An Interview with ... Lewis Taaffe

You want someone to run all day for you, Lewis Taaffe is the man.  You want someone to hassle the opposition defence all game, Lewis Taaffe is the man. You want someone to pop up with a vital goal for you, Lewis Taaffe is the man.

I spoke with Concord's all energy centre forward to find out about his career, and his aims for the future.

You had a trial at Bristol Rovers last summer, and you called it "your last chance" to make it as a pro player, do you still think that? 

I'd never say it was my last chance but I'm not getting any younger, of course my dream is to still make it as a professional and I'll be doing everything I can to try and get to that level especially next season, so I can get over some niggling injuries I have had this season. One being tendonitis, anyone who has this will know what I mean!! 

Do you think you can achieve your ambitions at Concord? 

I'm very confident I can achieve what I want to achieve in the game with the backing of Danny Cowley and also Nicky Cowley. As you can see this season we have over achieved as a team and hopefully we will finally get some recognition we deserve. On the other hand you never know who is watching and hopefully some of my performances this season may persuade someone in the football league to take a gamble on me. 

You started off at Leyton Orient, how disappointing was it to be released by them? 

When I first got released of course it was heart breaking I spent most of that afternoon crying. It really hit home the first weekend after getting released I had nothing to do, no one to play for and I really didn't know where it would go from there as I had no contacts whatsoever as I'd been there since the age of 7. Luckily I decided in going to do a sports coaching role at Harlow college where I was quickly picked up by an old Orient manager Ian Hart. He was currently the youth team manager at Histon in the day when they were top of the Conference for most of the season and also having a great FA cup run over coming Leeds. I later signed my scholarship there where I had an amazing first year earning myself a contract under Steve Fallon/John Beck. To this day I still don't know why I got one they hated me I was far to small for them haha. 

You're a tenacious player who always chases down lost causes, and never gives the opposing defenders any rest...is that your key strength? 

I've always worked hard so you could say it is a key strength, it does put doubt in defenders minds if you got some little rat running around them for 90mins they tend to just kick it off which in most situations, which I'm quite pleased about. I do feel I bring a bit more then just a work horse up top with contributing to a few goals and assist this season which hopefully I can possibly nick the golden boot of Steve Cawley but we'll have to wait and see! 

I'm always interested in how many goals players scored in the junior leagues growing up, I even managed to score 50 in one season!! What was your best season as a teenager? 

When I was younger I started out as a striker but never kept count if I'm honest I was just enjoying playing if I'm honest, I played most of my teenage career in centre midfield. I would always score on a regular basis from that position however there was one season where I scored about 48 for the Histon youth team and I won the golden boot at u18's. Ive even got the trophy to prove it!! 

Can you hear your Dad on the touchline when you play? Has he always watched you, wherever you've played? 

I can hear him now and then, most of the time I'm in the zone and tend to block everything out but apparently he is quite the comedian and always has good words to say about me to the rest of the fans there NOT! He's been there pretty much the whole way taking me up and down the country. He never use to say a word until I joined Concord, however there was one time when i was about 17/18 I'd just broken in Histon's first team and I was playing against the biggest centre you could imagine. We got a early corner and the CB pulled my hair quite hard anyway that was it my dad lost the plot and I could hear him all game telling how he was going to see him at the end of the game, it got to the 89th minute and I saw him running out the ground...haha!

What was it like working in Tesco's, I worked there once for 6 weeks, and bloody hated it!! Any amusing stories from working in there?

I was there for a good 6 years, however I did get the sack from Tescos about 6 weeks into my role. When applying I put down all the hours I had left of my day as I was still doing college and football, when hearing back I got the job I had to go in and go over my contract and I got given pretty much a full time contract, which I couldn't keep up with so I wasn't turning up for work, in the end I got the sack. Thats when my mum drove me straight back and I ended up getting a better contract and was there for the 6 years. I finally managed to quit at the start of the season as I was doing 7 days a week i just couldn't keep up with that. 

Who is your favourite comedian? 

My favourite has to be Jason Byrne, He's an Irish comedian and I remember watching one of his sketches at about 3am trying not to laugh the house down and wake everyone up. I don't know if many people have come across him but i would certainly recommend watching him! 

Out of all the squad who is the unfunniest, who cracks the gags, but fails miserably?!! 

This is a tough one but I'm going to go with Gary Ogilvie he does try to be funny on most occasions but I know he will beat hurting inside if he reads this. However he is a really nice fella. 

What is the best goal you've ever scored...talk me through it. 

It was my first senior goal and I was playing against Nuneaton away, we had just gone 1 - 0 down and they was on the attack again until we turned the ball over and started to break down their left. As we crossed the ball in I was still trying to get to grips with the tempo of the game and was still trying to join the attack, their centre half managed to clear with his head only for me to hit his clearance on the volley from about 25 yards out bar and in. Obviously I went mental!... but we ended up losing the game 3 - 2. 

I see your girlfriend is running the London marathon, you didn't think about joining her doing it? Would you like to do it some day? 

I don't think I'd ever want to do it. The thought of running 26miles just doesn't appeal to me. I think its fantastic that she is doing it, as its all for a great cause, but I get bored going on a 5mile run let along doing that 5 times over and more.  I'm more of a sprinter then a runner. 

Who are your favourite current players, and who did you love watching as a kid? 

My favourite at the moment has to be Sanchez for Arsenal, The way he plays is what I aspire to be, the amount of work he gets through with the quality of his play on top is sensational. When I was growing up I always want to be Michael Owen, I had the Umbro boots. I was as small and as quick as him, well it felt like and I always used to try and re-enact his goal against Argentina in 1998. 

What did winning the Essex Senior Cup final mean to you?

It meant a lot after the season we had. We set one of our goals to retain the ESC and to do so after the teams we had to beat is a fantastic achievement in itself. We beat a very strong Dagenham team and being 3 - 1 down at home to Colchester to win on penalties just sums up the out character as a team. I wasn't allowed to play last year as I joined to late so it was good to play a part and score too!

Any plans for the summer, going away on holiday etc?

I've hot a summer holiday booked this year going to Dubai for 2 weeks with the girlfriend. Never been so quite looking forward to that. Also going to Spain for a long weekend be good to get away as my legs are gone now for this season haha!

An Interview with ... Matt Fry

Concord have been defensively resolute this season, and it's no surprise when they have an ex-West Ham, Gillingham, Charlton and Bradford centre back in their ranks.

Matt Fry brings a wealth of experience to the Concord side, but what was his journey to Concord like...let's find out!

What did the 10year old Matt Fry want to be when he was older, was it always a footballer?

To be honest as a 10year old I wanted to be a vet.  I grew up in the countryside and I liked the old land rovers that vets used to drive, haha strange I know!
I was kicking a ball from a young age but I didn't give much thought to my future, I just enjoyed playing.

Do you still have the passion to be a vet, is that something you would look to do in the future?

Haha I think being a vet has definitely passed now.  I love animals but I'm taking all my accounting qualifications at present, so I see myself in a suit rather than overalls.

You joined West Ham at a young age...what did playing for West Ham at the age of 12/13 actually entail? Were there games, or was it just training?

I joined West Ham at 11, and we would train 3 nights a week and play games on Sunday.  Luckily my Dad was around to take me to and from training, and without him I wouldn't have had the opportunities that I did, so I'm very thankful.  Funnily enough Danny Glozier's Dad was one of my coaches at around this age, so I respect Bob a great deal for teaching me a thing or two.

You were managed by Gianfranco Zola, Avram Grant and Sam Allardyce, what were they like in training...did Zola still show you all up with his skills? Did any of the manager's promise to give you first team opportunities?

I only have one word to say about Zola and that is "Unbelievable!"  Naturally he was respected immediately and to this day he remains a stand out manager for me both in coaching and his man management.  It was a real shame he wasn't given the time he deserved because I still think he would have been a great hit!  He really liked me as a player too and most of my first team experiences came with him as manager. It was hinted he would give me my Premier League debut toward the end of the season in 09/10 but unfortunately I suffered knee meniscus damage, and then he was sacked.  He was also still the best player in training, by a long way.  If he was on your 5-a-side team, it was the winning one!!
Avram Grant had an entirely different approach and would just take a back seat, but he authorised my loan move to Charlton so I'm thankful there.  Big Sam I respected also, because he was honest with me to say I wouldn't be in his plans as we had just got relegated and he was signing experienced Premier League players to bounce back immediately.  So this gave me the opportunity to search elsewhere.

You played at Gillingham for 3months, which was curtailed by a knee injury. Was the plan for you to stay longer?

I have great memories of the Gills.  Mainly because it was the team I made my league debut for, and I will never forget that day... MK Dons away in front of 11,000 fans.  I was performing really well for Gills which in turn earned me a new 2 year deal at West Ham, and it was also rumoured that Championship clubs were keeping an eye on me.  I played in every game while I was on loan, bar one due to suspension.  Unfortunately the knee injury had me under the knife on New Year's Eve.  The plan was to stay longer but when I recovered 6 weeks later I had Charlton on the phone and I saw this as a big step.

You had a great spell at Charlton, what was that season like?

I loved every day I was a Charlton player! I made some great pals and also experienced the best moments of my football career so far.  Most notably the FA Cup 3rd round against Spurs at White Hart Lane in front of 36,000 fans.  At the Valley we used to average 18,000-20,000 fans, it's a massive club and I felt extremely proud to put the shirt on each week.  I have all my shirts framed at home, and also kept a lot of the programmes and memorabilia which I occasionally look back over.  I had a good relationship with the fans mainly due to my attitude and work ethic, I always gave 100% as that's what the club deserved.  Again I'm glad to see them doing well in the Championship and hopefully it's not long before they're back in the big time.

Phil Parkinson has taken you on loan twice now, once at Charlton and then at Bradford...has he been on the phone recently?

Haha! I was actually signed permanently by Parkie at Bradford, but yeah it's no secret we got on well and I feel he got the best out of me.  I have a huge amount of respect for him and I'm very glad to see him doing well, we have kept in touch and I've congratulated him on his success over the past couple of years.

What are your main attributes in your game? What are your strengths? Also what can you improve on?

I think I read the game very well.  I've also always been a sprinter so I've got the pace there too.  I was always a lot bigger than other kids growing up, so I wasn't as technical as the smaller players and this was something I had to work on as I got older.  I've always loved getting on the ball and playing out of defence, however I've done this a lot less as it's difficult on the majority of pitches.

I see you work for Elastic Artists, are you interested in music?

Yeah I love music, I always have! A lot of the artists we represent are electronic dj's, so are not very well known to people outside the industry.

So what kind of music do you like?

I loved garage as a kid, and we represent Matt Jam Lamont who is an old school garage name.  We used to represent JME and Skepta as well.  I'm sure a few people will have heard of them.

Maybe I'm showing my age, I've never heard of them! haha...Do you go to music concerts?

I do, but I haven't been in a while, the last concert I went to was Drake at the o2 which was last year sometime.  One of our artists is playing in Ibiza this summer, so the work guys are talking about heading out their for a few days for one of the festivals.

What else do you like doing in your spare time? Are you a golfer? Did you watch the Masters?

Yeah like most footballers I am well into my golf.  I love playing whenever I can, but now I work and play it's hard to find the time.  I did watch the Masters and I had money riding on Jordan Spieth, who I'm really enjoying watching at the moment, his putter is on fire!

Come on then, how much did you win on Spieth??

I don't bet big anymore...but I won £100 so that was a nice return.

Whoever I speak to in the Concord side, they always comment on the spirit of the club.  Is that spirit unique to Concord, or have you found that in other sides you've played for?

I think what we have this season is definitely unique to Concord.  It's built up from relationships bonded over years and we have a great group of players managed by a great group of people.  I have been involved in a lot of dressing rooms and it's rare to find one where every single team member get along, and we all play as mates which makes winning so much better.

Ipswich Town's UEFA Cup dream with Paul Mariner (Football Pink)

Please see below a link to my article with Paul Mariner

http://footballpink.net/2015/04/20/ipswich-town-and-the-uefa-cup-dream/

An Interview with ... Gary Stevens (Football Pink)

Please see my latest interview.

This time with ex-Spurs defender Gary Stevens.

http://footballpink.net/2015/04/14/an-interview-with-former-tottenham-and-england-defender-gary-stevens/

An Interview with ... Jack Lampe

Versatility should never be under-estimated in football.  To have a player in the squad who can play equally as well in a variety of positions is a godsend for any manager.  Jack Lampe is certainly that.  Equally at home in defence, or centre midfield, Jack has been turning out consistent performances for Concord Rangers for a number of seasons.

Jack originally started off at West Ham United, and that's where our chat started...



You were signed as a 17yr old from Harlow by West Ham what did that mean to you?

God yeah, it mean't everything to me and my family.  I always thought I was good enough to play at academy level.

Did you realise you were being scouted at the time?

Yes, I was aware at the time because my Sunday League team St Margetsbury/Harlow were the best around, and we always had scouts watching us.

Were you a West Ham fan growing up?

Nah mate, I've always been an Arsenal fan, but I do follow West Ham to see if any of my old friends get a breakthrough into the first team.

What players were you in the West Ham academy with, and are you still friends with any of them?

The most recognised names that I had the pleasure of playing with at youth level and reserve level are George Moncur, Dylan Tombides, Sebastian Lletget, Jack Powell, Dom Vose, Terry Dixon, Ollie Lee and Bonds N'gala.
I'm very close with Matty Fry and Taylor Miles as they spent time at West Ham, and obviously they are here with me.  Stokesy had left West Ham by the time I joined West Ham, but I still knew of him.

I've seen you play left back and centre back for Concord, what would you say is your best position?

My preferred position is centre half, closely followed by defensive midfield.  I like to get involved with the play, and love a big tackle, so those positions are best.

You've also played in goal for Concord (after an injury to Jamie Butler) did you fancy yourself as a keeper growing up?

No not at all! I've never fancied myself as a goalie.  The only reason I went in goal is because we had a training session and I managed to save three shots off the line, so when Jamie got hurt, Danny Glozier got in my head saying I was like a cat in training...so I thought I would give it a go.

In all my interviews with the players and staff, it's strange how often Danny Glozier's name pops up!!

The spirit at Concord is incredible, it's the driving force behind the club, how do the team feel when they go on the pitch?

From the very first moment I joined Concord there has always been a tremendous amount of team spirit from our Chairman through to the whole team.  I wouldn't say we feel unbeatable when we go on the pitch, as there are some good teams in this league, but we should never be under-rated as we have a lot of great players and an excellent manager who keeps trying to get the best out of us.

You've been in and out of the side this season, when on the subs bench do you get wrapped up in the dug-out's vociferous atmosphere?

Yeah I've struggled with an on-going hamstring problem so I've never been fully fit since Christmas.  When on the subs bench, we have to act as supporters, as we don't have as much support we would like, so we make as much noise as we can to push the team on.

If Concord made it into the Play-offs, do any of the other teams involved hold any fear?

No, because we have proved ourselves by beating the top teams this season, and if we make the play-offs it would round off a great season.

Getting away from the football pitch, what is your full time job and how long you have been doing it?

I'm working towards being a fully qualified accountant, and I've been in my current company for six months now

Your twitter handle is @laidbacklamps, does that sum up your character?

I would say I'm socially laidback, but when I step on the pitch I'm quite the opposite!

What do you like doing in your spare time?

My time is spent up by work and football, but when I get the chance I normally like socialising with my mates, going out to clubs and pulling a few cheekys on the weekend haha!!

If you were stranded on a desert island with a team-mate, who would you LEAST like to be trapped on there with, and why?

It would have to be Tony Stokes.  All he ever talks about is how he is good at scoring.  #knowswherethegoalis #nopace

An Interview with ... Danny Scopes

I like to consider myself a glory hunter, I've only been going to Concord Rangers since the turn of the year.  However someone who has been there for years is Danny Scopes, he is part of the furniture. Player, Manager and Joint-Manager, Fan, Ball-collector, Waiter, he's done it all.

I spoke to Danny to find out how his Concord journey began...

When did you first arrive at Concord, was it as a player?

I turned up at Concord in November 2005, Concord were in the Essex Senior League then under Eddie Grace, and I arrived from Tilbury as a player.
I did not really know anyone that well at the club, but came to watch a midweek cup game and signed after the game.  They've been stuck with me since then...

Apart from Tilbury, where had you played previously?

I played most of my Senior football at Wakering Rovers, playing about 350 games over a 10 year period, it would have been near to 450 without suspensions my dad would say!
I left Wakering to join Tilbury for a season and half, and gained promotion there. Then I left to join Concord.

How did becoming Joint-Manager of Concord come about?  Was it something you were always interested in coaching/managing?

I played the remainder of the 2005/2006 season as a player under Eddie and he asked me to be captain and help out with the squad for the following season in the Essex Senior League.  Eddie had signed a few players and we were pushing to try and win the league - things did not work out as well and we finished about 7th I think that year.  At the end of that season I was planning to stay on again as a player and helping Eddie to build a side to compete better in the league.
Then I received a phone call from the Chairman Anthony Smith saying that we needed an urgent meeting. I met with Ant (in the pub of course) and he explained that Eddie was leaving (long story) and he wanted me to take over as manager. Danny Heale (now Canvey boss) and Dan Trenkel (Wakering boss) were present at the meeting as they were both at Concord the previous season, and I was basically bullied into taking the job by the three of them....Bastards!!

Did you feel you could do the job?

I had always felt that I would become a manager or coach of a team once I finished playing, as I always felt I was a good leader on the pitch.  I still thought I could offer something playing, so wanted to be player-manager.  Maybe it came a little earlier than I was ready to be honest, but it is very very hard to say no to the Chairman!

So you were thrust into management..

It was two weeks after getting the job, and missing out on a few players that the best call that ever happened to myself and Concord Rangers came about...Danny Cowley asked to come in and help me as a coach with his brother Nicky coming in as a player.  I would go as far as saying this may have saved my job as manager of Concord Rangers before the season had even started..haha!

Dan was just what I needed and we built a decent squad, it worked well with Danny coaching and myself playing and managing.  The first season we won the Essex Senior League, then we decided to become joint-managers.

What was it like being a joint-manager? Did the working relationship with Danny take time to work, and for each of you to respect each other's thoughts?

Danny Cowley may say different!! However I would say it worked like a dream (pretty successful in the 5 years), we are different people, but we both like to work hard and compete in what we do.  I think over the whole time we worked together we never had a cross word and managed to come to a shared solution or decision, which does not happen in many relationships.
The main reason it worked was the fact we stuck together the whole time, we must have spoken every day for 5 years.  I knew he had my back, and I had his.  That made us so strong as a pair.

Did you have any ex-players who were a right bugger to manage?

Danny Heale once thought he had seen a team sheet without him on it for a game, and decided to get his bag and walk off like a diva - until he realised he had read it wrong! That was just a one off for Danny, he was a great player.
Ashley Miller was like having a stroppy teenager to deal with some days, but he was a cracking player and was excellent for Concord.
There have been a few others I could have smashed around the changing rooms if I had not needed them at times.  The bad eggs did not last long at the club...

So what was your best moment when you were managing the club?

It's hard to pick one as I had some amazing times - I would say the first year and winning promotion on the last day of the season away to Barkingside.  This was followed by one of the best mini-bus journeys home (trust me there have been a few good ones!) and our presentation evenings afterwards at the club.
To celebrate that promotion after a hard season, with some cracking people, will stick with me for a long time.

So you departed as Joint-Manager, what is your role at the club now?  Do you still have one?

I don't really have an official role at the club now.  They just can't rid of me!!! - I will do anything to help from getting balls that go out of the ground (although that's Cliff's job really), serving the food to the players after the game, I'm just happy to do anything for the club.
I like to try and be noisy and loud on match-days and help the players to get the result for the club on the pitch.  We need to get more noise and atmosphere sometimes, as it does help the players.
I do have the tag of "the thug" which is a bit harsh...

That must come from somewhere..come on fess up.  Have you lamped someone at a game?!?

I can't fess up completely but will just say I get a little excited at away games! Haha
I kick every ball when I watch Concord, it's like I'm still playing, and I'm desperate for the team to win, so it can get emotional for me at times.
Anyway I think Lewis Taafe's dad is taking my crown this season.  He is an aggressive little man haha!! but he's very funny with it.

You mention creating an atmosphere, what can Concord do to increase their match day support?

We are getting there slowly, I see more regular faces at home games now and I think the word is spreading.  We have people bringing their family over, and friends bringing their friends along, and that has helped this year.  More people are coming home and away now, which is a great commitment from them. Personally I think once you come a couple of times you're hooked

Yes I agree...

You are so close to the action and you can feel the passion from the benches and the players, you don't often get a game without drama at non-league so it's well worth the money.

We need a few more Canvey supporters to realise that they're watching the wrong team on the Island, and need to come over and support the bigger club!

Saying that would Canvey Island be better served by having just one semi-pro football team?

I think if you were asking me as a neutral, yes of course combined resources would make for a better club all-round and certainly help with competing at this level.  As a Concord supporter however, I would say we have worked hard to become the Number 1 club on the Island and if there was to be any coming together, they would have to work on our plans and structure as it has proven to be working.

How different is the Concord Rangers you took charge of in 2006 to the Concord Rangers of 2015?

Wow - apart from the obvious league status and to the team competing at Conference South level on the field, is there for all to see.  Off the field the whole set-up of the club has improved every year - the work on the ground from the first year I started has been excellent, new changing rooms, new pitch surroundings/fencing, new dugouts, the tea-bar, plus new stands and seating, and it's all carrying on again next year with more clubhouse and extensive pitch-work planned.  The off the pitch structure that all the committee, Ant Smith and Danny Cowley have put in place with the community work and academy next year, will again move the club on.  It is truly amazing the progress which has taken place.
To sum it all up - my first game as manager we played Sawbridgeworth at home in front of 57 people.  This season we had over a 1000 watching a 1st round FA Cup replay against Mansfield.  THAT IS PROGRESS.

How far can Concord Rangers go though?

Concord Rangers have come a long way in a very short space of time, so you have to be realistic, budget and structure wise, we've already done amazing to compete for two seasons in the Conference South.  Therefore staying in the league for as long as possible would be a great achievement on it's own at present.

In the current Concord side, what needs improving to possibly push on next season?

I try not to say too much about the playing side other than to Dan himself - I think the side is strong and with a couple of additions and more importantly holding on to the 15/16 we have then we can have another push in this league.  Personally I would love to see Harry Elmes get a pre-season and get a chance to prove himself in the Conference South, as he was a massive part in helping the team get to that level. He will be a great asset to the team once he's fully match fit next season.

Who is your favourite current player and why?

Alex Woodyard has been my player of the season this year, he's vital in the midfield. He links defence to attack with his energy and passing...maybe a few more goals from Woody next year haha!!
I have a soft spot for James White also in the midfield and believe they have formed an excellent partnership.  I played with James when he was breaking through at Wakering at 16/17, and I can't believe he still doesn't know how to tackle or use his elbows....Haha!

Finally Danny, are you interested in managing a football club again?

You can never say never in football, but it would take a lot for me to get back involved in football management again.  I have my own business and two boys that are playing football, so I need to give my time to them.  I run my boys teams and would like to progress with them - I'm working my way through the coaching badges every season, I love coaching kids and work for a local academy as well.  Maybe in the future I can help push some of these players through into the Concord first team.

An Interview with ... Reece Topley (Deep Extra Cover version)

Please see below a link to my interview, which was published by Deep Extra Cover

http://deepextracover.com/2015/04/qa-essexs-reece-topley/

An Interview with ... Reece Topley

As an 11year old, I had high hopes that I was going to open the bowling for England when I was older.  My dad put in plenty of work giving me practice, we set up the stumps in the driveway, and he then chalked a square 50cm by 50cm just outside off stump.  For hours I practiced bowling into this square, not interested in hitting the wickets.  

As a left armer bowler as well, I was be-sotted with Wasim Akram.  Whilst he was making England look like mugs, I was in my element.  I was going to be England's Wasim Akram.

When the summer came, and school cricket was being played, I run amok.  I was quite tall as a kid, so the opposition schools had to contend with this gangly bowling machine.  I skittled all the teams, as my school made in it into the final, for the first time in their history.  So now you're all wondering how that final went...we lost by 10 wickets.  I didn't get a wicket in my first two overs, I panicked, and then proceeded to bowl like a drain.

This was the pinnacle of my cricketing career, again so early.  Sportsmen peak at different times in their career, but looking back on mine, to peak at 12 is particularly galling.

Alas I was never to be English cricket's left arm hope, but recently I've spoken to another young left arm quick bowler, who has high hopes the future.

Reece Topley at the age of 21 is already a fixture in the Essex side, and has represented England at England U19 level.  Unfortunately Reece has suffered with back trouble the last couple of seasons, so I started off by asking him how he was feeling physically...

What have you been doing this winter?  Have you fully recovered from your back troubles?

I have been working hard in the gym, made a lot of progressions there physically. I managed to get away to France to watch the ASP world surf championships. Also, attended the PCA AGM in the Algarve and holidayed just before christmas to Barbados.  

I remember watching your dad play, when I was a lot younger! What did he teach you about bowling when you were younger? 

Yeah, me and my father always played Test matches in the garden all school holidays. I was always the World XI and would pretend to be Wasim Akram, Brett Lee or Matthew Hayden and he was Zimbabwe. Whenever we played cricket he would be coaching me and I have always swung the ball because of it. 

You mentioned Wasim, Lee and Hayden,  who did you used to model your game on? I used to be a left arm fast bowler, and I tried modelling myself on Wasim Akram. However I was never good enough to replicate him!

I don’t look at anyone really and model myself on them. I watch Wasim Akram a lot as I believe he is the pinnacle of left arm bowlers. He has set the benchmark for any left armer. I had the privilege when i was away at the U19 world cup to meet with Wasim and his wife in a bar in Townsville. I spoke to him for about 2 hours and I view that as one of the most amazing experiences in my career so far. 

Did you instantly fall in love with cricket as a youngster, as your dad was a player?  Or were you interested in other sports, and do you fancy yourself as a bit of a player at some of those?

I love cricket, but I also love football. I was a keen footballer in the winter and a keen cricketer in the summer, it was season dependent. I also played hockey and rugby and i enjoyed them massively. 

What advice would you give to schoolchildren who want to become fast bowlers?  Is practice, practice, practice the key?

Yes, but also it's the hardest job in the game and takes a strong character to be a bowler. Its mentally tough and physically tough.

What are your aims for this season?

My sole aim is just to get to October without any injuries this season. The last year and a half have been absolute hell for me, having 2 stress fractures and having so much time out of the game. From a team perspective I would love to win a trophy this year with the rest of the Essex boys. 

What format of cricket do you prefer bowling in? 1st class / One Day / 20/20

I love bowling full stop. I enjoy the challenge of going to battle with a batsman in 4 day cricket and the tactical side of cricket in the limited over game. The atmosphere is obviously amazing in 20/20 cricket and is brilliant to perform in front of. I really enjoy bowling at the death because its a great time to put all the momentum in your teams favour and pick up some key wickets and stem the flow of runs.

What would you say your bowling strengths are?

My swing is a good weapon for me. In 4 day cricket I swing the red ball a lot and consistently. Also, when the ball get very old and also in white ball cricket I use reverse swing as my main weapon. Also like I just said I feel I bowl well at the end of a limited over innings. 

What's your highest score with the bat?  Are you always looking to improve? 

My highest score ever is 149 for Colchester U16s in the Essex matchplay tournament. However if you look at my professional batting record you would feel my best batting days are behind me!!  

When you bat in 1st class cricket, is the temptation there, just to give it a whack!?

The temptation is the to give it a whack but if you get out doing that i would advise hiding from the coaches for the rest of the day .

What do you do to unwind away from cricket?  

I love getting away and experiencing different cultures. I have been away with Jaik Mickleburgh and Mark Pettini a lot recently. We watched the World Surf champs in Hossegor near Biarritz. I watch a lot of sport, mostly Ipswich Town this winter at Portman Road. Another one of my past times is cinema, I am a huge film fanatic and love acting and all the surrounds it. 

What kind of music/tv/films do you like then?

Music, i like anything depending on my mood. 

TV, i must admit i love a bit of Jeremy Kyle and was amazed when i had lunch next to him at Sandy Lane when i recently visited Barbados. 

Jeremy Kyle!?!  So did you say anything to him then?

No sadly I was star-struck.

You mentioned acting, so who are your favourite actors?

I enjoy Tom Hanks and Leonardo DiCaprio. I think they are stunning in all their roles. 

Who are your friends in cricket?

All the Essex boys are great value! I probably get up to most mischief with Mark Pettini. Ravi Bopara is hilarious,  he is harsh with his banter and very quick witted. 

Apart from Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad, there are places available in the England bowling line up's for a quick tall paceman.  You certainly fit the criteria.  Is an England Test cap the ultimate ambition?

100%, My goal for as long as I can remember has been to be the first left arm bowler for England to 100 test wickets. 

How well can Essex do this season? 

I feel we will get a trophy this year. If we won a one day competition and finished in the top 2 in the championship. It would be a huge season and go down in history for Essex.

England had a disappointing World Cup.  What can be done to change our fortunes in One Day cricket?

I think Alex Hales should have been opening for England for the last year. He can take it to the opposition in a similar way to Aron Finch does for Australia. Also, Cooky shouldn’t have been dropped at the 11th hour. The whole squad had to adjust after 3 years of work leading to the World Cup. I do think that this rattled the England side. 

If you were being held hostage, and your kidnappers said you must be pick one batsmen to score a 100, otherwise we will kill you, what batsman would you pick!!

Alistair Cook…. form is temporary class is permanent. He is still an amazing player. 

What do you make of the cricket pundits on Sky.  Do you have a particular favourite?

I like Andrew Strauss, he has a great cricket brain and it comes across when he is on Sky. Rob Key also talks brilliantly when he commentates, and is still a very good player for Kent. 

Where would you like to be in 5yrs time?

I would like to be playing for England and making them a dominant force in world cricket again. Also, I want to be playing in Division 1 for Essex. 

If Reece can get off to a quick start to the season, and get amongst the wickets, whose to say the England selectors won't come calling.  English cricket is crying out for a tall left arm quick bowler, who can bowl in all formats of the game.  Could this be Reece Topley's time.