The Wide Boy Diary with Dion Sembie-Ferris

Whilst some non-league clubs splash the cash, looking for short term gain, other non-league sides are happy to give youth a chance and entrust a first team place with a young professional from a league side.

Dion Sembie-Ferris has been tearing it up for Concord Rangers since arriving on loan from Colchester United earlier in the season, but what is a normal week like for Dion? Well I spent some time with him to find out...

MONDAY

It's an early start on a Monday, as I go into training for 9am, so I can do some prepare myself for the session ahead with some light stretching and mobility work. If I haven't played at the weekend I will go out with the Under 23's later in the morning, but if I've had a game on Saturday, I'll just do some gym work to cool my body down.

Whilst on a Monday, the boys are quite curious on how I've got on at the weekend, and they will always ask what the game was like, as not many of them have experienced first team football. I think it's vital that as a young pro you get experience playing men's football as it is a world away from playing U23's.  However the good thing about Colchester is that they always give their own players a chance, so hopefully my opportunity isn't too far away!

After I've lunched and showered I go home from training, but my day isn't done! I go to a gym which is close to my house where I will continue to mobilise my body, which involves massaging of the muscles, dynamic stretches in a cold pool, then I will unwind with a jacuzzi and a sauna.


TUESDAY

Training on a Tuesday would be light for me, as I have training with Concord Rangers in the evening, so I'll do the technical part and some possession based play, before stepping out before the small-sided games begin.
There isn't much difference between the training at professional and non-league level.  Both are based around technique and possession. At any level keeping the ball is vital.  However on a Thursday at Concord the emphasis changes and is geared towards our opponent on the Saturday, and we work on areas that can give us the best chance of victory, be that working on our shape or working on our attacking moves.
Tuesday is a long day for me, as I won't get home till after 10pm, and as I've done two sessions I will have a cold bath to relieve my muscles.


WEDNESDAY

Is a day off at Colchester, but not for me! I always go to the gym and work on things specific to my position on the pitch.  It's key for me to always keep my explosive pace. It's one of my biggest attributes and working in the gym to maintain and better my pace is vital for me.
When I was younger I tried to base my style of play on Thierry Henry, he was my biggest idoal and I loved the way he ran with power and elegance on the ball and the affect he had on other team-mates around him.  Nowadays I don't have a specific player I look up to, but when I watch football on the TV I try to focus on the wingers to see what they do, and implement some of their good things into my game.

THURSDAY

Today is very similar to the Tuesday, and it's very much the same routine.  As I said before Thursday evening's are focused with an eye on the game on Saturday.  Flan and Glen (Adam Flanagan and Glen Alzapeidi) are always giving me good feedback on how I'm progressing and it's a great motivator for me to go out their on a Saturday and improve on my previous performance.
I think what I need to play at the highest level is to just be positive and believe in myself sometimes, that's my biggest downfall, so any encouragement I get from the coaching staff at Colchester or Concord is really beneficial to me.
Playing regular men's football I'm now finding myself believing in myself and willing to try things on the ball! I'm always going to give 100% so when the games over I can look back and think I couldn't have given anymore.
Again I'll get home late and have a cold bath to relax my muscles (Writer's note - always in the bath this boy!)

FRIDAY

As it's the day before a game I make sure that I train well so I'm well prepared for the game on the Saturday.  At Colchester we do small-sided games with the U23s and some of the youth team, so most of the time is spent playing inside in the dome at the training ground.
Training will finish at 130pm and then I'll go home, unwind, have a good meal and get a decent night's sleep ahead of the game tomorrow (Writer's Note .... no bath!?!)

SATURDAY

Game Day! So I'll prepare with pasta and toast for breakfast with a smoothie and then I'll take a banana and some water for me for the journey towards the stadium as it was a long journey to Hungerford (Interview took place just after Hungerford away match) to make sure I have some small snacks to keep my energy levels for the match.
Long distance travel can affect some people, as it can cause tight muscles due to sitting down too long or even cause tiredness, but it shouldn't be used as an excuse for starting a game slowly. You can start a game slowly at your own ground! It's all down to getting in the right mindset, plus you have plenty of time shake-off any lethargy after travelling if you warm up properly before the game.
The dressing room is quite loud before a game, the music's on, Hoody is in charge of the music and it's quite decent to be fair, the boys are chatting away and it's quite relaxed beforehand, but as it get's closer to kick-off things get focused.  The Gaffa gives us our instructions and we go out onto the pitch fully prepared and ready to win the game.
After the game and on the way back home on the coach, I will wear my compression socks which will help my muscle recovery. Then once home I'll have a cold bath (Writer's Note...there it is!)

SUNDAY

Depending on how long I've played on the Saturday, I will use the Sunday to completely rest, or I will again go to the gym and do another pool session. I'll just chill on a Sunday evening, watch some TV and get ready to go for the next week ahead!

Concord Rangers - The Fans Eye View

Having spoken to a number of players and management staff about what it means to play/work for Concord Rangers, I felt it was time to get to the heartbeat of any football club and speak to the fans about what Concord Rangers means to them.

I spoke with the following, and we discussed a variety of subjects, some spoke more than others. Also Steve King's arse does not come out well in this chat...

Interviewees

Andy Smith (AS), Alan Jessop-Peacock (AJP), Gary Bracci (GB), Mark Tate (MT) and Lewis Pack (LP).

What does supporting Concord Rangers mean to you?

(AS) - I was invited over to do some media work a few years ago and this soon turned into something much bigger, I've had the privilege of training with these guys, going on nights out, and turning the bus into a nightclub with Miki as the DJ on the way home from away games! I'm having such a laugh being involved even if it's just taking a few match pictures, filming a few games and helping do some website work.  It's a great club with great people involved and with that said it manes a hell of a lot be involved, it's something other clubs cannot offer.

(AJP) - It's all about being a part of the club, not just a number in the stands like I feel when I go to see West Ham, but actually being a part of Concord Rangers as a whole.  You feel like you're part of something bigger, and can actually contribute to the success of the club.  I started watching Concord nearly 6 seasons ago on a whim, now they're the main focus of my weekend!

(GB) - Supporting Concord means a hell of a lot me.  I started supporting the team after becoming disillusioned with the way Southend United were handling their financial affairs, the new stadium that has been going on for about 10 years, and the way the majority of the team was made up of loanees rather than contracted players, this coincided with the ridiculous stranglehold Sky have over the Premier League which effectively has ruined the national team, it's probably safe to say I was losing my passion for the game as a whole.  That was until I started watching Concord, I'm not the first person to say it and certainly won't be the last in that when you go to Thames Road just a handful of times you can see what the club means to everyone there and just by giving continued support you become part of the club and not just a body through the turnstile.  Players, management, coaches, chairman and committee members recognise the support and all go out of their way to keep the welcoming feeling that surrounds the club.

(MT) - Quite simply for me, it's two words.  Pride and passion.

(LP) - It means an awful lot! The club is like another family whenever you go to watch a game.  Since I've been able to go to most games a couple of years ago I have been so welcomed by everyone at the club from the fans, the committee, management and players which makes it a joy to go to every week.

What has been the highlight of supporting Concord Rangers so far?

(AS) - Being sat pitch-side taking pictures at the Ryman Play off final vs Lowestoft, no-one can describe the pandemonium at the full time whistle and sitting there with a camera pointing at the dug-out ready for the celebrations to start was amazing. 3000 odd fans were there that day, and the noise at full-time was incredible.

(AJP) - The promotion season, well more specifically the Ryman Premier Play-off Final vs Lowestoft. Our second game of the season was a trip to Lowestoft on a Tuesday night that we lost 4-1, I remember the coach journey home being long and really downbeat, but little did we know we'd be back in the last game of the season to win promotion! The day of the final was incredible, finally beating them after a run of losses home & away over the previous season. The atmosphere was awesome and celebrating on the pitch at full time with the lads was an experience I'll never forget.

(GB) - For me I've only been supporting the club for 4 seasons, and only been a regular for 3 of those, but without a doubt the highlight has to be winning promotion from the Ryman Premier League against a team who on aggregate had pretty much annihilated us (Lowestoft).  I know the committee will probably have bigger highlights from the earlier years but in my time here that play-off final was beyond measurement when you look at the size of Concord, one of the favourites to be relegated and had the smallest budget in the league.  That season and day in particular will forever be spoken about, when you look at it's ridiculous what has been achieved so far.

(MT) - Getting to the 1st round of the FA Cup, without a doubt.

(LP) - Obviously promotion from the Ryman Premier into the Conference South was a massive achievement for the club but I wasn't able to be there on the day, so for a game I've been to it has to be the away game at Mansfield this year in the FA Cup.  It was such a special night for everyone associated with the club and to take a league club to a replay have chances to win the game was superb.  People started realising who Concord were finally!!

What was the match of last season for you?

(AS) - Everyone was slating our pitch, and to be fair it was in a bad way after a load of games and some bad weather, but the way we destroyed Farnborough at home 7-0, some of the football was top class, with some brilliant goals scored.

(AJP) - The first round proper of the FA Cup away at Mansfield.  The original game was postponed due to the waterlogged pitch whilst I was in New York, so I was able to actually get to the re-arranged fixture and see the lads in the most high profile game in the clubs history.  The support we had on that Tuesday night wasn't the biggest, but we were the loudest by far, the players all put in one hell of a  shift and earning the draw was an impressive result.  The replay may have had 1500 people at Thames Road, but that Tuesday nigh trip to Mansfield was something special.

(GB) - Now there's a tricky one, the 4-2 win against Wealdstone was big for me as we have developed somewhat of a rivalry against them and they are always a tough team to beat.  The FA Cup win against St Albans to send us into the 1st round proper for the first time in the clubs history was huge, again in the FA Cup the 1-1 draw with Mansfield was massive as it brought a lot of attention to the club from around the country and in truth Mansfield were lucky to get away with a draw, my point is proven when their own supporters were saying how much they enjoyed watching us play and gave the team a standing ovation at the final whistle - spine tingling moment that was.  For me though the highlight was retaining the Essex Senior Cup in a performance that blew Billericay away.  I was nervous leading up to the game something that I rarely feel with Concord, and the club had just missed out on a play-off spot after losses you started to wonder if the players were in the right frame of mind to play such a final, it seems they were more up for it than expected!

(MT) - That's a tough question, as there have been so many.  Personally for me I'd go for us beating Bromley at their place 2-1, especially when the week before we had lost 4-1 to them at home.

(LP) - You can take your pick out of so many last season! The Mansfield game, the Essex Cup win, and the 6-2 win away at Barnet in the FA Trophy.  That was a fantastic night! Not many people would have ever called that result when the draw was made.  But for me the away win at Havant on a cold Tuesday night in January and the home win against Ebbsfleet were great games for the club.  There are certain people and clubs which don't think Concord should be competing in this league, but those two wins showed no matter the size of the opposition, Concord can compete and get results!

What player sums up the Concord Rangers spirit (past or present)?

(AS) - That's a tough one, I'm going to say Lewis Taaffe, his work-rate is exceptional.  He's had a couple of knocks but keeps running his socks off, and that's what everyone likes in a player, someone who works so hard for the team.

(AJP) - I have a feeling most will say Nicky Cowley here, but I'm going to throw a curveball and say Steve King.  The ginger meathead is loyal to a fault, and will continue to put in 100% week after week.  The fact that he's a fireman and regularly misses/loses sleep etc to ensure he gets to games, highlights his dedication to the cause.  He's solid at the back, adds an important goal or two with that meat-head at set pieces, he's a constant at the club, always coming back harder after missing a game through injury etc.

(GB) - I think there are many players who warrant a lot of credit to how Concord have progressed and it is them who have set the tone for how the club operates, but for me there are two players that come to my mind in particular:
Stokesy - the guy bleeds Concord colours and leads by example, calm head and will never give anything but 100% in training or a match.
Nicky Cowley - ferocious on the pitch in which the passion he had for the club rubbed off onto other players around him.  I remember him screaming at Leon Gordon for not getting back into position quick enough after the ball had gone out for the oppositions free kick, that was Nicky all over, he expected full on commitment from the first whistle to the last.

(MT) - Two for me, past and present.  Nicky Cowley with his never say die attitude, he just gave it his all.  Presently it's Alex Woodyard, he's got a great match-awareness and also runs his socks off.

(LP) - I think this is very hard to be able to give to one player, as every player comes to the club and buys into the spirit of the team, and that spirit is throughout the club!

What is your favourite Concord Rangers goal?

(AS) - Taylor Miles vs Chelmsford City no doubt about it.

(AJP) - Ben Greenhalgh's free kick in the Ryman League Cup Final vs Dulwich Hamlet.  I remember being behind the goal, and I think it was Jack Jnr who said "this is going in". He wasn't wrong either, Ben hit it so cleanly, the free kick was an absolute peach, sailed into the net and sent us all into raptures behind the goal!

(GB) - My favourite goal? I've got a list of em!!
Ben Greenhalgh's free kick against Dulwich was a beaut.
Cawley's chip against Weston Super Mare was delightful.
Stokesy's goal against Maidenhead was class.
Taylor Miles' volley versus Chelmsford...stunning!

(MT) - It's got be Leon Gordon's winning goal in the play off final against Lowestoft, what a day that was.

(LP) - In terms of quality it has to be Taylor Miles goal against Chelmsford last season, work commitments meant I couldn't watch it live, but after seeing numerous videos, I couldn't stop watching it. It was a moment of pure quality.

What player are you hoping has a big season next season?

(AS) - Tony Stokes.  He's not had the best of luck with injuries in the last couple of seasons, but now he's got himself in great shape and is fitter than he's been in 3 years.  I really hope he has a good season and bangs a few more goals in.  He has always scored important goals for us and I really hope that continues, well if he isn't injured with a sore toe nail!

(AJP) - Stokesy.  After injury affected him in our first Conference South season, and last year's lack of first team action behind Taaffe and Cawley, it's about time we see the club captain start the season well and notch up the goals we know he can contribute to the side.  Tony's a senior member of this side now, and will want to lead from the front, we know he can do it, and I hope this season is a big one for him.

(GB) - Tony Stokes simple as that, he was a frustrated figure last season spending a lot of time on the bench.  Danny Cowley didn't seem to consider Stokesy to be capable of being a starter but as a manager you have to make bold decisions and at the end of the day regardless whether it pleases some and upsets others, Danny is a bloody good manager who helped make last season Concord's best ever.  But now there's a new manager and new coach which gives players a fresh start of claiming a place in the team, Stokesy is a proven goalscorer who plays for his team-mates, and his performance in the Essex Senior Cup was typical of him, he grumbled a bit last year, so if he's going to be a starter he needs to put to bed last year's personal disappointments.

(MT) - It would be great to see our new keeper Conor Gough have a great season between the sticks.

(LP) - Stop asking questions, I can't nail down to one player! I can think of a few players who will be looking to have a big season for different reasons.  Stokesy will be looking for an injury free season, and hoping to get some goals.  I'll be interested in seeing Ben Greenhalgh back, I think he could be a key player with a point to prove to Maidstone.  I think Kingy can have a big season for us also, losing Matt Fry and Jack Lampe are massive losses, but I have can see Kingy having a great season and leading us through some key moments.

Saying all that, what are realistic ambitions for Concord Rangers this season?

(AS) - I hope we can get to where we finished last season and fight for a top 8 finish.  I've been over training a few times watching and the players that have come in all look great additions, and I'm sure Adam and Jody will get the best out of everyone and get that winning mentality out of everyone involved in the club.

(AJP) - I think the Essex Senior Cup is within our reach again, it's a cup that we have shown we can win, and providing we focus on it as we have in previous seasons I don't see why we can't make it 3 in a row.  As for the league, I think we first look to stay up, then when that looks safe, we aim for the top half of the table.  Play-offs would be great, but I won't get ahead of myself there!

(GB) - This will bore most football fans at Concord and of opposition clubs, but as always the main priority for this club os to secure their place at this level again, it can take 3,4 or even 5 years to establish yourself in a league that we on paper shouldn't be in.  How on earth do you improve on last season, with the club as small as it is! Personally I would love to see us go one round further in the FA Cup, but the dream would be the 3rd round!  A realistic but extremely difficult challenge would be to win the FA Trophy at Wembley, I don't think that is a goal too far but as I say it would take some going to get there.  Realistically a top half finish is achievable and ultimately above all that is the main target.

(MT) - Sadly I don't think we will finish near where we did last season, but to be in the top 12 in the league would be great.

(LP) - I think it will be hard to achieve the league position that we did last season just due to the size and money of some of the clubs coming into the league, there are some massive clubs! I think a top half finish, reaching the 1st round of the FA Cup, a nice run in the FA Trophy and hopefully another good run in the Essex Cup will be a good season!!

Right last question let's have some fun!  If you were stuck on a desert island with a Concord player, who would you NOT want it to be and why?

(AS) - Probably Steve Cawley, because he will not shut up about missing one of his goals on video, and I'm sure if I was alone with him he'd bang on about it even more and probably make us re-create it on the beach.  He says it was a good goal but I'm not so sure, he's the King of the tap in and his goal away at Whitehawk didn't even touch the net.

(AJP) - To be fair I wouldn't want to be stuck on a desert island with any of the lads, I wouldn't want to be stuck on a desert island at all!  But if I have to pick one to avoid, I'd say James White.  The big-man is good at a wind-up, decent with the banter and abuse, and if it's just me and him on an island I'd get the hassle non-stop! I can handle a bit, you don't last 5 minutes at this club if you can't, but being the main focus of it all for however long we're stuck there? No thanks!

(GB) - It's not a player I dread to be stuck on an island with, it's a member of the backroom staff - Gary Ewers.  Seriously I'd be forever looking over my shoulder wondering what prank he's going to pull off next.  He has the ability to kill you with one line in a slanging match and to sum him up in one word - nuisance!

(MT) - Here we go feet first...sorry Steve King it's you, due to that farty bum on the coach on away games, the smell is bad. I couldn't handle that on a desert island, no way.

(LP) - It probably would be Kingy.  After being near him on the team coach all year to games, the smells that come from his direction are far from nice to be around! He also sleeps a lot, so you would end up being on a desert island on your own most of the time!

An Interview with ... Danny Scopes

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

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

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

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

Apart from Tilbury, where had you played previously?

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

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

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

Did you feel you could do the job?

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

So you were thrust into management..

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yes I agree...

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

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

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

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

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

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

How far can Concord Rangers go though?

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

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

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

Who is your favourite current player and why?

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

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

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

An Interview with ... Steve King

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What about music is that something you listen to?  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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