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 ... Johnny McKinstry

Please read my interview with Johnny McKinstry via the Football Pink

http://footballpink.net/2015/07/27/an-interview-with-rwandan-head-coach-johnny-mckinstry/

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!

Erik Edman and "that" goal (Spurs Statman)

Please see my debut article for www.spursstatman.com

http://www.spursstatman.com/articles/2015/7/13/erik-edman-and-that-goal

An Interview with ... Ian Crocker (Football Pink)

Here is my latest interview, this time with Sky Sports Scottish football commentator Ian Crocker

http://footballpink.net/2015/07/07/an-interview-with-ian-crocker-sky-sports-voice-of-scottish-football/

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 ... Danny Clare

Concord Rangers have had some exceptional goalkeepers over the last few seasons, and instrumental to all that is goalkeeping coach Danny Clare.

In what is often an unsung role, the art of being a good goalkeeping coach is just not about practicing saves, but developing the mindset and concentration of a goalkeeper.

I spoke with Danny about goalkeeping coaching, being a goalkeeper himself and what was his biggest clanger.

Did you ever have trials at a professional level?  Did you always want to be a goalkeeper growing up?

I  played for Watford and spent some of my school holidays staying in digs and training with the first team, it was a great experience but for one reason or another it never worked out for me.  When I left school, I also had trials elsewhere but again these come to nothing.  To be honest, I actually started my footballing career by playing out on pitch, but the team I played for never had a regular goalkeeper.  One week I had actually played a match for my older brother's team earlier in the day, so the manager said go in goal and have a rest...I never conceded a goal and I never looked back from there!

So did you have a goalkeeping idol growing up?

Yeah I did, and it has to be Ray Clemence, and I don't think Liverpool have had a better keeper since.  I loved it when he signed for Spurs, as my brother was playing for them at the time and I got to watch him train and play loads!!

How long have you been at Concord as a player/reserve team manager/keeper coach?

I had two spells at Concord as a player in our first season in the Essex Senior League in 1991/1992, and then I came back and played when my good friend Steve Knott was gaffer.
I was reserve team manager for a couple of seasons, I started helping out the reserve team manager in Dan's (Cowley) first season with Scopesy in 2007/2008.  I then took over as manager the following season, and the reserves were moved into the Capital league on Wednesday nights, so that allowed me to start coaching the keepers which was what I always wanted to do.

Who has been the best goalkeeper you've coached?

So far I would say Josh Vickers, it was a great opportunity to work with a full time pro and get his feedback from my coaching.  I also enjoy coaching the youngsters and in the group I have at the moment there's a young lad called Tommy Woodcock, he has great potential.  He is a natural who just lives and breathes goalkeeping and is a joy to work with.

Is goalkeeping coaching more about the psychology than the actual keeper coaching?  I always feel that any goalkeeper can make saves, but it's their concentration which is key.

I would say that and fitness, as you say must people can put a pair of gloves on and make a few saves, it's when you haven't been involved in long spells of the game and your called upon to make a game changing save then it's down to how switched on you are and how quick you can react to that situation.  So from my coaching, if you can give the goalkeeper confidence in their ability and the right levels of fitness to react, then more often or not they will make that save.

Stepping back to your time as reserve team manager...is it something you would consider doing again?

I have to say I enjoyed it immensely, especially the second season when we moved into the Capital League as I got to take the squad players who didn't play on the Tuesday, and the odd trialist.  It is something I would consider doing again, but as long as it didn't interfere with my goalkeeping coaching.

You've been involved with Concord for a long time, what is the appeal of the club?

The people at the club are a massive part of it whether there involved with the team, committee or watching.  Everyone pulls in the same direction, and has the best interests of the club at heart.

How much are you looking forward to working under the new management team?

Adam (Flanagan) did a great job at Brentwood taking them from relegation favourites to promotion, and I have heard nothing but good things about Jody (Brown), so I am very much looking forward to working with them and helping them create another great side at Concord.

You've done some pretty epic endurance events.  Have you always been interested in that kind of thing?  Do you have anymore on the horizon?

Yeah I love pushing myself!  The mountains were great fun, but it hurt like hell! I did the 24hr 3 peak challenge with 6 other goalkeepers....who says we're all mad haha!!
I've applied to do the London marathon again so hopefully I will get in, but a cycling challenge has always interested me, so something like London to Paris or even a triathlon!

Bloody hell...do you actually unwind and relax?

Oh yes, there's always time for that, I love spending time with my family and friends.

Right let's end up with a question about goalkeeping.  What is the greatest save you've ever made?

Oh there's too many to remember...next question!

Ok, what is the biggest clanger!

Oh that's easy, and I'm sure someone on the committee has prompted this question haha!  Ok...I was playing for Concord in a pre-qualifying round of the FA Cup against Haringey. We had a throw on, and the full back wanted to throw it back to me, it wasn't on but he still did it...I controlled it and tried to kick it as far as I could, but the forward had closed me down, he jumped turning his back at the same time, so the ball hits him on the arse and flew into the top corner!  That made the score 5-0 so it had no bearing on the game, however unfortunately for  me we were the only FA Cup game playing that weekend, so Sky Sports were there with the cameras.  They showed it on Sky Sports News and the presenter signed of the clip by saying poor old Danny Clare, which as you can imagine the team lived off that for months, even to the extent of playing it on a loop down the club for the whole Sunday lunchtime with most of the team in attendance, still to this day I get called poor old Danny Clare lol!!