As my 40th birthday looms ever nearer day by day, I often try to sit back and wonder where those forty years have disappeared to. However I cannot sit back, as the footballer Pele broke my arse...let me explain.
As a young boy growing up on a council estate on what can only be described as the shittest island in the world...Canvey, I needed a release, I needed to look elsewhere for my dreams. Those dreams were found invariably on the television. What things attracted a naive ten year old, was it the cheeky grin of one of Bruce's dolly dealers on Play your Cards right, unlikely. Maybe now if one of them smiled on the television, I'd think "cor she's a bit of alright"...but back then it was football goals, and the more spectacular the better. I'd see a goal and I'd want to replicate it the next day at school or on a Sunday morning where I was the hot-shot for the local team. If you wanted a goal scored, than I was the man. Well 10 year old boy..but you understand the sentiment.
Back in 1984 I was a gangly git. All skin and bones, my Grandad used to call me a Biafran. No idea what he meant. Looking back it's highly racist, but these were simpler times. As I grew older my body shape moved round the African continent and I was being called an Ethiopian in my early teens, this was done to my face, or more hurtfully on my schoolbooks by some of the older kids. Could the fuckers spell Ethiopian then, could they fuck. I knew how to. I had the last laugh. Anyway the gangly-ness...god I could head a ball. Get that ball in the penalty area and I would head it. I towered over kids my own age. I was 1984's Peter Crouch. Then I saw this goal, and I realised I didn't need to head the ball in the air.
What a fucking ridiculous header. I lapped it up. I thought I have to try this. When the ball comes in the box, no defender is going to think someone is going to head that. Too right they didn't. It was a fortnight after seeing this goal, that the opportunity arose. The ball was dribbled across the box and I flung myself at the ball head first...my head connected with the ball..my face connected with the mud which always smelt of shit on Canvey, but also a defender's boot connected with my face. I had a lump the size of Biafra on my head, but I didn't care. I had scored a goal just like Andy Gray's. In my head I was a legend, to everyone else I was a prick who headed the ball one foot off the floor.
My heading was beyond renown, but I needed to add more to my game. If the ball came into the penalty area then most of the opposition would think he's going to head it. Well I needed another string to my bow, the last thing I wanted to be was predictable. Whilst watching Sportsnight one morning before school. Yes before school. Taped on a betamax video player the size of a smartcar. I still remember the day my Dad brought that videoplayer home from work..I'm sure we had to open the back window to get it in the house. Anyways, Mark Hughes scored this volley, well it's not a volley, I'm not sure how you describe it to this day. Here it is.
Just imagine the other kid's faces when I pull that bad boy off on a Sunday morning. Off to the back garden I went to practice. Now the problem with having a younger sister is they aren't much good for having proper games of football, but they are marginally ok for throwing the ball in the air so you can practice your volleys. Try as hard as I could, I just could not pull of the "Hughes volley". Nevermind when the moment arises in a future match I'm sure I'll be fine I thought. You know what happened, I never tried it. That ball flew into the box plenty of times, but I just headed everything. Not once did I leap sideways in the air and take off a-la Sparky.
As I grew older, the other kids started to catch up with my height. There were now plenty of contenders to be the gangliest kid in the area. In fact I don't think I was anymore. I was an also ran. I was still deadly in the penalty box, but headers now were very much 50/50. Around this time I was introduced to the film Escape to Victory. What a movie. Even now I could quite happily sit down and watch that, whilst ignoring the gaping plot holes in the movie. When you get to the age of about 13/14 you're basically a berk, who will try anything to impress his mates. As you look back you think why the fuck did I even try that, I could have done some real damage, but at the time you want to be the man. Pele scored a bicycle kick in Escape to Victory after suffering a heart attack. It was the stuff of legends. Me and my mates fucking loved that goal. So much so that we used to practice it on a concrete playground at lunchtimes.
You see when that music kicks in. In the playground we would take turns in humming that music as one of us practiced doing that bicycle kick. What a bunch of twats. Have you ever landed on concrete on your lower back say five times in thirty minutes. It hurts. But we didn't think of the long-lasting damage it would do. I vividly remember one of the group, pulling off that bicycle kick whilst eating a cream doughnut. What a man. Last I heard he was still living at home with his parents, but what a man.
I know what you're all wondering, did I manage the bicycle kick. Of course I did but to, as I found out, irrepairable damage to my arse, or what the medical profession call the coccyx. As I moved to my later teens, I found that anytime I bent over for a lengthy period of time...stop sniggering, my lower back just seized up. "Aah this is just a twinge" I thought it will soon pass. Well it never did, and when you've spent a week in bed at the age of 20 with a bad back, you think fucking hell I've done well to get to nearly 40.
Around the age of 25, I was still playing Sunday football, but by now the back was causing constant gip with any physical activity, my goalscoring days were a thing of the past, and I was now an adequate (in my head) left back. To everyone else I was hopeless. I didn't enjoy playing, it was tiresome. I was playing in a defence which generally was still pissed from the night before and in front of the worst goalkeeper I've ever seen in my life. Sundays were a chore.
Then a goal happened which took me back to my childhood. Last game of the season. Last minute of a game his side needed to win to get into the Champions League...Rivaldo did this
I was a man inspired. I thought there is no-way I can manage this in the opposition's penalty box, but surely I can pull out the bicycle kick when defending for old time's sake. When you get a bit wiser, you can manufacture circumstances so they go in your favour. So I did it. The ball fell to me thirty yards from our own goal, which I was facing...I headed the ball up in the air, and then pulled off the Rivaldo bicycle kick, all the time humming the Pele music in my head. I landed on my arse and got carried off, never to play football again.
So there you have it kids, don't try and replicate your heroes it all only ends up in pain and misery.
Showing posts with label Football. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Football. Show all posts
Thursday, 10 September 2015
Tuesday, 4 August 2015
An Interview with ... Danny Cowley
After eight successful seasons with Concord Rangers, guiding them through the non-league pyramid to the Conference South, Danny Cowley moved onto National League side Braintree Town in the summer.
Braintree have been a fixture in the National League (Conference) since 2011/2012 and when I spoke to Danny, I wanted to find out how he could improve Braintree's fortunes in this division, considering they are a part-time football club and Danny himself holds down a day-job.
Braintree finished 14th last season is it possible to improve on that?
It will be a challenge certainly. Nicky (Cowley) and I went to Chester and Tranmere in the past week, and that emphasised the magnitude of the challenge. In the first week of the season we play Chester, Lincoln and Tranmere, and they've all been football league clubs. Whenever you've got big challenges in front of you, it's important that you break them down individually and that's what we will have to do. Our first objective has to be to get to 50points.
In the National League there are more league games to contend with
Yes, there are 46 league games. It's a long tough season, the first month is especially hectic. The players so far have been excellent, their attitude and application has been first class during pre-season and it's all been positive to date, and now it's down to the serious stuff.
You start with Chester away this weekend
I went to watch them last week when they played Liverpool U21's and there was near on 3000 people watching the game, and it was an 11-hour round trip for me. I dropped Nicky off at Tranmere so he could scout them as well.
You're certainly covering the miles early
Well part of our successes as managers has been having detailed analysis on our opposition, and to look at ways to outwit them. Especially as we are new to the league, it's imperative that we get to know the teams/players as quick as we can, and that's what we're aiming to do.
You're know for asking your players to give that extra 1% which the opposition aren't doing. Is that something you're going to have to drawn on even more this season?
Oh yes, it's not an even playing field, when you look at Braintree's resources and infrastructure and compare that to the other clubs in the league. 99% of the clubs at this level are full-time. I think at this level it's going to be more challenging as myself and Nicky are part-time, and we've got full-time jobs, and so do all of our players. It's going to be our biggest challenge, but it's something we are really looking forward to.
Saying that, can you combine a day job with managing a National League side?
Ask me in 10 months haha! It will require a balance, I have a young family as well, so it will need juggling at times. It will definitely demand long hours from me.
Well you've already clocked up 11 hours travelling to Chester in midweek, and you've got sides like Barrow and Torquay in this league.
There will be some long journey's in this league, no doubt. But a lot of people have asked this question already and it doesn't affect me. When I was Concord Rangers manager I put every spare hour into that, so the work increase has not been that great. Obviously at this level there is an added pressure, but that's what I thrive on and enjoy. Anyway work's only work if you don't enjoy it. I'm a very lucky person to have two jobs that I love.
However these long hours must put a strain on your home life?
I think you have to have an understanding family definitely. My wife is an international athlete (Kate Cowley) so she knows what commitment is required, and is very understanding which certainly helps. But yes as I've mentioned before it's a juggling act there's no doubt about that. However it's something we are used to, and dealt with successfully and will continue to do so.
Will there be a time when you step away from the day job?
You never know in football, I don't think it's worth predicting what the future may bring. What you have to do is put all your focus and energies into what we can control, and at the moment that is trying to move Braintree Town forward and remain competitive in this division.
You've mentioned that magic 50points before
Yes, the quicker we get there, then we can look at mid-table, then the top 10...then you dare to dream.
We are looking to create a culture at the football club which is professional and demanding, and looking at making the most of the opportunities which are presented to us, and hopefully mould and create a group of players who can cope in this competitive division.
Was it important to you to bring in some players you knew as well, or did the squad need a freshen up anyway?
The biggest challenge was to try and keep the group together, and we spent three weeks reviewing the club and looking at the structure and why and how the club had achieved the success it had. When you can answer these questions, then you can add continued success, and we thought very much that the success achieved at the club was down to the players. So keeping those players at the club was the first challenge and we were pleased that we managed that. That was hugely importantly as they have been the foundation of the club in recent years. Continuity is key at any football club, that's something our success at Concord Rangers was based upon. We've brought 3/4 in from our previous club, who we see are on an upward curve in their progression in the game. These players are looking to improve and are hungry, these are the kind of players I'm looking to bring in.
Well I suppose if the player improves, then the club improves so it's beneficial for both parties.
Character is very important. Signing a player with the right character is crucial. When you've worked with players in the past, and you know that you've got a relationship that works then it's a lot easier to manage them, no doubt about that.
Is this something in which the day job (Head of PE) comes in handy, or is it something you've always been able to do?
There are a lot of transferable skills from my day-job to football management. As a head of a department, it's a challenge of my man-management skills so conversely I can lean on my football experiences as well. I've nine seasons now as a football manager and it in that time I've developed my man-management skills, and these things can only improve with experience.
Your relationship with your brother Nicky (who is Dan's Assistant Manager) is key. I've seen the pair of you on the touchline your more animated, whilst Nicky is more studious, you compliment each other. How do you find working with your brother?
Nicky and I have always been close, we have the same interests and obviously growing up together we have shared the same experiences. We're similar in ways, but different in others and I think it is very important as a manager to rely on good people around you. Trust is key as well, and our relationship is a strong one. Looking back at our time at Concord Rangers, Nicky had a huge part to play there, both on and off the pitch. He's enthusiastic and an excellent coach, and he's a big part of the success we've had in the past and hopefully will be in future successes at Braintree.
You've mentioned that you've been a manager for nine seasons now, can you still see yourself managing in ten years time?
Football is in my blood. My dad played at a good level, and I grew up watching him play. I couldn't imagine my life without football. I don't want to get too far ahead of myself, I only want to think about the here and now with Braintree Town.
Braintree have been a fixture in the National League (Conference) since 2011/2012 and when I spoke to Danny, I wanted to find out how he could improve Braintree's fortunes in this division, considering they are a part-time football club and Danny himself holds down a day-job.
Braintree finished 14th last season is it possible to improve on that?
It will be a challenge certainly. Nicky (Cowley) and I went to Chester and Tranmere in the past week, and that emphasised the magnitude of the challenge. In the first week of the season we play Chester, Lincoln and Tranmere, and they've all been football league clubs. Whenever you've got big challenges in front of you, it's important that you break them down individually and that's what we will have to do. Our first objective has to be to get to 50points.
In the National League there are more league games to contend with
Yes, there are 46 league games. It's a long tough season, the first month is especially hectic. The players so far have been excellent, their attitude and application has been first class during pre-season and it's all been positive to date, and now it's down to the serious stuff.
You start with Chester away this weekend
I went to watch them last week when they played Liverpool U21's and there was near on 3000 people watching the game, and it was an 11-hour round trip for me. I dropped Nicky off at Tranmere so he could scout them as well.
You're certainly covering the miles early
Well part of our successes as managers has been having detailed analysis on our opposition, and to look at ways to outwit them. Especially as we are new to the league, it's imperative that we get to know the teams/players as quick as we can, and that's what we're aiming to do.
You're know for asking your players to give that extra 1% which the opposition aren't doing. Is that something you're going to have to drawn on even more this season?
Oh yes, it's not an even playing field, when you look at Braintree's resources and infrastructure and compare that to the other clubs in the league. 99% of the clubs at this level are full-time. I think at this level it's going to be more challenging as myself and Nicky are part-time, and we've got full-time jobs, and so do all of our players. It's going to be our biggest challenge, but it's something we are really looking forward to.
Saying that, can you combine a day job with managing a National League side?
Ask me in 10 months haha! It will require a balance, I have a young family as well, so it will need juggling at times. It will definitely demand long hours from me.
Well you've already clocked up 11 hours travelling to Chester in midweek, and you've got sides like Barrow and Torquay in this league.
There will be some long journey's in this league, no doubt. But a lot of people have asked this question already and it doesn't affect me. When I was Concord Rangers manager I put every spare hour into that, so the work increase has not been that great. Obviously at this level there is an added pressure, but that's what I thrive on and enjoy. Anyway work's only work if you don't enjoy it. I'm a very lucky person to have two jobs that I love.
However these long hours must put a strain on your home life?
I think you have to have an understanding family definitely. My wife is an international athlete (Kate Cowley) so she knows what commitment is required, and is very understanding which certainly helps. But yes as I've mentioned before it's a juggling act there's no doubt about that. However it's something we are used to, and dealt with successfully and will continue to do so.
Will there be a time when you step away from the day job?
You never know in football, I don't think it's worth predicting what the future may bring. What you have to do is put all your focus and energies into what we can control, and at the moment that is trying to move Braintree Town forward and remain competitive in this division.
You've mentioned that magic 50points before
Yes, the quicker we get there, then we can look at mid-table, then the top 10...then you dare to dream.
We are looking to create a culture at the football club which is professional and demanding, and looking at making the most of the opportunities which are presented to us, and hopefully mould and create a group of players who can cope in this competitive division.
Was it important to you to bring in some players you knew as well, or did the squad need a freshen up anyway?
The biggest challenge was to try and keep the group together, and we spent three weeks reviewing the club and looking at the structure and why and how the club had achieved the success it had. When you can answer these questions, then you can add continued success, and we thought very much that the success achieved at the club was down to the players. So keeping those players at the club was the first challenge and we were pleased that we managed that. That was hugely importantly as they have been the foundation of the club in recent years. Continuity is key at any football club, that's something our success at Concord Rangers was based upon. We've brought 3/4 in from our previous club, who we see are on an upward curve in their progression in the game. These players are looking to improve and are hungry, these are the kind of players I'm looking to bring in.
Well I suppose if the player improves, then the club improves so it's beneficial for both parties.
Character is very important. Signing a player with the right character is crucial. When you've worked with players in the past, and you know that you've got a relationship that works then it's a lot easier to manage them, no doubt about that.
Is this something in which the day job (Head of PE) comes in handy, or is it something you've always been able to do?
There are a lot of transferable skills from my day-job to football management. As a head of a department, it's a challenge of my man-management skills so conversely I can lean on my football experiences as well. I've nine seasons now as a football manager and it in that time I've developed my man-management skills, and these things can only improve with experience.
Your relationship with your brother Nicky (who is Dan's Assistant Manager) is key. I've seen the pair of you on the touchline your more animated, whilst Nicky is more studious, you compliment each other. How do you find working with your brother?
Nicky and I have always been close, we have the same interests and obviously growing up together we have shared the same experiences. We're similar in ways, but different in others and I think it is very important as a manager to rely on good people around you. Trust is key as well, and our relationship is a strong one. Looking back at our time at Concord Rangers, Nicky had a huge part to play there, both on and off the pitch. He's enthusiastic and an excellent coach, and he's a big part of the success we've had in the past and hopefully will be in future successes at Braintree.
You've mentioned that you've been a manager for nine seasons now, can you still see yourself managing in ten years time?
Football is in my blood. My dad played at a good level, and I grew up watching him play. I couldn't imagine my life without football. I don't want to get too far ahead of myself, I only want to think about the here and now with Braintree Town.
Saturday, 27 June 2015
An Interview with ... Gary Ewers
I caught up with Gary Ewers before pre-season training started for Concord Rangers, to try and find out what he does at the club, apart from being a wind-up merchant. I don't think I really found out, but I did find out who he likes to wind up!
When did you first get involved with Concord Rangers?
About 8 years ago I joined Concord Rangers from East Thurrock United as a central midfielder, I was known as the English Maradona and I scored on my debut.
Where had you played previously, a little birdie tells me that "you were decent"?
I played in the old Ryman Division 1 for many years with Great Wakering Rovers, alongside Danny "Elbows" Scopes and Danny "The Nose" Heale.
What is your role at the club now, what is it you actually do?
Who knows! I'm supposed to be the kit-man I think.
During your time at the club, who has been the best player you've seen?
There have been a number of good players that I've seen throughout my time at Concord, I would say that Lyle Taylor was the best.
How about the worst?
Definitely Michael Hood aka Ricky Gervais
Everyone I speak to, says you're a bit of a joker. What is the best prank you've played on someone?
I'm unable to tell you about some of the pranks that I have done in the past, as it could potentially get me arrested in the morning.
Haha...With pre-season training starting up, what for you is the benefit of wearing bin-bags during training?
I wanted to lose a bit of weight so I improvised and use a bin-bag. WOW did I sweat, it was like a tsunami when I took my top off.
What does being part of the Concord Rangers set up mean to you?
The club has got so many people that dedicate their lives to keep on improving our special little football club. The person I have so much respect for is Jayne, she works her little socks off day in, day out, and I'm sure she has sold her house and moved into the club, as she is always there.
What has been your greatest experience whilst being involved with Concord Rangers, what thing do you look back on and think..wow I was proud to be part of that?
My whole time at Concord has been amazing, I have so many great memories, but the one that sticks out more than anything is the play off final against Lowestoft Town. I will never forget running on the pitch at the end of the match celebrating with all the players, backroom staff and our supporters...what a day, and oh yeah what a night too....
Going back to being a bit of a joker, who is the easiest person to wind up at the club?
I do love a wind up, especially with our gay physio, he keeps on lying about some girl that he is dating, but anyone can pull off a picture from a well know social media site and say "This is my girlfriend" Michael Hood does it every week.
When did you first get involved with Concord Rangers?
About 8 years ago I joined Concord Rangers from East Thurrock United as a central midfielder, I was known as the English Maradona and I scored on my debut.
Where had you played previously, a little birdie tells me that "you were decent"?
I played in the old Ryman Division 1 for many years with Great Wakering Rovers, alongside Danny "Elbows" Scopes and Danny "The Nose" Heale.
What is your role at the club now, what is it you actually do?
Who knows! I'm supposed to be the kit-man I think.
During your time at the club, who has been the best player you've seen?
There have been a number of good players that I've seen throughout my time at Concord, I would say that Lyle Taylor was the best.
How about the worst?
Definitely Michael Hood aka Ricky Gervais
Everyone I speak to, says you're a bit of a joker. What is the best prank you've played on someone?
I'm unable to tell you about some of the pranks that I have done in the past, as it could potentially get me arrested in the morning.
Haha...With pre-season training starting up, what for you is the benefit of wearing bin-bags during training?
I wanted to lose a bit of weight so I improvised and use a bin-bag. WOW did I sweat, it was like a tsunami when I took my top off.
What does being part of the Concord Rangers set up mean to you?
The club has got so many people that dedicate their lives to keep on improving our special little football club. The person I have so much respect for is Jayne, she works her little socks off day in, day out, and I'm sure she has sold her house and moved into the club, as she is always there.
What has been your greatest experience whilst being involved with Concord Rangers, what thing do you look back on and think..wow I was proud to be part of that?
My whole time at Concord has been amazing, I have so many great memories, but the one that sticks out more than anything is the play off final against Lowestoft Town. I will never forget running on the pitch at the end of the match celebrating with all the players, backroom staff and our supporters...what a day, and oh yeah what a night too....
Going back to being a bit of a joker, who is the easiest person to wind up at the club?
I do love a wind up, especially with our gay physio, he keeps on lying about some girl that he is dating, but anyone can pull off a picture from a well know social media site and say "This is my girlfriend" Michael Hood does it every week.
Thursday, 4 June 2015
An Interview with ... Jayne Sisley (aka Jayney Moobag!)
I've spent the last six months interviewing Concord Rangers players, coaches and the Chairman but this is the one you've all wanted to read about.
Jayne Sisley is the soul and heartbeat of the club, especially on a match day. You won't believe how much she does on a Saturday.
I was warned before the interview by Jayne herself that she talks too much, and she didn't disappoint.
I started off our interview and asked Jayne how she got involved with the club.
I used to watch my son play for the under 7's then one day we were mucking around in the bar, and I went behind the bar, to do an impression of Peggy Mitchell. I must of been good, because the next day I got offered a job as a barmaid....I hadn't worked behind a bar in my life, but I gave it a go.
I ended up being barmaid for seven years, then the bar manager got sacked for doing naughty things and Ant offered me the job as club manageress. I never forget his words "if you're the 3rd person I catch doing naughty things, I will find you and break your legs. So do you want the job?!" I've now been manageress for the last seven years, and I still have my own legs haha
What for you is the best part of being involved with Concord Rangers?
Oh the best part without a doubt is the people; my bar staff, players, management, supporters...even the Chairman...sometimes. They all are the most funniest, kindest, sweetest people you will ever meet.
Dare I ask the worst?
Oh god, it's losing a player or management to other clubs. It's just not about football. We all become very close, and great friends. It's hard not to get upset.
So all those years ago when you joined the football club, could you imagine that the team would progress so far?
We all knew this club was going places, but when you're part of it, you don't realise how far we actually have come until you sit back and really think about it.
How has your role changed as the club has got bigger?
Well I used to just wash the kit, make sandwiches and chuck them in the changing rooms in the Essex Senior League days, now I pretty much run the bars, club and team LOL! I just do my best to make the players, managers lives easier. I get told off for spoiling them, but I can't help it. They're my boys and I love them.
So give me a timeline of a normal home match day...talk it up, leave no stone un-turned!
9am - I go to the supermarket and get all the food and bits for the day.
10am - Get to the ground
11am-1pm - Myself, Coral, Ewers, Miki, Dan and Nick just have a laugh doing stupid things like seeing who can fit the most marshmallows in their mouth at once. I won that one. Lol.
Once the marshmallow competition has finished??
Then I'm cooking from then on. Making sure the ref's, away team and committee are all welcomed. Then I'm trying to find socks, pants and boots that the players have lost. Basically all you hear on match day is people calling my name!
445pm - The players and committee all come in for their food.
6pm - I get the hall cleared up, ready for the people who have booked the it for the evening. Then I start all over again. I normally get home around 130am.
I don't actually get to see much of the game, but I do try and run out when we score!
Do you ever give the chairman and manager any advice about football matters...if so have they ever listened?
Haha! Dan would often ask me to pick a team, but I would pick players who had the nicest legs etc...he never took my advice. Can't think why!
If you were manager, what ex-player would you bring back to the club?
Hmmm...If I was manager I would love to bring back Lyle Taylor. He was such a cutie. Bit stroppy at times but a real sweetheart. Brilliant footballer, and we are all so proud of him now.
Are the players generally a nice bunch? Can they be troublesome?
Every single player who I've seen come through the club for the last 14 years have been lovely. There's not one I can say that was bad. If there was he would not fit in. End of.
The most troublesome of them all isn't a player, it's my mate Gary Ewers. He is the funniest man ever. We have had such a laugh over the years and I hope we continue too, over the coming years.
What do you do away from the football club to unwind?
When I'm not at the club I'm usually...at the club! Because we have a function hall, which is booked out every weekend I have other people to look after as well. I like to make sure they have the best party ever.
Given the chance I will go shopping, nothing like a bit of retail therapy to cheer a girl up!
At a party, George Clooney and Brad Pitt walk through the door. What one do you pick?
Brad Pitt. Definitely. X
Sorry I went on a bit. This club is my baby. I'm very proud to be a "beachgirl".
Jayne Sisley is the soul and heartbeat of the club, especially on a match day. You won't believe how much she does on a Saturday.
I was warned before the interview by Jayne herself that she talks too much, and she didn't disappoint.
I started off our interview and asked Jayne how she got involved with the club.
I used to watch my son play for the under 7's then one day we were mucking around in the bar, and I went behind the bar, to do an impression of Peggy Mitchell. I must of been good, because the next day I got offered a job as a barmaid....I hadn't worked behind a bar in my life, but I gave it a go.
I ended up being barmaid for seven years, then the bar manager got sacked for doing naughty things and Ant offered me the job as club manageress. I never forget his words "if you're the 3rd person I catch doing naughty things, I will find you and break your legs. So do you want the job?!" I've now been manageress for the last seven years, and I still have my own legs haha
What for you is the best part of being involved with Concord Rangers?
Oh the best part without a doubt is the people; my bar staff, players, management, supporters...even the Chairman...sometimes. They all are the most funniest, kindest, sweetest people you will ever meet.
Dare I ask the worst?
Oh god, it's losing a player or management to other clubs. It's just not about football. We all become very close, and great friends. It's hard not to get upset.
So all those years ago when you joined the football club, could you imagine that the team would progress so far?
We all knew this club was going places, but when you're part of it, you don't realise how far we actually have come until you sit back and really think about it.
How has your role changed as the club has got bigger?
Well I used to just wash the kit, make sandwiches and chuck them in the changing rooms in the Essex Senior League days, now I pretty much run the bars, club and team LOL! I just do my best to make the players, managers lives easier. I get told off for spoiling them, but I can't help it. They're my boys and I love them.
So give me a timeline of a normal home match day...talk it up, leave no stone un-turned!
9am - I go to the supermarket and get all the food and bits for the day.
10am - Get to the ground
11am-1pm - Myself, Coral, Ewers, Miki, Dan and Nick just have a laugh doing stupid things like seeing who can fit the most marshmallows in their mouth at once. I won that one. Lol.
Once the marshmallow competition has finished??
Then I'm cooking from then on. Making sure the ref's, away team and committee are all welcomed. Then I'm trying to find socks, pants and boots that the players have lost. Basically all you hear on match day is people calling my name!
445pm - The players and committee all come in for their food.
6pm - I get the hall cleared up, ready for the people who have booked the it for the evening. Then I start all over again. I normally get home around 130am.
I don't actually get to see much of the game, but I do try and run out when we score!
Do you ever give the chairman and manager any advice about football matters...if so have they ever listened?
Haha! Dan would often ask me to pick a team, but I would pick players who had the nicest legs etc...he never took my advice. Can't think why!
If you were manager, what ex-player would you bring back to the club?
Hmmm...If I was manager I would love to bring back Lyle Taylor. He was such a cutie. Bit stroppy at times but a real sweetheart. Brilliant footballer, and we are all so proud of him now.
Are the players generally a nice bunch? Can they be troublesome?
Every single player who I've seen come through the club for the last 14 years have been lovely. There's not one I can say that was bad. If there was he would not fit in. End of.
The most troublesome of them all isn't a player, it's my mate Gary Ewers. He is the funniest man ever. We have had such a laugh over the years and I hope we continue too, over the coming years.
What do you do away from the football club to unwind?
When I'm not at the club I'm usually...at the club! Because we have a function hall, which is booked out every weekend I have other people to look after as well. I like to make sure they have the best party ever.
Given the chance I will go shopping, nothing like a bit of retail therapy to cheer a girl up!
At a party, George Clooney and Brad Pitt walk through the door. What one do you pick?
Brad Pitt. Definitely. X
Sorry I went on a bit. This club is my baby. I'm very proud to be a "beachgirl".
Tuesday, 2 June 2015
An Interview with ... Sam Bantick
35 starts.
18 goals.
26 assists.
Whatever level of football, that is an amazing season.
Well that's what Sam Bantick did in the 2014/2015 for Brentwood Town. Once Brentwood manager Adam Flanagan moved onto Concord Rangers to replace the departed Danny Cowley, Sam's impressive form made him a cert to join Adam at Concord.
As Sam gears himself up for pre-season training with Concord, I asked him what was the main reason he joined the Beach Boys
"I think the main reason I signed for Concord was I worked with Adam (Flanners) last season, and I've just had my best season in football with him. I think in football all you want is an honest manager with a passion for winning games and he's definitely got both of those.
Concord seems like a really ambitious football club with good things happening there all the time, and everyone has been really welcoming."
So what can the Concord fans expect from you, what kind of player are you?
I like to play on either wing, I'm not really fussed as to what side. My real strengths are that I'm always direct and positive, looking to make things happen.
I also like playing behind the front man in the number 10 role, but Flanners will probably disagree with that!
What do you feel you can add to this Concord team?
It's hard to say what I could add to the team as it could take time, I just like getting the ball to feet and being able to get at my man, so hopefully assists and goals!
Let me just say, If I'm on the pitch I will try to make something positive happen, and that's a promise!!
I like it...good positive stuff! So who were your idols growing up, who do you base your game on?
Definitely Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp, they were both unbelievable players, who could always make an impact in the game even when they were playing bad.
Do you see yourself as a combination of those two?
Haha I wished, if I was a combination of those two I would be playing in the Premier League! I just like to think that whenever I'm involved in the game, I'm looking to make a positive impact and that's probably the only similarity.
You had a great season at Brentwood last year, how difficult was it to leave?
God yeah leaving Brentwood was a really hard decision to make. The bond we had in that changing room got us through the season, some of the football we played at times wasn't pretty to say the least, but I think our team spirit won us a lot of games. However saying all that, joining Concord is a massive opportunity for me and everyone at the club understands that and have all been really good about it.
Would you have joined Concord, if Adam Flanagan was not in charge?
Yes I probably would have still joined, even if Flanners didn't get the job. Concord play in a higher league than Brentwood and I've always said I want to try and play as high as possible. Like I said earlier Concord are a really ambitious club with huge potential and a lot of good people at the club....I'm just buzzing for the season to start now!
That's great to hear, what about away from football, is there anything else you like doing?
I like to think I can play a bit of golf, but I'm a fair weather golfer who only plays when the weather's decent.
Not very often then, in this country! So what is your handicap then?
Well it used to be 14, but I just hadn't played for a long time so it's probably something like 28 now!!
Did you have any nicknames at Brentwood ... keep it clean please!
Well obviously there is "Bano" and sometimes I get called "Brains" as well.
Is that ironic or are you really clever?
I definitely consider myself brainy, but most of the boys at Brentwood would disagree haha!
Young, hungry, positive, looking to improve. Sam appears the identikit Concord Rangers player. 2015/2016 could be a great season for Sam Bantick and Concord Rangers.
18 goals.
26 assists.
Whatever level of football, that is an amazing season.
Well that's what Sam Bantick did in the 2014/2015 for Brentwood Town. Once Brentwood manager Adam Flanagan moved onto Concord Rangers to replace the departed Danny Cowley, Sam's impressive form made him a cert to join Adam at Concord.
As Sam gears himself up for pre-season training with Concord, I asked him what was the main reason he joined the Beach Boys
"I think the main reason I signed for Concord was I worked with Adam (Flanners) last season, and I've just had my best season in football with him. I think in football all you want is an honest manager with a passion for winning games and he's definitely got both of those.
Concord seems like a really ambitious football club with good things happening there all the time, and everyone has been really welcoming."
So what can the Concord fans expect from you, what kind of player are you?
I like to play on either wing, I'm not really fussed as to what side. My real strengths are that I'm always direct and positive, looking to make things happen.
I also like playing behind the front man in the number 10 role, but Flanners will probably disagree with that!
What do you feel you can add to this Concord team?
It's hard to say what I could add to the team as it could take time, I just like getting the ball to feet and being able to get at my man, so hopefully assists and goals!
Let me just say, If I'm on the pitch I will try to make something positive happen, and that's a promise!!
I like it...good positive stuff! So who were your idols growing up, who do you base your game on?
Definitely Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp, they were both unbelievable players, who could always make an impact in the game even when they were playing bad.
Do you see yourself as a combination of those two?
Haha I wished, if I was a combination of those two I would be playing in the Premier League! I just like to think that whenever I'm involved in the game, I'm looking to make a positive impact and that's probably the only similarity.
You had a great season at Brentwood last year, how difficult was it to leave?
God yeah leaving Brentwood was a really hard decision to make. The bond we had in that changing room got us through the season, some of the football we played at times wasn't pretty to say the least, but I think our team spirit won us a lot of games. However saying all that, joining Concord is a massive opportunity for me and everyone at the club understands that and have all been really good about it.
Would you have joined Concord, if Adam Flanagan was not in charge?
Yes I probably would have still joined, even if Flanners didn't get the job. Concord play in a higher league than Brentwood and I've always said I want to try and play as high as possible. Like I said earlier Concord are a really ambitious club with huge potential and a lot of good people at the club....I'm just buzzing for the season to start now!
That's great to hear, what about away from football, is there anything else you like doing?
I like to think I can play a bit of golf, but I'm a fair weather golfer who only plays when the weather's decent.
Not very often then, in this country! So what is your handicap then?
Well it used to be 14, but I just hadn't played for a long time so it's probably something like 28 now!!
Did you have any nicknames at Brentwood ... keep it clean please!
Well obviously there is "Bano" and sometimes I get called "Brains" as well.
Is that ironic or are you really clever?
I definitely consider myself brainy, but most of the boys at Brentwood would disagree haha!
Young, hungry, positive, looking to improve. Sam appears the identikit Concord Rangers player. 2015/2016 could be a great season for Sam Bantick and Concord Rangers.
Tuesday, 26 May 2015
An Interview with ... Ant Smith
Under Antony Smith's stewardship Concord Rangers have risen through the non-league ranks at a rate of knots. When Antony took over the Chairmanship Concord were plying their trade in the Essex Senior League and as Anthony celebrates his 15th year in charge - Concord finished 7th in the Conference South only missing out on the promotion play-offs by a few points.
It has been a meteoritic rise for the Canvey based club, and whilst the Chairman was enjoying a well earned holiday he gladly answered some questions about running the club, and how the Concord "spirit" is fostered.
Celebrating 15 years as Chairman of the Football club this week, can you describe your emotions at this time? Looking back at your first week, in your wildest dreams could you imagine the club would be where it is now?
I took over when the club was pretty much rock bottom in always, on and off the pitch so its been a real roller coaster ride.
We would never of dreamed of becoming a Conference club never !
Every player I've spoken to, has always commented on the Concord spirit and that it's driven by you. How does that make you feel?
Its fantastic that the lads feel that but it’s the collective of people that are involved that keep that spirit going and maybe my discovery recently of the “meaning of Concord” helps explain it also! (unison, harmony, unanimity, happy family)
The family feel of the club, was that something you were keen to instigate when you took over the Chairmanship?
Yes my family (Albert, Chris and my Dad and his brother Clive were all instrumental in the building of the club and I played from aged 7 till 24 (retired injured).
So it was in my blood to carry it on and keep the family feel.
What has been your proudest moment as Chairman of the football club?
There are so many but I still have to say gaining promotion from the Essex Senior League as the club had tried a few times but were knocked back due to our proximity to the then gas terminal, but where there’s a will there’s a way(I don’t give up easily) !
Obviously the win at Lowestoft and the 1st Essex Senior Cup win over Braintree are up there too.
Obviously the summer saw Danny Cowley leave the club after 8 years, how hard was it for you when he decided to leave for Braintree?
I knew it would come eventually but even when it did it was still a massive shock to all of us at the club, but 8 years is a long time and maybe it was the right time for a freshen up for both him and the club.
But we wish him, Nicky and all the family the best for the future.
However football moves on, how happy are you that Adam Flanagan has accepted the manager's role, and what are you hoping he can bring to Concord?
Adam was number 1 on my list from the moment Danny left, we have kept in contact since his time at the club and I like the way he goes about his football business and I know he understands the way we like to do things at the club
He will be the opposite too Danny as you will not see him running up and down the touchline shouting and screaming at players and officials (this will probably disappoint some home and away supporters lol)
A lot of work is being done at Concord to reach out into the community (Community day against St Albans, Conference play off final tickets) How important is it for the progression of Concord that the club actively engages with the community
Yes this is the next most important initiative at the club and Phil Crowe and his team have done a great job to date and there is lots in the pipeline for it to progress
In relation to the above, is this how Concord can improve attendances. There's some fantastic football, and footballers on show at every home game. How can the club get the message out there?
Again yes, getting the local community more involved in our different projects will definitely bring more interaction and once we get them here to see a game they tend to return (as you know)
What do you like to do in your spare time (do you have any!) How much work is actually put into running a football club, as well as a business.
Contrary to others beliefs I play golf a couple of times a month on average, of course a lot of hard work goes into the club and juggling it with running a business all over the UK can be testing at times, but I have some terrific people around me who will all run through walls for Concord.
How is the golf going, what is your handicap? Who is your favourite professional golfer?
My handicap is 14 but if I could get out more frequently I would probably be around 11, I love watching Rory McIlroy but Ian Poulter has the Concord type spirit!
Do you play with anyone else at the club, and if so, who do you keep on taking money off!
Do you play with anyone else at the club, and if so, who do you keep on taking money off!
That’s a sore subject because we all play and I love taking the money!
Looking at the owners of professional football clubs, and even other businessmen....are they're any you admire. Or do you see yourself as your own man, with his own ideals?
I wouldn’t say anyone in particular in pro football, I like to see myself as a little bit of Sugar & Branson as I can be a nasty sod but also the nicest fella to those who treat me the right way.
As the interview concluded, Concord have brought in three young players for next season who are keen to improve and better themselves. The Concord way. The club will give you an opportunity to play and enjoy your football. A proper family club, run the correct way.
Thursday, 14 May 2015
An Interview with ... David Coles (Football Pink)
Please see a link to my interview with goalkeeping coach which was featured on www.footballpink.net
http://footballpink.net/2015/05/14/an-interview-with-bristol-city-goalkeeping-coach-david-coles/
http://footballpink.net/2015/05/14/an-interview-with-bristol-city-goalkeeping-coach-david-coles/
Wednesday, 6 May 2015
An Interview with ... James White
James White has a presence. You see him in central midfield, and he imposes himself on the game. His size is a contributory factor, but don't be lulled into thinking that's the only part of his game. He has great technical ability, and to coin that old football phrase, he has great feet for a big man. Along with a number of his team-mates, he has had a huge influence on Concord's rise over the last few seasons, and has always caught of eye of the so-called bigger clubs. What made him stay at Concord when the big clubs came calling seemed a good place to start our chat...
You turned down Dover and Dartford last summer to stay at Concord Rangers, what is the team-spirit like at Concord which makes it such a hard place to leave?
I did, there were a number of factors involved for turning down both clubs, but the main point was that everyone involved at Concord puts 100% into the cause which creates a great vibe around the club. I really do compare it to a Sunday league team spirit in the sense we are all mates, if you come here thinking your bigger than the club then you will get found out quickly.
A number of your team-mates started off at professional clubs, however you never did. Did you have trials at professional clubs? Do you think your size may have put some clubs off?
Believe it or not I actually was signed by Southend at youth level to play on the left wing (obviously for my pace!) and then moved into centre mid, playing there for four years. The game is always evolving and there are always so many changes at that level. Michael Kightly was there at the same time, and he's now a Premier League player, but I was sadly let go. I was also involved with Arsenal, but nothing really happened there. Looking back I think that speed is key to progress through the ranks at a young age and that wasn't really my biggest asset.
Opposing fans look at the size of you and (don't take this the wrong way) think look at that lump in midfield, little do they realise you have great technical ability and have a great range of passing
There will always be fans (people) that stereotype certain individuals in football. I am a lump and will never change from that build, however I hope that people can see over the past few seasons that there is more to my game from a technical stand point which is the part I love. I got labelled this at Dartford on a number of occasions, which being honest helped my decision not to go back.
Talking about Concord, how far do you think the club can go in the non-league strucure....is the Conference League achievable?
I think Concord have shown that they're here to stay. People say that Concord are over-achieving and have caught out other teams in the league, however I think if you show a level of consistency (league and cup) then you deserve to be where you are. The Conference is definitely achievable for the club and will be another target for sure.
I notice you work in the City, sum up commuting if you can!
I cannot stand the commute! I think the rail companies are taking full advantage that there isn't really any other option to get up to the City/Canary Wharf. I pay £377 a month to get to Canary Wharf, so have the over ground and under ground, and in the summer it can get quite intense!
Myself and Joe Gardner (who works in the building along from me) are normally late to away games in midweek due to the travelling.
What do you do to pass the time the time on the train...read, surf the net, sleep?
I'm quite boring really, I'll read the paper in the morning, and sleep on the way home.
Did you always want to work in the City, or did you want to something else when you were growing up?
My dream was always to be a pro-footballer like most kids, but it was installed to me at a very early age that you need to have a back-up. My Dad has always been in the City as a trader which fascinated me, so suppose this was something that I naturally followed.
Growing up a number of your team-mates have told me they played computer games, were you a FIFA or Pro-Evo kid growing up?
I was a Pro-Evo man when I was younger, but over recent years I've switched to FIFA. I have the games but don't really play them too much. I don't really have much time. I would rather watch TV.
So you have the remote for the evening, what are you going to watch?
I'm a big fan of the documentary channels, I love stuff like Deadliest Catch, Storage Hunters, Wicked Tuna, Fast n'Loud and American Pickers.
None of the reality TV stuff like Towie?
Nah my girlfriend will watch that, but she'll record it and watch it when I'm at football.
Do you support a football team?
I'm a Spurs fan, always have been. It's been fun growing up having an Arsenal fan as a best mate!
I feel your pain, I'm a Spurs fan as well. Looking back over time, who do you think has been one of Spurs best players in the last 10 seasons?
I'd go just a bit further back then that, I was a huge fan of David Ginola as a kid.
If you could pick one current Spurs player to play at Concord, who would it be and why?
It would have to be Christian Eriksen - me and him would pop it!!
*This interview took place before Danny Cowley's departure to Braintree*
Tuesday, 5 May 2015
An Interview with ... Sam Collins
Sam Collins has been at Concord for two seasons now and in his first season Sam won Supporters Player of the year and shared the Players Player of the year award. How did he feel this season went, and what was his career before joining Concord like, I spoke with Sam to find out more.
We then moved onto a Concord goal of the season competition, and a Celebrity come dine with me.
You started your career at MK Dons as a youth player, who were your coaches there and what did they teach you about the game?
My coach of the youth team and Head of Development at the time was a guy called Mike Dove who helped the transition from Wimbledon to Milton Keynes, and I believe he is still head of youth now. My two year scholarship and one year pro contract saw three different managers; Danny Wilson, Martin Allen and Paul Ince, who all offered different views on the game.
I learnt the most from Martin Allen, I was involved with the first team more when he was manager, and he offered me a professional contract at the time. He also introduced me to non-league football by loaning me out to Maidenhead for a month when I was 17. This certainly helped me adapt from academy football to men's football, which is vital to all young players and I think if you ask our young players who are in that situation, Taylor (Miles) and Josh (Vickers) will tell you same.
Concord has a squad of young players, as one of the older more experienced players do you see it as your role to advise them, and tell them about your experiences?
No I don't see it as my job to advise them, I'd like to think that I can encourage them to express themselves and be confident whilst still doing the role in the team that the manager has asked us to do.
Going back to yourself, did you always want to be a footballer when you were growing up?
As a kid I would play all varieties of sport helped by two older brothers, but yeah football stood out for me. When I first started playing I never had much patience to watch football, but through my teenage years as I moved to left back, I started to watch a lot more, and enjoyed watching Ashley Cole and Wayne Bridge play.
You mentioned you played all variety of sports, could you have got into any of them professionally?
I did love cricket at school and made a few appearances for the Districts, but after going to trials for Essex I realised I was too far off the standard to get anywhere near professional. I used to fancy myself on a table tennis table although I could never beat Tom Stephen at East Thurrock but we are due a rematch!
Was you a batsmen or bowler at cricket?
I'd like to think myself as an all-rounder but I guess I was more of a bowler, I haven't played cricket for 10 years now since I left school. I used to play for a team on Canvey as it was local, my old man was doing enough travelling taking me to and from football!
How about computer games...you grew up in a time when consoles took off!
My parents must of hated me, as I always had pals round playing on the Nintendo 64. I had 4 controllers so we played a few racing games, like Mario Kart, I think one was called Micro Machines...oh and of course James Bond Goldeneye.
Do you still play computer games now?
I've got a playstation, but with work, football, fiance and other commitments I don't play much anymore.
Let's get back to football...I've seen you play in numerous positions on the pitch, what is your favourite? What is the main strength of your game, and also what are you looking to improve on?
I don't have a favourite position, I'm happy playing football and doing a job for the team. As for strengths, I think it changes from what position I play, or what role I'm asked to play. However when I'm asked to play through the middle, my robust playing style and ability to get involved in the game is a strength. Next season I'll be looking to improve on impacting the game more and getting to a higher level of consistency as I feel on a personal performance I had an average season at best. I'll be turning 26 in June and would have played 300+ non league games, so I'd like to improve on my leadership skills.
What does the Concord "spirit" mean to you?
It's unique to say the least. I've been part of a few different clubs, but what Ant and Danny have achieved and built in recent years is fascinating. I believe that the spirit of Concord comes from the top with the owner, the chairman, then is passed down to the manager and onto the players. I've only been here two years but it's obvious that the changing room has always had something special, as there are players that have been through it all with the club...Oggers, Kingy, Glozier, Stokesy, Nick even Miki Hood which is vital to help the team evolve, but also keep the identity of what Concord Rangers are about.
Looking back over the season, they're have been a number of highlights (Mansfield, Barnet, Essex Senior Cup) what has been your personal highlight?
Yeah you've mentioned the cup highlights, I would say retaining the Essex Cup even though I played only the last 10minutes and the score was already 4-0, I celebrated more than the season before! For me though going 12 games unbeaten in the Conference South is a highlight for me, in such a tough league, with a small squad and finding different ways to get results..brilliant. It was also a record best in all three Conference leagues at the time.
What has been the best goal you've seen by one of your team-mates this season? Was you jealous you didn't score it!!!
Yeah I was well jealous, as last season it was me scoring some of the good ones! I can't pick one out this season, but I'll give you 5 of my favourites...Taylor Miles has two of them, and not even his one against Chelmsford!
1. Taylor v Farnborough at home - decent passing move down the right followed by a great cross and finish...a real team goal.
2. Taylor v Weston away - We showed no real attacking threat in that game and he waltzes pass 2/3 defenders, rolled it through another's legs then drilled in the bottom corner.
3. Joe (Gardner) v St Albans away - Great volley top bins and the importance of the goal to take the club to the first round of the FA Cup
4. Steve (Cawley) v Weston at home - He has a few to pick from, but his 25yard chip over the keeper is my choice
5. Stokesy v Maidenhead at home - Again has a few to pick from (Colchester, Havant) but his touch volley lob in the last minute against one of my old clubs was a lovely goal.
When chatting to some of the other lads, you've been labelled a party boy...is that fair? Is it important to team spirit that all the lads go out?
Yeah that's a fair comment, more last season though, as this season my lifestyle has changed completely, I don't get out as much anymore. I still do like a good night out though, and when the team one's come around they are important, as playing for Danny can be intense, so to get a chance to relax away from the football environment does help the team.
What is your most annoying habit off the pitch? Is there something which winds your Mrs up?!?!
Hmmmm no annoying habits off the pitch, although she might have a different answer to me on that one!! I do keep things neat and tidy and let's just say she's not the same, so my slight o.c.d. could be an annoying habit.
So your house is all neat and tidy, you can invite 3 celebrities over for dinner. Who would they be and why?
So many to choose from, but let's keep it simple.
Will Ferrell - for comedy value
Ricky Hatton - An English sporting great and he was kind enough to let me have a picture with him in Tenerife, so I'd return the favour.
Angelina Jolie - For obvious reasons, but also my Mrs likes her so I won't get told off for inviting her...lol!
**This interview took place before the departure of Danny Cowley to Braintree**
We then moved onto a Concord goal of the season competition, and a Celebrity come dine with me.
You started your career at MK Dons as a youth player, who were your coaches there and what did they teach you about the game?
My coach of the youth team and Head of Development at the time was a guy called Mike Dove who helped the transition from Wimbledon to Milton Keynes, and I believe he is still head of youth now. My two year scholarship and one year pro contract saw three different managers; Danny Wilson, Martin Allen and Paul Ince, who all offered different views on the game.
I learnt the most from Martin Allen, I was involved with the first team more when he was manager, and he offered me a professional contract at the time. He also introduced me to non-league football by loaning me out to Maidenhead for a month when I was 17. This certainly helped me adapt from academy football to men's football, which is vital to all young players and I think if you ask our young players who are in that situation, Taylor (Miles) and Josh (Vickers) will tell you same.
Concord has a squad of young players, as one of the older more experienced players do you see it as your role to advise them, and tell them about your experiences?
No I don't see it as my job to advise them, I'd like to think that I can encourage them to express themselves and be confident whilst still doing the role in the team that the manager has asked us to do.
Going back to yourself, did you always want to be a footballer when you were growing up?
As a kid I would play all varieties of sport helped by two older brothers, but yeah football stood out for me. When I first started playing I never had much patience to watch football, but through my teenage years as I moved to left back, I started to watch a lot more, and enjoyed watching Ashley Cole and Wayne Bridge play.
You mentioned you played all variety of sports, could you have got into any of them professionally?
I did love cricket at school and made a few appearances for the Districts, but after going to trials for Essex I realised I was too far off the standard to get anywhere near professional. I used to fancy myself on a table tennis table although I could never beat Tom Stephen at East Thurrock but we are due a rematch!
Was you a batsmen or bowler at cricket?
I'd like to think myself as an all-rounder but I guess I was more of a bowler, I haven't played cricket for 10 years now since I left school. I used to play for a team on Canvey as it was local, my old man was doing enough travelling taking me to and from football!
How about computer games...you grew up in a time when consoles took off!
My parents must of hated me, as I always had pals round playing on the Nintendo 64. I had 4 controllers so we played a few racing games, like Mario Kart, I think one was called Micro Machines...oh and of course James Bond Goldeneye.
Do you still play computer games now?
I've got a playstation, but with work, football, fiance and other commitments I don't play much anymore.
Let's get back to football...I've seen you play in numerous positions on the pitch, what is your favourite? What is the main strength of your game, and also what are you looking to improve on?
I don't have a favourite position, I'm happy playing football and doing a job for the team. As for strengths, I think it changes from what position I play, or what role I'm asked to play. However when I'm asked to play through the middle, my robust playing style and ability to get involved in the game is a strength. Next season I'll be looking to improve on impacting the game more and getting to a higher level of consistency as I feel on a personal performance I had an average season at best. I'll be turning 26 in June and would have played 300+ non league games, so I'd like to improve on my leadership skills.
What does the Concord "spirit" mean to you?
It's unique to say the least. I've been part of a few different clubs, but what Ant and Danny have achieved and built in recent years is fascinating. I believe that the spirit of Concord comes from the top with the owner, the chairman, then is passed down to the manager and onto the players. I've only been here two years but it's obvious that the changing room has always had something special, as there are players that have been through it all with the club...Oggers, Kingy, Glozier, Stokesy, Nick even Miki Hood which is vital to help the team evolve, but also keep the identity of what Concord Rangers are about.
Looking back over the season, they're have been a number of highlights (Mansfield, Barnet, Essex Senior Cup) what has been your personal highlight?
Yeah you've mentioned the cup highlights, I would say retaining the Essex Cup even though I played only the last 10minutes and the score was already 4-0, I celebrated more than the season before! For me though going 12 games unbeaten in the Conference South is a highlight for me, in such a tough league, with a small squad and finding different ways to get results..brilliant. It was also a record best in all three Conference leagues at the time.
What has been the best goal you've seen by one of your team-mates this season? Was you jealous you didn't score it!!!
Yeah I was well jealous, as last season it was me scoring some of the good ones! I can't pick one out this season, but I'll give you 5 of my favourites...Taylor Miles has two of them, and not even his one against Chelmsford!
1. Taylor v Farnborough at home - decent passing move down the right followed by a great cross and finish...a real team goal.
2. Taylor v Weston away - We showed no real attacking threat in that game and he waltzes pass 2/3 defenders, rolled it through another's legs then drilled in the bottom corner.
3. Joe (Gardner) v St Albans away - Great volley top bins and the importance of the goal to take the club to the first round of the FA Cup
4. Steve (Cawley) v Weston at home - He has a few to pick from, but his 25yard chip over the keeper is my choice
5. Stokesy v Maidenhead at home - Again has a few to pick from (Colchester, Havant) but his touch volley lob in the last minute against one of my old clubs was a lovely goal.
When chatting to some of the other lads, you've been labelled a party boy...is that fair? Is it important to team spirit that all the lads go out?
Yeah that's a fair comment, more last season though, as this season my lifestyle has changed completely, I don't get out as much anymore. I still do like a good night out though, and when the team one's come around they are important, as playing for Danny can be intense, so to get a chance to relax away from the football environment does help the team.
What is your most annoying habit off the pitch? Is there something which winds your Mrs up?!?!
Hmmmm no annoying habits off the pitch, although she might have a different answer to me on that one!! I do keep things neat and tidy and let's just say she's not the same, so my slight o.c.d. could be an annoying habit.
So your house is all neat and tidy, you can invite 3 celebrities over for dinner. Who would they be and why?
So many to choose from, but let's keep it simple.
Will Ferrell - for comedy value
Ricky Hatton - An English sporting great and he was kind enough to let me have a picture with him in Tenerife, so I'd return the favour.
Angelina Jolie - For obvious reasons, but also my Mrs likes her so I won't get told off for inviting her...lol!
**This interview took place before the departure of Danny Cowley to Braintree**
Saturday, 2 May 2015
Exclusive Interview with Steve King
After 8 incredibly successful years at Concord Rangers, Danny Cowley has now moved onto Braintree Town. It comes as no surprise that Danny has attracted the attention of a team higher up the football pyramid, as what he has achieved along with other staff involved at Concord Rangers is to a certain extent a footballing miracle, considering the supporter network and the size of the club.
One of the players who has risen through the league's with Danny and the team is Steve King, I spoke with him to find out his feelings about Danny's departure:
Did you think that the day Danny Cowley left the club would eventually come?
I think it was inevitable that it would come, but that doesn't mean that it wasn't a shock when it happened. Dan was part of the furniture at the club and a huge reason that it has been so successful over the past 8 years, so it's a shock and a sad time for everyone involved.
What are Danny's qualities as a manager, how has he achieved so much?
Dan is relentless. He's so professional and pays attention to the smallest of details. He would always try and get that 1% advantage over anyone we came up against, so if for example we had a huge snowfall and no one could possibly train on a Thursday night, we would be running on the snow, looking to get everything we could not of the session to allow us to win the game on the Saturday.
That's dedication! How about you personally, how did he improve your game?
For me personally he has helped me develop over the years by giving me confidence in ability, but mostly he has helped me grow as a person into becoming a leader both on and off the pitch, and for that I owe him hugely.
Was Dan integral to the spirit of the club?
I wouldn't say any one person is integral to the spirit of the club. No one person is bigger than this club and that includes Dan. Don't get me wrong he is a massive character and he and Nicky will both be sorely missed, but it's his job to select the right characters to put in the changing room and those characters collectively combined with those of the many volunteers around us are what create a special atmosphere, and that by bringing in the right manager and consequently more players with the right character, will continue for years to come.
Obviously the fans are gutted by Dan's departure, do you have any words for them?
All I can say is that there are positives on everything, and there will be positives to take from this. Danny Cowley is, in my opinion, a fantastic manager who will go on to manage at the very top level I'm sure, but he has put the club in a great position and leaves it on a crest of a wave, and I know the chairman and the committee will make the correct decision when it comes to a new manager and who knows where that can take us. The club has come on leaps and bounds over the last 8 years and it will continue to do so with the development of the ground this summer and importantly the pitch getting a huge makeover so I'm certain the club won't regress or become stagnant, it will strive to continually improve and to do that we need the fantastic support we receive from those around us to continue.
Finally....You going to throw your CV into the hat?
Haha! I'm not putting my CV in for a manager's job. At 30 it's not something I've considered and certainly not something I would want to think about for a long time. The work involved in being a manager of a Non-League club is unreal, and over the years working closely with Dan I have seen the dedication and commitment you have to show to achieve in the role and with a young family I'm not ready to show said commitments. I would love to be involved in some way shape or form in the selection process and when a manager is appointed I will definitely be applying to become their heading coach, as I feel I have a great deal to offer in this field!
Thursday, 23 April 2015
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!
Wednesday, 22 April 2015
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.
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.
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