College Cup Countdown: Alcuin 2nds

Name: Chris Houlgate

Team captained: Alcuin 2nds

How have your team’s performances been in autumn and spring term?
Performances have largely been good. We’ve developed an infuriating tendency of being superb for 60 minutes and woeful for the last 30, which tends to lead to results that haven’t reflected the general pattern of play. Games are only 60 minutes now, and the JLD will suit our team, so we’re hoping to see a change.

What are your team’s strengths and weaknesses?
We have a very short team, which can put us at a disadvantage. But we have excellent team spirit, we’re extremely committed defensively and we have technically very good players who can pass and keep the ball with confidence.

How strong is your cup squad?
Very

Who would you call your ‘key player’ and why?
Cop out, I know, but I’m reluctant to single any one player out. It’s a versatile and flexible squad, so all of the players are capable of fulfilling different roles with ease. Goals have come from all over the team.

What are your thoughts on your team’s group draw? Which game are you most looking forward to?
We can definitely finish in the top two, but I think every team in the group will think they have a good chance of that as well. It’s a very competitive draw. I’m really looking forward to the match against Halifax 1s. It will be great to test ourselves against some of the best players at the University.

If you could beat any team in the final, who would it be and why?
The only team I’ve never beaten in College football is Goodricke, and I’m not here next year. So Goodricke.

What will you do to celebrate if you win the cup?
An open top bus parade through town, and maybe a drink or eight.

If you could change one thing about the college cup, what would it be?
Playing on the 3G would be quality. Not being able to slide tackle removes 80% of my game.

Who is your team ‘BNOC’ and why?
*Chuckles at the idea of Alcuin 2s having a BNOC*.

Which team in world football are you most like?
Think Leyton Orient, but a bit more average. Or to be more specific, think Bayern Munich in the ’99 Champions League final.

What are your expectations and ambitions for College Cup 2013?
Finish in the top 2, stir things up in the knockout stages, and hopefully steer ‘Team of Gary Breens’ to Fantasy Football glory.

Vision says:
Alcuin 2nds will fancy their chances of progressing to the cup after being drawn with Langwith 1sts and Wentworth 2nds, teams they will hope to beat. They must still be wary of the threat of two of the stronger 3rds teams, James and Derwent, who will pose a hazard for the more established sides. Group A is very open, and Alcuin 2nds could finish anywhere from 2^nd to 6^th.