Team mates
Best mate at the club? I would probably say Dan Gardner. We travelled in together from Manchester last season and he’s just a top lad. We have had plenty of laughs and some good times.
Last to buy dinner? In the changing room at the minute, that’s a tough one. I would probably say Sam Hird. He’s got a bit of a reputation. He’s always in charge of the kitty when we go out, but he never seems to put his own money in there. Worst dressed? Angel Martinez. Maybe it’s because he’s Spanish and it’s lost in translation, but his trainers, to be perfectly honest, are awful. He also wears a pair of male Ugg boots. I didn’t know they made them, but they clearly do. Dressing room DJ? We have a few, but Ollie Banks sticks his iPod on most. It’s not to my taste, but a lot of the younger lads like it. Rap and house tunes mainly. Rai Simons has actually got his own song, written by a Bermudan artist when he left Bermuda to play football over here. Every now and then, that gets stuck on in jest. Late for training? Sylvan EbanksBlake often flirts with the time we have to be in. It’s rare among the squad, but he sails closest to the wind. There are a few fines knocking about. If you are late, it’s £10 and I think it’s an extra £1 for every minute you are over. That goes into the kitty for the end-of-season or Christmas do. Teacher’s pet? I’m not too sure on this but the lads would probably say Gary Liddle, who was signed at Christmas. I have never seen it myself though! He’s a top lad and he takes it on the chin.
Worst cook? If pushed, probably Charlie Raglan. He brings in his chicken and rice, but it stinks out the coach or wherever we are. I sit quite close to him in the changing rooms and, when he opens it, I tend to move away. First on the dance floor? Jay O’Shea, definitely. He’s another one of my pals and he definitely likes to throw shapes when we’re out. I’m not long on after him, but, if we have something to celebrate, all the lads don’t mind at all. Most likely to disgrace themselves at the Christmas party? Sam Hird again. After a couple of pints of Peroni, he definitely gets a little bit lively. He’s OK but gets happy and loud! Worst tattoo? None that really spring to mind. Our goalkeeping coach, Mark Crossley, has an interesting one. It’s on his bottom, which is all I will say! Dan Jones has some decent ones: a sleeve and tattoos all over. Partial to a sunbed? Ollie Banks always looks like he’s just back from two weeks on the Costa del Sol. He gets stick for that. The lads often ask if he’s been away during the season. Going to make the best manager? Sam Hird. He’s had a good season and knows his football. As a defender, he always gives advice on positioning and stuff like that. He knows the game well.