely with them. I had the good fortune of working with one of the best in the business, Grant Phillips who is absolutely pleasure to work with.  You have to earn the respect of the camera boys, and make-up artists.  I get the feeling that some of the pundits now are just dipping their toes into it.

They're not particularly keen on it?

Yeah, it's like they're just doing it for something to do until a coaching job pops up. So they're scared of giving an opinion in case they upset someone.  These people are being paid to do this job, say something.  God they grate on me!
I cannot stand the modern pundit, who doesn't have the bollocks to say how it is against his old team or manager.

For example Carragher and Souness really laid it into Mourinho after the PSG game, I'm not so sure they would have done the same if it is was Brendan Rodgers

They still have their club ties and don't want to upset their old club. There is too much WE around in the modern punditry. We don't care over here (America), we will lay into everyone.

Do you think you will stay in the States?

Yeah I think so, as long as they want me.  Soccer over here, as they call it, is getting big.  Manchester Utd played Real Madrid in the summer there was 120,000 at the game.  Phenomenal.
I'm happy working in the studio, being 30mins from home.  I've done the hard yards, I've been to and from games for 10years.  Being at a stadium 4 hours before kick off, there's more to life than that.
If you can put up with not seeing grass for 3months, then Connecticut is a great place to live!

It's not a bad life is it?

Yeah, it's not bad, but none of us know what's round the corner. I'm just enjoying what I'm doing.

Book Review ... The Last Days of Disco by David F. Ross

Through working with @bytheminsport, I've got to know the author and I didn't realise he was such a talented wordsmith!

Let's make two things clear, I'm neither Scottish or grew up in the era the book is set.  However David's excellent story telling and use of characters made me feel that I knew all the protagonists involved.

I had already had an eye-opener to the Scottish language when reading Irvine Welsh's novels, but that was a long time ago.  Being as David see's me as a "Danny Dyer" kind of character, I was steeling myself for being baffled by the language in the book.  However through the story, it's easy to read and understand as a dumb cockney!

There are genuine laugh out loud moments in the book, which epitomise the author's sense of humour.  Conversely there are also heartfelt moments in the book, especially the letters from the Falklands are beautifully written, and capture the needlessness of that war.

David also uses his vast knowledge of music to interweave some cracking tunes into the storyline, and as being a budding DJ's helper in my teens, the disco moments in the book, took me right back to those times.  The incessant need to get the crowd dancing battling with the want to play music you liked!

This book comes highly recommended, I was captivated throughout, and couldn't wait to turn the page.

Well done David!

An Interview with ... Josh Vickers

 I was never interested in being a goalkeeper growing up, I modelled myself on Gary Lineker.  Unlike Lineker, I never sh*t myself on a football pitch, but also unlike Lineker I never played professional football. In fact I never got close.
Goalkeepers for me as a youngster were there to be beaten, and at times embarrassed. However I knew a good goalkeeper when I saw one, be it on a Sunday morning in the Southend Junior League, or on the Big Match that afternoon.
Neville Southall was the first goalkeeper to take my breath away.  He was an outstanding goalkeeper, a shot-stopper of extreme quality.  I used to love the way he flew across his goal to tip over or wide shots.  He really imposed himself in goal, it was like he was saying to the strikers "come on then, score past me, I bloody dare you"  In later years I saw him play for Canvey Island.  He had a real presence in goal then, a bloody massive presence.  The man was huge.  It was like watching Big Daddy in goal.
Peter Schmeichel was then the next keeper who took my eye in that fantastic Manchester United side.  Being a Spurs fan we never really troubled Man U in the 90s, but when we did break through on goal, you then had this massive great Dane in the sticks blocking the way.  Schmeichel was a colossus.  I can still vividly remember a succession of saves he made against Kevin Keegan's Newcastle in the mid 90s, in a game that had a big say in the destination of the title, but what sticks in my mind is a save he made against Ivan Zamorano in the home leg of United's tie against Inter Milan in the Champions League Quarter Final 1st leg in 1999.  Amazing how a save of 16 years ago sticks in your head, but that save was amazing.  A point blank header from Chilean was somehow kept out by Schmeichel, I didn't know how he managed it.  I still don't now.

Why am I wittering on about goalkeepers, well I think I've since another potential great this season.  Ok he may only be playing non-league football at present, but Josh Vickers is going to be a star of the game.  Josh is currently on loan to Concord Rangers till the end of the season from Arsenal, and he is regularly pulling out saves, which defy belief.  In Concord's recent home game against St Albans, Josh pulled off a save which Southall and Schmeichel would have doffed their goalkeeping caps too.With the cross pulled back to the on-rushing St Albans forward ten yards from goal, the striker slammed it to goal, and ran away celebrating...Vickers twisted in the air, and kept the ball out with a brilliant save.   You couldn't applaud, you just stood agog. It was a fantastic save.  The Concord Rangers bench just laughed, Josh had been doing this kind of stuff since he arrived from Arsenal.

I'm glad I managed to get an interview with Josh now, as this boy is going right to the top.  I asked him about training with Arsenal during the week, and playing for Concord.

At what age were you signed by Arsenal?

I signed with Arsenal at age 7, I actually signed the day England won the Rugby World Cup in 2003, so it's an easy one to remember and a day I'll never forget!

That makes me feel old, I won't tell you how old I was that day!  Do you train with Arsenal during the week at Arsenal, and then play matches for Concord?

Yeah I train all week for Arsenal, and train with Concord on Thursday nights, and then obviously play for Concord whenever they have a game.

Has Arsene Wenger involved you in 1st team training at all?

Yes I've trained with the 1st team on a number of occasions, it's always nice to be involved with them.

Training with Arsenal's 1st team, who is their best finisher?

I'd have to say Alexis Sanchez, he is an unbelievable player and he trains exactly how he plays.  He is always doing extra, whether it be in the gym or staying out after training.

Has Arsene Wenger spoken to you about your future at Arsenal?  What do you think the future holds for you at Arsenal?

My contract runs out at the end of the season with Arsenal, so at the moment I'm just concentrating on my football, and see what happens.

You spent last season at loan on Canvey, what is the difference between playing for Canvey, and playing for Concord?

I only have good things to say about both Canvey and Concord, they have helped me progress as a player and also as a person!  The step up from the Ryman League to Conference football is noticeable, the quality of player is a bit better.

You seem to have all the attributes to be a top quality goalkeeper, excellent shot-stopping, good feet, commanding at crosses and good distribution.  What do you think your biggest strength is?

I'd probably say my shot-stopping, that's what a lot of other people say as well.  I'd also say my organisation, that's what being out on loan has helped me improve the most.

What goalkeepers did you look up to when you were younger, and what keepers do you rate now?

Obviously when I was younger and being an Arsenal fan, David Seaman was the one for me.  Currently I like to watch a lot of goalkeepers when they play, but my top 3 would be Manuel Neuer, Joe Hart and David De Gea.

Can't believe you haven't put Hugo Lloris in there! (I'm a Spurs fan) Do you rate him?

Yeah he is a top class keeper, he reads the game really well and is an excellent shot-stopper, and begrudgingly he has been one of Tottenham's stand out players this season!

What do you do in your spare time?  What tv/music/films do you like?

I like to spend time with my family and girlfriend, when I'm not at football.  Also football is always on the telly at home, as I'm watching most games that are on.

Is your girlfriend happy with all the football you watch??

To be fair she doesn't mind it that much, we try to go to the Emirates as much as possible with us both being Arsenal fans.  But she doesn't like Super Sunday when there's 3 games on in a row, that's too much for her and I can see her looking at me trying to get me to turn the television over, but that's not happening!

Is there any other sport you enjoy playing?

I like playing golf to relax and I enjoy a good round

Do you have a handicap at golf, or is it just a bit of fun?

Once I get into the swing of things (no pun intended!) I'd probably play off 12/14, but it's mainly for fun, and a good way to unwind.

Who has the worst dress sense at the club (Concord)?

I'd have to say from what I've seen so far it would have to be Danny Glozier, he wears these trainers on a match-day that I don't even think are in existence anymore, he has the only pair around!

As the season nears it's end, is there any performance you're particularly proud of at Concord?

Obviously both games against Mansfield were special for the club and also for me playing in the FA Cup for the first time! Also I'd have to say Basingstoke away, we drew 0-0 on the day and I made 4/5 really good saves in the first half.  Then we went down to ten men towards the end of that half, and I was expecting a busy second half, but the team dug deep and I didn't have much to do!

You played against Barcelona for Arsenal in the Nextgen Champions League.  How good were Barca, and how was the experience?  

Yeah Barca were a very good side, and the crowd were very hostile, but I think on the day we could have won the game, but it wasn't to be.

Was their any players in the Arsenal side, who could be stars of the future, apart from yourself!!

I think from the team that played Barca that day, seven players have already been involved in the 1st team for Arsenal this season, so that says a lot.

Just like that Peter Schmeichel save of 1999, I will always remember the save Josh made on that sunny afternoon at Concord Rangers.  That's what football is all about, memories which last a lifetime.

An Interview with ... Tony Stokes

Tony Stokes is a goal machine, he averages a goal every 1.84 games for Concord Rangers.  I don't know what that is in actual minutes, apart from the fact it's bloody impressive.

After speaking with Tony he loves goals.  He can't get enough of them.  In fact he wants to teach the next generation about scoring goals.

I started off with Tony asking him about his time at West Ham...

You came up through the famous West Ham academy, what age were you when you signed for West Ham? Were any other clubs interested in signing you?  

I was 9 when I first signed for West Ham.  I was playing for my District at the time, Hackney, and got spotted.  The only other club I had a trial for at that time was Arsenal and they wanted to sign me there and then.  It was quite funny really because Liam Brady kept phoning to talk to my dad to get me to sign and everyone knows what a legend he is.  All my family were West Ham so I reckon that was a major factor in signing there.

As captain of the youth sides and reserve sides, you must have been highly thought of at the club.  Obviously it must be disappointing not to make that break through, what was the moment that you thought this isn't going happen.  Was it a particular manager who didn't rate you? 

I loved captaining the youth side and the reserve side because it is always such a honour when you get asked to be the captain.  I have been Concord's captain for the last 3 years and have been lucky enough to lift 3 trophies.  I made my debut for West Ham when I was 18 against Sheffield Wednesday in the Carling Cup at Hillsborough, under Alan Pardew.  He then sent me out on loan to gain some experience at Brighton, where i dislocated my shoulder and had to have an operation on it.  It forced me out of the game for about 8 months and in that time Alan Pardew got the sack.  I was always training with the First Team and in their match day squads against the likes of Man Utd and Arsenal but never did end up getting that final chance.

You spent a lot of time at West Ham, are you still friends with any of the guys you used to play with?  

The only lad I really still chat to Is Freddie Sears, he has just had a great move to Ipswich and he is doing really well.  When you leave a team, you just seem to lose contact with people and start your new adventure and meet new team mates.  Thats the best thing about football, no matter what club you go to you will always start a new football family.  The football family I have at Concord is probably the best you would get.  Never have enjoyed myself so much at club in my life.

What made you decide to join Ujpest?  What was it like playing in Hungary?    

I was playing in a reserve game and the Director of Ujpest was watching and approached the club about taking me out there.  I had a week trial out there first to see what the country was like and the football.  I loved it, so decided to spend the next 4 months on loan and ended up finishing second which got us an Europa League place.  At the end of the season I signed a 3 year deal with them and played in the Europa League against Steaua Bucharest who we got knocked out by in two legs.  Away from football, it is such a beautiful city and a fun place to go to.  I do recommend if anyone hasn't been, they should go and see what it is like because you won't be disappointed.

You signed for Concord in 2010, what was the key part in you making that decision?  

I was 1 year into my Ujpest contract and was really homesick and came to an understanding with the club to terminate my contract.  I was then back home without a club.  One day i received a phone call from Dan Cowley saying that him and the chairman Ant Smith wanted to have a meeting.  After hearing about the plans they had for the club and the way they did things, it just sounded like the perfect match for me plus it was right on my doorstep.  It's really strange that looking back now, everything we discussed in that meeting has come true and we are where we wanted to be all those years ago.

You've banged in the goals for Concord since signing, any favourite goal?  

All my goals are my favourite goals.  I love scoring goals, theres not a better feeling in football than helping your team out by putting that ball in the back of the net.  I've scored a few goals this season that have been really important goals and will hopefully look back at the end of the season and we will have something to show for it. 

You started out as a centre midfielder, but mainly play up front for Concord.  What position do you prefer?  

I really enjoy playing up front, scoring goals and making goals.  My dad has always taught me that when I'm on that pitch i must affect the game by either scoring or setting up a goal.  I have always stood by that and it has never done me any harm.  I just love playing football so if the manager ever needed me to go back into midfield and do a job for him, he knows I would do it to the best of my ability.  Two seasons ago I was going for the league's Golden Boot and was joint top, we had a midfield crisis and had no one to play there.  I spent the next 8 to 10 games in centre midfield which cost me my Golden Boot but we ended up winning the Ryman Cup and promotion to Conference South on the back of it.

Do you enjoy playing, watching any other sports.  Do you fancy yourself at anything else...for example, you good at golf?  

I'm a massive NFL fan, I really can't get enough of it.  Every Sunday during the season I am just glued to my TV.  I support the Pittsburgh Steelers and were fortunate enough to watch them play at Wembley two years ago.  I'm not the golfing type, i've not got the patience for it.  I get to annoyed when I play a bad shot and lose focus and get bored.  I do love a good game of pool though, I go as much as I can with my dad and mates.

Do the team socialise away from the pitch.  If so, who are the party boys, and who are the quiet ones?  What category do you fall in?  

Every couple of months, we love to get together as a team and go out.  Our squad is based on teamship and fighting for one another so I really think it helps when we all bond over a night out.  I would have to say the Party Boys are James White, Gary Ogilvie and Sam Collins.  They love a night out and always drag me into it.  Before I had my lil boy, i would have been out all the time on a spur of the moment situation.  Now I have to pencil our nights out with the Mrs.  How times have changed lol.

With a little one, there's not much time to relax.  But what do you like doing in your spare time?  

I just like to spend time with the Mrs and my boy Chase.  Due to work, training and match days, I don't get to see them as much as i would like to so when away from football, we like to make the most of it.  She is really supportive in my football and comes to as many games as she can and it's great to see them both there on the sidelines.   Also like going to see my Parents because if it wasn't for them I wouldn't be the person i am today so enjoy just chilling out round their house.

That's a really nice answer! To finish, what does the future hold for Tony Stokes?   

I really don't know what the future holds for me really, I just take a day at a time and see what happens.  I.m in the best shape I've been in and still scoring goals so who knows what will happen.  One thing I do know is fingers crossed I will be holding up another Trophy come the end of the season, which will take me to 4 trophies in the 5 seasons I have been at the club.  I'm hoping one day to go into coaching and teaching strikers how to score goals.  Everyone assumes you have to kick the ball as hard as you can to score a goal but not every time that is the case.  I can't remember the last goal I scored when I put my foot through it.  Hopefully I can teach the kids my style of shooting and some will benefit from just passing the ball into the back of the net.

Who would have thought that Concord Rangers would have someone playing for them that has played in the Europa League! During Tony's time at the club he has proved himself to be a lethal marksman in Non League football, and he hasn't finished scoring yet!

An Interview with ... Ricky Evans

Ricky Evans is currently ranked 51st in the PDC Order of Merit, and is known for his incredible dart throwing speed.  I sat down and chatted with Ricky, to ask about his playing style and his hopes for the future...

You're known for your quick throwing speed, taking only 5 seconds to throw 3 darts.  Have you ever considered slowing down?

Believe it or not I have actually slowed down quite a bit from when I was 16/17.  I was even faster then.  Sometimes though I do think about slowing down, but then again I know how well I can play throwing rapid:-)

How about when you're playing slower players though, does your game suffer?

Slower players used to affect me, but I've grown up now and respected other people's throws and how long they take.  It's all part of the game at the end of the day.

Are you rapid in everything you do...do you have a girlfriend?  Does this affect her haha!?!

I wish haha! Mrs Evans is nowhere to be seen, put in a good word for me will ya!

What would your ideal Mrs Evans look like - Katy Perry? Mila Kunis? Kelly Brook? 

I'm a huge fan of the walk-on girl Daniella Allfree (feel free to hook us up lol!), end of the day personality is key.

I'll try my best!! What do you enjoy doing in your spare time, apart from dreaming about Daniella?

I love playing snooker and pool, probably play too much to be honest.  Also I sometimes go travelling to watch some events around the UK.

Fancy yourself as a snooker player then, what's your highest break? 

My highest break is something like 27.  I'm always good for a shot and a safety, one of my good friends Kyren Wilson is a professional player, and I like watching him play.
I also love my music, my iPod must be the most randomest selection of tunes you could listen to.

Go on then, tell me the last 3 tunes played on your iPod?

Beautiful South - Perfect 10
Frank Wilson - Do I Love You
Showaddywaddy - Rama lama Ding Dong

That is shocking, especially the last one!!

I like any kind of music, I'm rather handy in a music quiz I am.

Music quiz man hey...answer these three then?

Who sang 'I'm a firestarter, twisted firestarter'?

Prodigy

Who had a 1995 hit with 'Boombastic'?

Shaggy

'I Won't Give Up' is a 2012 hit single by who?

Jason Mraz

They were horrendously easy mate!

F**k it..., let's move on.  What kind of films and TV do you like?

I collect comedy dvds, I have quite a large collection.  I love a bit of Adam Sandler and Will Ferrell.

Let's get back to the darts.  How are you playing this year?  You had a good run in the UK Open, is the key for you to qualify for as many tournaments as you can?

Yes definitely, I wanna be back at Ally Pally obviously and get to a few European Events, but my main target is to still have a Tour card at the end of the year, as it's gonna be tough.

How do you find playing on the floor?

I enjoy it, but not as much as I enjoy the big stage.  The lights, the atmosphere and the adrenaline pumping, makes me play properly.

What kind of playing atmosphere do you prefer?  The BDO with the best of order, or the PDC with the football style crowds?

I love atmosphere, but sometimes it's good to have a bit of hush.

Who are your best friends in darts?

I'd like to think I have a few to be honest, people like James Richardson and Kevin McDine I've known for years, and there's "Team Nevada" who are all legends, Ben Ward, Stephen Bunting, Jim Walker and David Pallett.

Who were your idols growing up?

I enjoyed watching Wayne Mardle and Darryl Fitton as they were pure entertainment.  My idol, no doubt is my old man Ian, he basically taught me how to play and learn how to take defeat and practise.

That's nice to hear, let's end up with you giving me one word answers to describe some of the players. Here we go...

Phil Taylor?
Legend

Michael Van Gerwen?
Awesome

Gary Anderson?
Natural

Adrian Lewis?
Mesmerising

And finally....Ricky Evans

Potential!

There you have it, he's probably the fastest player out there and is a real star of the future.  But to make Ricky Evans truly happy, he needs the love of a good woman. Daniella Allfree if you're reading this please get in touch with Ricky!

An Interview with ... Steve King

Steve King has been the defensive rock upon which Concord Rangers rise up the non-league football pyramid has been based.
Since joining the club from 2009 from Welling, Steve or Kingy as he is known around the club, now captains the side.  His aerial prowess in both boxes makes him integral at set-pieces, and Kingy has weighed in with his fair share of goals.
As a firefighter, Steve is used to dealing with emergencies and keeping a calm head when the pressure is on, ideal experience for a centre half! I asked Steve what it was like performing both roles...

As a fireman and footballer, you're living out some schoolboy/girl dreams.  Does it feel like that at times, or do you just see it as a day job, and night job?  Did you always want to be one of these professions when growing up?

I wasn't someone who grew up dreaming of being a firefighter or footballer. I was never at a professional club as a kid and always played for my love of competing and winning and that has helped me progress up the pyramid. The fire service wasn't a calling for me but something I came across and quite fancied and as my application for the job progressed it become something I fell in love with, and to this day after 10 years no one will ever hear me say anything different to 'I love my job'.

You joined Concord in 2009.  How has the club changed in that time? Has the set-up become more professional?

Since joining I have to say the club has progressed hugely both off and on the pitch, from the standard of Jaynes food after the game to the fantastic effort all of our committee and volunteers put in. Saying this however, the club is very close knit and very much like a family and that has never and will never change.

That's something I noted as well, the family vibe at the club.  What does being captain of Concord mean to you?

Being captain means a lot to me. I would never have appreciated it as much when I was younger but as I've matured I enjoy being a player manager/chairman liaison and love my responsibilities on the pitch. Saying that, I'm a firm believer that a team should have 11 captains on the pitch and that's what we have.

Not only having the responsibility of captaining Concord, but you've also represented the Fire Brigade at regional and national level, that must have been a great honour?

It meant a lot to represent the fire service for London, England and the UK with the pinnacle being reaching the final of a European championship in Rotterdam and winning player of the tournament. This honour was cut short for me due to family commitments and work life becoming more difficult to get time off to play, but to play against Scotland especially as well as a final against Germany (which we typically lost on penalties) was a great experience.

Those bloody Germans!! Have you ever missed a game due to an emergency at the Fire Brigade? If so when?

I'm very lucky to have never missed a game as I use all my holiday for the year on game days. I did however have a big fire one day which completely drained all my energy so when it came to play Tonbridge away that night I had to be honest with Dan and sit on the bench as I would have let the team down. Turns out I came on up front for the last 5 minutes and scored a dramatic late equaliser so it worked out well.

You say that you use all your holiday up on playing football.  Does that come as a cost to Mrs K?  Do you actually have a holiday away with her and your family? If not, is she ok with that?

Yeah I can do exchange duties so if we want to go away I can basically swap my shifts. To be honest we are tending to do 2 day (overnight) city breaks as it's extremely difficult to get time off for say 1 or 2 weeks for a beach holiday. I train 2 times a week and work 2 nights a week so she hates not seeing me much but understands if I'm not playing I'm a sod to live with so accepts me being away. The plus side of my work is I get 4 days off after my 2 days and 2 nights so I get to spend lots of time with my daughter Ivy which is amazing.  

You have a full-on life, what do you do to unwind?

I rarely get time to unwind with a 2 year old daughter, football, work and my wife's business, but if I do get some time it would usually be spent having friends over for dinner and a few glasses of wine, golf or travelling and seeing new places around the world.

What about music is that something you listen to?  

I love 70's and 80's music especially a bit of Madness.

What is the taste of music like in the dressing room?  As Captain do you pull rank at times, and crank up the Madness?

I don't mind the boys choice of tunes in the changing room to be fair but couldn't tell you what it was or how I should move to it, and for this reason I may only pull rank once a season!

What has been your proudest moment as a Concord player, and equally your most embarrassing?  Have you made a mistake you still cringe about?

I cringe every-time I train. If training involved copious amounts of head tennis it wouldn't be so bad. My performance a couple of years ago against Lewes at home after giving them a goal after 30 seconds was also a low point. My proudest moment was winning the play off final against Lowestoft away and scoring has to be the one. The feeling of shock, elevation and ecstasy after can never ever be replicated as far as I'm concerned.

How far can Concord go?  What do you believe is a realistic ambition?

I don't think anyone at the club is under any illusions that it would be extremely difficult to play at a higher level than what we are. The club though has a big heart and people would have said the same when we were in the Ryman League. The staff, management and players we have will always give 110% and as a team we will be competitive at any level as we proved against league 2 Mansfield this season but we have to progress slowly and surely. I'd personally love to see the club playing Conference Premier football.

After speaking to Ant and Danny (Chairman and Manager respectively) it's clear there is a "Concord way" of playing the game, and conducting themselves.  In your role as Captain, do you feel it's your job to drill this into the players, and keep them focused?

I agree that there is a certain mentality around the club which is a winning one but I think how we play can be misconstrued. We have had to, as a small club, win ugly and be big, strong and resolute to get where we are. Now though I really think we are a good footballing, entertaining side but know how to mix it when we need to due to our background. People may say differently but I have never thought I was a fantastic footballer but personally I will always give 100% and do anything to drag a performance out of myself even if I'm having one of those days on the pitch. Experience is a great thing to have in football and allows me to be an organiser on the pitch. Winning means everything to me personally and for my club and I hope that younger players can see how much it means to me and use that to help them become better players. There is so much talent out there in the world of football but all too often I have seen it wasted on people who don't have the right attitude so hopefully mine on the pitch will wear off on those around me.

Firefighter.  Dedicated footballer.  Family man.  All-round good guy. Steve King is a captain that Concord Management, players and fans alike can be proud of.