How did you get into football?
I played as a kid like everyone does and for local teams around where I live. I started playing for Dorset and it was there that Yeovil noticed me and offered me a contract.
What is it like playing and training with a Football League side?
It’s indescribable, just because you need to train every day; that’s your job, but you have to be strict with it too. It’s good fun because you’re with 22 lads aged between 23 and 33 and it’s really enjoyable, but tiring as well.
How does it compare to playing with James 1sts or the University? Is there a huge gulf?
Yes there is a big gap but I think it’s mostly in physical development. I think a lot of players here are still quite young and not fully evolved. We’re not a massive sporting or football university but I get so much enjoyment out of playing for them because my friends are there and I try to be a big part of the club by being Social Secretary.
Who’s the best player you’ve ever played or trained with?
Marcus Stewart. Just technically and in the mind he’s still got it and even though at Yeovil he was 34 he was still making clever runs and scoring goals – you can tell his success in the Premiership was deserved.
What are you doing at the moment regarding football?
I started playing semi-professional here for North Ferriby United who are quite a good standard and getting paid for that but it started taking over my work and I decided to just concentrate on University football.
Do you have any aspirations after University to continue playing football professionally?
No, not really, I’ve got a career goal now and unless you’re going to make it into the championship and get an agent, it’s very hard to get back into that sort of thing. But I play it for enjoyment and that’s the main thing.
Is there anyone you have grown up with who has made it as a footballer?
The only one who was really exceptional was Craig Alcock. He played for Peterborough against Sunderland in the FA Cup. He’s started 19 games for Peterborough this season and he’s made a living out of it. It’s a career choice, and most people just get released in their late teens and do something else. I played part-time for Bognor and Dorchester in the Conference South, but if you continue with that you have to sacrifice a career and university. I’ve also played against Theo Walcott and he is unreal!
What do you think of the accusation that English football doesn’t work hard enough at grass roots level to develop its youngsters?
At grassroots level I don’t think we bring players up from the very bottom. It’s a very physical game in England and I found that between the ages of 17 and 19 I wasn’t very strong and that really held me back. I think people look for players who are very big, strong and quick, unless you’re exceptional. Theo Walcott is a prime example: he’s technically not very good but he’s quick and that’s what the English clubs look for.