Concord Rangers - One Year On.

It pull's you in.  It's infectious.  What is that I hear you ask?  It's the Concord Rangers spirit and it can't be explained.  I've been following the Beachboys for a year now, and I bloody love them.  I didn't expect it to happen when I turned up a year ago wanting to interview people at the club. I thought 'well I'll have a nice day here, write a piece and bugger off" - that didn't happen.  I was made so welcome by everyone from the chairman down to the programme editor, I couldn't just walk away...so I didn't.

So one year what has changed?  Well the manager has left, half the team which played on that cold January afternoon has moved on...but do you know something Concord still find themselves roughly in the same league position.  So on one hand loads has changed, but on the other nothing has changed.  Concord are still holding their own and rubbing dirt in the faces of their so called "bigger rivals."

Concord always find themselves at the prey of these "bigger rivals" but the club will not be denied.  Two weeks ago their best defender this season Adam Bailey-Dennis was snapped up by Hemel Hempstead, 24 hours before a key match away to Bath City. Adam was a rock in that defence, that's why Hemel signed him. He was winning the player of the season award, well he was in my head. Now the initial reaction when you see that news filter through is "Oh for fuck's sake." It's human nature.   Let's think of a parallel, it's like Winston Reid joining Liverpool a day before West Ham play Everton away.  It's a kick in the teeth.  Most teams would crumble. Not Concord.  They only bloody won at Bath and they kept a clean sheet.  There it is again that spirit.  You can't buy it, it's just ingrained as soon as you walk through the door.

But what make's that spirit?  It's everyone involved.  Concord is one big family. You've got Jayne cooking up a variety of meals for the players and staff, (I won't mention the quality) then there is Tony and Brian at the gate always making everyone welcome come rain or shine. First impressions count and if you've got a miserable sod at the gate when you walk in well you might think about not coming back. That's just a few of them, but you've got unsung people doing loads of jobs not just on a matchday but during the week making things tick - Cliff, Toby, Jack Jnr, Chris...the list goes on and on.  Everyone is pulling in the right direction...how can we make the club enjoyable for everyone? Of course results matter on the football pitch, but Concord Rangers is much more than that 90 minutes on a Saturday afternoon.

There have been up's and down's along the way in the year I've followed the club. Danny Cowley who impressed me so much with his management style on my first day at the club has moved onto manage Braintree Town.  Danny won't stop at Braintree, he's going higher and it was great to share time with him, in what I'm sure he will look back fondly on when he's famous "as a great time at Concord". Tony Stokes who was always happy to chat after a game, and made me feel like I'd known him years.  It was a sad day when I interviewed him after he had confirmed his move to local rivals Canvey Island.  The club-house isn't the same without his little son Chase kicking a ball around.  But like life, non-league football moves on fast.

The love of Concord has always led to me sponsoring a player this season, and I like to think that there is no coincidence that Steve Cawley is having one of his best goal-scoring seasons due to me sponsoring his kit.  I can't wait to be thanked when he win's the golden boot in the league!

For a freelance writer like myself, a non-league club is a godsend.  I encourage any budding writers to knock on the door of their local team.  You'll be surprised how much they're willing to let you do.  In the last year, I've interviewed every player in the squad, in fact some of them a couple of times.  These players are dying to be interviewed (well I like to think so!) I've found out so much about them and their lives away from the football pitch.  Could I call them friends, I like to think so.
Now at home games I find myself in the press box doing match reports for the official club website, I'm living out my teenage dreams.  I'm very thankful to everyone at the club for making me so welcome.

#YAMC

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.

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.

An Interview with ... Craig Burley

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When did you make your debut?

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

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

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

Then Ruud became manager

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

So what was the break down between you and Ruud?

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

You were that pissed off?

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

Were you a Celtic fan growing up?

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

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

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

Hahahaha it's safe to say we know!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What were the Brazilians like?

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

Why were Sky so interested in your views?

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

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

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

So what happened when you finally retired from playing football?

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

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

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

Some of the pundits today are very bland

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

So when did you move across to America

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

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

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

Was it an easy sell to the family?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do you want to talk about the Torres tattoo?

Hahahaha!!  Fucking hell that grew!

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

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

Bet they were giving you absolute pelters!

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

Would you have done it for real?

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

Oh yeah it went viral

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

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

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


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

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

They're not particularly keen on it?

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

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

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

Do you think you will stay in the States?

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

It's not a bad life is it?

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

An Interview with ... Tony Stokes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

An Interview with ... Ricky Evans

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

That is shocking, especially the last one!!

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

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

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

Prodigy

Who had a 1995 hit with 'Boombastic'?

Shaggy

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

Jason Mraz

They were horrendously easy mate!

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

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

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

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

How do you find playing on the floor?

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

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

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

Who are your best friends in darts?

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

Who were your idols growing up?

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

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

Phil Taylor?
Legend

Michael Van Gerwen?
Awesome

Gary Anderson?
Natural

Adrian Lewis?
Mesmerising

And finally....Ricky Evans

Potential!

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

An Interview with ... Steve King

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What about music is that something you listen to?  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

An Interview with ... Kevin Painter

I've always admired Kevin Painter's tenacity and ability as a darts player. His playing style is infectious, he has a renowned never say die attitude.  Maybe part of the appeal is that he's an Essex lad like me, people always like to root for a someone local. It's the feeling of the guy next door up there playing darts on the tv, you want them to do well, it's like watching your mate play!

Upon speaking to Kevin I quickly realised that us two Essex boys had a connection.  When starting out on the Essex circuit, Kevin played at the Paddocks on Canvey Island, which was only 5mins walk from my parents house.  In fact, I may have seen him play in my youth…I racked my brain, but couldn’t remember, I also didn’t want to take up Kevin’s time, as I searched the dark recesses of my mind.

Speaking to Kevin fresh after his 9-0 defeat to Andrew Gilding was not ideal timing, but I found him in good spirits, and looking to the future.  

So what happened at the UK Open at the weekend?

I got to the venue at 11am, and played my first round game.  In previous years I’ve gone back to my accommodation, relaxed, and gone back to the venue for my next game.  However this year I tried changing things, I stayed at the venue had a couple of drinks, but I waited around too long, so by the time the game came, I was flat.  No disrespect to Andrew though, he played magnificently all weekend.  But I should not be losing 9-0 to him, in fact I shouldn’t be losing 9-0 to anyone.  Normally at 2/3-0 that’s when my fighting spirit kicks in, however it was not there at the weekend.

So what plans have you put in place to rectify this?

Well I’ve been struggling with arthritis in my hip over the winter, and I’ve had to adjust my style of play, as it’s predominantly on my standing leg (my right).  However if I’m waiting around in venues waiting for my match to start, it can start anytime on the floor. I find that my arthritis kicks in.  I’m really looking forward to the summer months so the cold doesn’t get to it!”

As I am getting older, I also need to get healthier, by eating better, and maybe looking at my drinking habits.  I’m finding myself getting fatigued a lot quicker if I have a couple of pints in the afternoon.

There is that old famous Smith & Jones sketch about darts players, which parodies them all as drinkers, does drinking actually assist you?

I’ve always had a drink, so it’s mentally ingrained, I suppose it does help me play.  I’d practice for 4/5 hours a day, have a few pints.  It’s just what I do.  Also when you’re on the tour events, you’re waiting around for 4/5 hours at a time, waiting for a game. So you need something to do, so I’d have a few pints.  Maybe I should be looking for something else to fill this time.

How do you find the experience of playing these games on the floor?

Playing on the floor is tough.  I’m losing focus too easily, I’m losing games that I should never be losing.  What hurts the most, is that I know that.

Looking from afar, you always seem to thrive on playing on the main stage, it brings out the best in you.

Yes, it’s a lot easier as well. You know for example you’re playing Raymond (Van Barneveld) at 7pm on Friday, and you can practice and focus accordingly. On the floor, you might not be playing for hours, and you have to hang around accordingly.

You've dropped down to 24th in the PDC Order of Merit, how are you finding live on the tour?

It's tough, I've missed several events over the last year, and at times I feel like a part-time pro.  If you're not in the top 8, and playing in all the events, then you're having to qualify.  Things are not that easy.

What do you mean by that?

Well you’ve got 100+ guys on the British circuit going for these 20 spots in the tournaments. It's tough.  The quality of player in Britain is stronger than it's ever been. You look at the European qualifying and there's some great guys playing in it, however the strength in depth is not the same in Europe, as it is in the UK.

Surely this is all part of Barry Hearn's plan to make darts a global game?

Yes that is true, and Barry’s answer always is “to play better” obviously but if you don’t qualify for these events, then you’re not playing and you lose your consistency. That’s not good for any darts player.  You need to be playing consistently, especially as you get older.  I’m not a young guy anymore, who can just turn it on and off again.

So is more practice the key?

Well my other half said to me recently that maybe I shouldn’t practice as much.  I’d do 3 days solid, and still wasn’t making an impact.  She said I should let my natural skill for the game just take control, and see where that gets me.  I may try that approach.  I’m certainly throwing nicely at the moment, I just need to get my head switched on for the floor events.

I suppose the BDO guys coming across has made qualifying for events tougher as well?

It’s not just those guys, I don’t think there is any other sport in the world which has the strength in depth of darts.  Everyone can hit a double now.  Years ago, someone could have a double against you, and you’d think he’s going to miss this.  Not anymore.  Everyone can hit one, these young guys are exceptional.

What about the BDO players though?

Stephen Bunting has been exceptional, but they don’t have any prize money to defend.  So they can just chance their arm, and see how they get on.  That’s how Chisnall started, and he’s continued his good form.

Going back to that strength in depth, I guess the 2015 World Championships proved that.  Had you seen Cristo Reyes play before?

No! Well I saw him play Wez (Newton) and had been preparing myself to play Wez.  I knew Wez’s game, and knew that I could beat him.  However saying all that, I got myself 3-1 up against Cristo, and I should not be losing that game. It was hugely disappointing.

Talking about World Championship games when you're ahead, takes me back to the 2004 PDC World Final against Phil Taylor.  Do you often lie awake at night and think I should have won that? (Kevin led 5-3, eventually losing 7-6 in sets)

Not particularly no.  I didn’t have a shot to win it.  So I don’t beat myself up at night about it.  Obviously it would have been nice to win it, but it wasn’t to be. Also the prize money wasn’t so big back then.  It was only £50k for the winner, not like £250k it is now.  It might be a different story if it happened in this day and age.

How was it playing in the "Taylor era"?

The man was a machine, the only hope you had really was that maybe something was going on his personal life at the time.  Or you hoped that you were in the opposite side of the draw to him, as he was winning everything. 

How long do you think Taylor can play for?

Probably 3 to 4 years.  However Phil loves winning.  It’s a great drug to have.  If Phil wants to win a game, he will win it.  I don’t think there has been another sportsman like Phil, he was, is so dominant.  You look at Ronnie O’Sullivan, he’s obviously the best snooker player out there.  But he has days when his brain’s not in gear.  Not Phil though.

What about yourself, how long can you see yourself playing? Do you have any plans for life after darts?

I haven’t even thought about that.  I want to keep on playing darts, and I will carry on as long as I can compete.  I’ve invested in property along the way, but my mind is solely on darts at present.

Changing tack a bit, you love playing on the main stage.  What are your views on the crowds at the big PDC events, especially the irritating Yaya/Kolo Toure chants?

It’s better to have a crowd there, and not at all.  All darts players want to play in front of big crowds.  It’s like footballers, they would rather play in front of 20,000 rather than 200.  When I’m on stage, I tend to not think about the crowd, and the noise doesn’t affect me.

Some of the crowd aren't even watching the darts though

Yes, I’ve seen a lot of that on Twitter.  But these people are going to the darts as a night out, if they want to have a sing-song and a few pints, what’s the problem in that.  What darts players have to remember is without these people going to these events, paying the money to get in, the prize money etc isn’t going to be as big.

You have "I predict a riot" as your walk on song, what influenced that?

I honestly don’t know where it came from.  I’ve had it years, probably at one of the exhibitions someone said to me, “I know a good walk-on song for you”.  That’s where it’s come from I suppose.  When I was in the Premier League in 2012, I wanted to change it. But Sky said no.  They said “that’s your walk-on music”

I can't let you go without mentioning your beloved Ipswich.  Who would be in Kevin Painter's dream Ipswich 5-a-side team?

Haha, good question.

Paul Cooper in goal, he saved 8 penalties out of 10 one season. In fact he saved two in one game.

Terry Butcher – A rock

John Wark – You cannot leave out Johnny Wark

Arnold Muhren – Man what a touch he had

Paul Mariner – In my opinion Ipswich Town’s greatest striker

All from the same era

That late 70s/early 80s side was Ipswich’s best ever, it was a great side.  I could have included Kevin Beattie and Alan Brazil as well.  We’ve had some great players since, Matty Holland and Marcus Stewart, but that 80s side was the best ever.

After speaking to Kevin, I found a man still determined to do well, and still with plenty to offer the game of darts.  He is fully aware of the increasing competition and strength in depth, and maybe is prepared to change a habit of a lifetime to arrow his way back to the top.