Posts tagged interview
Jordan Florit; daily views on the footballing world
One-on-One: Paul Redhead
Now Paul’s become more integrated into the FCI family, attending training regularly, getting a decent run of games and finally joining the list of FCI ‘keepers to keep a clean sheet, oh wait he hasn’t, along with Mike Florit (2) and Nathan Hussey (3), it is time for his One-on-One.
The 18-year old ‘keeper, who is also competent across the back four, isn’t unfamiliar with FCI players: having played in previous teams with Ross, Goddard, Breen, Hannides and the Florits, Paul Redhead settled well into the FCI line-up, when he isn’t busy working his way up the professional refereeing ladder.
Outside of FCI, Redhead plays for Sky Blues in the Southampton Sunday Youth League and is a budding referee, currently refereeing the Wessex League as well as frequenting Southampton F.C’s training ground, as the man in the middle for many Southampton FC u-18 fixtures.
1. Paul, for FCI you play in goal, however for your Sunday team you are normally seen in the left and right back positions. Where do you prefer and why?
I have always played in goal since I was little in front of the garage at home with the older brother smashing footballs at me and I have never looked back really. I love playing in goal, so I will say I prefer there, even though I have always liked the idea of getting forward and I get that playing as a full back. It always a great buzz to make a good save that can potentially win a game and I suppose you don’t get the same buzz after a big tackle, because as a keeper there’s no one behind you to bail you out; so making a good stop is always good.
2. Last season, you were the #1 for Lighthouse in the same team as Goddard, Ross, Breen and the Florits: how do FCI differ from Lighthouse in the pitch?
They can play football for a start and from the games I’ve played I don’t have to pick the ball out the net so much! The boys are better as well don’t get me wrong, at Lighthouse there were some good lads but this lot tops it all round: the banter is quality and most of the boys have knowledge of how to play football that the management team of Lighthouse certainly didn’t have.
3. Can FCI, promotion depending, make the step up to Lighthouse’s Division and do a job?
To be fair there isn’t a team we played last year that I don’t think the FCI boys can’t beat. On our day, if we actually turn up and play we can do anyone in this league not just Division 2, Lighthouse turned over some teams in division 2 so if they can do it, why not?
4. If FCI were to face Lighthouse tomorrow, who would win and what would your score prediction be?
Pointless question! FCI would smash them, hopefully I’d bag a penalty and maybe put a cheeky tackle in on a certain few people, but I reckon a 7-0 win.
5. We always benefit from having you in goal as you bring something different to Mike and Nath with your constant vocal presence. Mike is quick off his line, adopting a sweeper keeper approach; Nath is unlevelled when it comes to point blank shot-stopping, what is your best trait?
Got it in one I think: a keeper that can organise a team saves himself loads of work cause if your defence are organised that should stop more attempts on goal. Other than that I do have a knack for saving penalties.
6. Outside of playing, you also referee at quite a high level for your age: what have been your best experiences when it comes to refereeing?
Refereeing in the States has to be number one for me: it’s such a good experience to do games with FIFA referees. You do learn a lot, also the girls out there aren’t too bad either and that makes refereeing the women’s games a big bonus.
At home I find myself getting to know the upcoming Saints stars as I often referee the youth sides at Staplewood, so not only is it good money but also a little claim to fame if a few of them make it.
Being on Sky-sports last year was amazing. As a referee it was a joke cause Jeff Stelling is so poor but it was a great day getting to meet all the pundits, and of course got on the box on Christmas day, not many people can claim that one!
Paul playing at St. Mary’s
7. Are your ambitions to become a professional referee, on the telly, in the Premier League, bossing the big games?
I would love to be a professional referee, yet like anything in football getting to the pro level is hard. I aim to make it on to the Football League as I think that is realistic but we will see how the next few years go, really
.
8. Who do you look up to in the world of football officiating?
After Last week I better not say Chris Hoy oh s**t it’s Foy! Most would probably say Howard Webb because of his achievements in the last few years but I am a big fan of both Mark Clattenburg (looks a bit like me) and also Lee Probert as he is a local lad.
9. And what about on the pitch? Do you have split heroes due to being a ‘keeper and outfielder?
Since the minute he signed for us I fell in love with Antti Niemi. He was a god to me as a kid and got a chance to speak with him a few times at various things, without doubt the best keeper ever to grace Southampton Football Club on a regular basis; would leave me breathless with the saves he would pull off.
As a Full Back, I would say Frazier Richardson. I watch him a lot when we play at home and I like to think I am similar in being not the quickest but can still deliver a nice ball once in a while.
10. Lejay Giles-Pilgrim is quoted as saying, “You look like a bearded Jimmy Carr,” what are your views on this?
I heard Jack Whitehall the other day but I don’t think my hair is that bad. I don’t really see it but maybe he’s just referring to my witty banter and humour?
11. At FCI, as well as being one big happy family, we literally have a couple of mini families going on; Nath & Jack, Dad and I and the Lakemans: do you enjoy playing with your Uncle Mike and your nearest and dearest cousin?!
Aha its good as it’s nice to come into a team that is so accepting. If I’m honest the atmosphere around is amazing; everyone gets on and it’s nice to be able to come in for a game and fit straight back in. As for the family, I am used to it now I suppose. If anything, iy means I can get on your back more than anyone else if you do something wrong! I love playing with you two, as to be honest, without football I would hardly see you two!
12. As well as being related to Jordan and loving him lots, you also ball boy with him and Ryan Breen down at St. Mary’s. You’re into your third year of that now, what’s been the best moment?
Yeah I know! What did i start there? Invite one of you and get a whole clan! I think probably my first season was good, getting to go into the changing rooms with all the team and get a shirt signed or perhaps witnessing promotion last year. Banter with Kelv is always a highlight.
13. Obviously, as all top football fans are, you are a Saints fan: what are your predictions for them this year?
As a realistic Saints fan, I think we will finish 2nd as things are going at the moment. To be honest, I don’t care if we finish 1st or 2nd, I want to go up automatically: can’t be doing with those rascal play-offs. I do think we started really well, but now teams are starting to play for a point against us and that will hurt in the long run.
14. Do they need any signings in January to achieve what you think they can potentially do, and if so who?
Another striker would be nice. I think Rickie is top drawer but I’m personally not Guly’s biggest fan and think we should bench him. We need to get someone with a bit of Premiership experience in that can still hack it when we go up at the end of the season.
15. Going into Christmas, fingers crossed, Saints, as well as FCI, will be top of the league: both teams have a cup fixture in January and FCI have a chance to progress to the semi-final of the cup, do you fancy our chances of going all the way?
I’m the cup keeper so enough said? In all seriousness i don’t see a reason why FCI can’t win the cup, yet I don’t think the Saints have a chance. It would be nice to do the double I think Nath and I can have a trophy each!
16. Haha, you actually are yet to feature in the cup! Nath and Mike have played one each. If the cup game goes ahead on the 14th of January, Nath’s in goal again! Obviously, by the time this publishes on Monday, FCI would’ve had their Christmas bash. Therefore, it’ll be good to get some predictions off you beforehand to see how accurate you are! First one to feel sick/throw up?
Depends who drinks though, my bet’s you on this Florit.
17. Most likely to pull by the end of the night?
Again a hard question, Ryan Breen is always telling me of his power with the ladies, yet I have not yet witnessed this but I, for some reason, trust his word: Ryan Breen.
18. Acts the bore all night?
I am going to go for Tom Lewis
19. Goes home early?
Refer to 16 boy who can’t handle his drink, I imagine.
20. Lastly, the most important prediction to see if you get right, the scores for Saints and FCI this weekend?
FCI: I reckon a large number to -0 because I want a clean sheet and Saints fans, I am sorry but the derby has a draw written all over it for me; 2-2.
That’s all until the New Year Folks, when it comes to One-on-Ones. In the place of Boxing Day’s One-on-One, will be a 2011 fun fact review, player by player!
Come back then to see what you’ve done at FCI, that no-one else has!
Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year!
One-on-One: Mikey Hannides
Remarkably, this tenacious and ferocious versatile midfielder is yet to be booked. His style of defending is “industrious” as Jo Pyle would say. He takes no prisoners and is not concerned with punching above his weight or causing offence. In fact, he does both weekly. He is, however, a vital player for FCI and with 7 goals and three assists his contribution is invaluable. He is our top scorer and a calming presence whether he is controlling the ball up front in the box, in the midfield round his man or on the edge of his own box in defence. Hannides is talented and tricky to manage in equal balance. He is mischievous and mocking and as sarcastic as he is strong. This is his One-on-One.
1. Mikey, nice to get you into the One-on-One hot seat. It had become far trickier to secure you since your Facebook deletion! How come you chose to show Facebook the door?
Too many bitches stalking me.
2. I was first made aware of your interest in joining FCI when Ryan Breen informed me that you wanted to play having heard we were. You missed pre-season and your first run out was a 45 minute stint against Romsey Saints. You came on and scored and assisted. Did you feel like you were behind without a pre-season?
“Some are born with greatness; others need practice to achieve greatness.”
3. Not too sure, if the phrase is exactly that, but it fits you well. You’ve done well since you have come in, featuring through the spine of the team at centre back, centre midfield and up front. Where do you most enjoy playing and with whom?
I enjoy midfield best in a physical game, and Mitat; he’s a thug.
4. Your another one that also plays college football on Wednesdays; which do you prefer and why?
FCI , better standard on the pitch and better management.
5. That’s guaranteed starting XI roles for the rest of the season then! Captaining the school side obviously puts you in a position of authority and responsibility; do you prefer being a leader or a team player?
I enjoy being part of a unit but my big mouth means I can use it to motivate, though it’s a work in progress.
Mikey realising he isn’t always the best with motivational words
6. You have improved, tremendously; you’re, for me, a calming player on the pitch and you’re not afraid to play the ball out from the back; do you base your game style on anyone in particular and do you have a role model?
My role model would have to be Ike; he’s not afraid to assert his authority and I enjoy the way the Saints back 4 ping it about.
Controversial as always
7. As well as playing your part at centre back, including keeping a clean sheet against Division Two leaders Victory Gospel, who have only lost one other game, you’ve fired FCI to victory as well. Are goals the most important thing for you?
Goals are crucial to win but I enjoy more putting in a big challenge and getting the boys fired up.
8. Well you are FCI’s top scorer with 7 goals, one ahead Neave, Giles-Pilgrim and Hussey all on 6. You’re the joint top FCI league scorer with 4 along with myself. Can you get the Division Three golden boot? The current leader has 7.
Current leader is a pussy, he can only go down now but I can go up.
Mikey proving he fears no one and his mouth doesn’t either
9. FCI are in the quarter final of the cup and top of the league by five points. How much will we win this season?
Win it all.
10. And will you be around next season for FCI?
As long as my wages are paid I’m here.
Mikey isn’t actually paid wages, before you ask.
11. Ryan Breen has announced his immediate return to first team football; are you looking forward to playing with your natural partner across the years?
Breens is quality and I am eagerly awaiting the chance to show him up; however, I feel his Redknapp likeness means injury could be more common than his fouls.
12. How far do you two go back, footballing wise?
We go back years, the days of Year 3.
13. Who have you been playing for most recently before FCI?
I was unemployed before FCI.
14. And how are you enjoying your time here?
Loving it , they are like family.
15. What has been your highlight so far this season?
Tom Lewis hitting screamers.
16. We’ve got the all-important Christmas night out coming up, have you got any specific party tricks we can expect to see?
Wait and see.
17. Our next game is on December 17th, I know you took a heavy knock to your knee last week in college football; will you be back?
I’ll be returning, just call me the Jedi.
18. Jedi, what part do you expect to play in the game?
I’m going for the De Jong role.
19. Lastly, what are your personal goals for the rest of the season?
Consistently play to my ability to be more reliable than a liability.
Guys, I’ll tell you something; that is the most eloquent and deep sentence that has ever left Mikey’s mouth.
20. And most intriguing for me, will we go the season unbeaten?
We will not just go unbeaten, we will go without losing or drawing; we won’t drop a point.
I expected, knowing Mikey for seven years now, this to be very different; instead of it being continuously sarcastic and overly cocky, it was assertive and confident. There is a fine line, but Mikey draws it and it’s a valuable trait that he brings to games. He pushes limits, he pushes players too, but mostly limits.
His answers were self-representational; short and sweet. He’ll continue be an evergreen for FCI, as one of the core players that are yet to miss a match. At current, he is nursing a swollen knee, however he is confident of a return for the Hedge End 2011 finale and will be going head to head with the likes of Ryan Breen for that starting XI spot.
Come back next week for the latest instalment of One-on-One.
One-on-One: Jack Hussey
Take Rickie Lambert’s chant, “He stands at over 6’3 Rickie, Rickie. He’ll take us to the Premier League, Rickie, Rickie. He gets the ball, he takes the piss, he wears the shirt of Matt Le Tiss, Rickie Lambert Southampton’s goal machine.” It is an enjoyable song; however, it has its inaccuracies. He isn’t quite 6’3 and he is more than just a goal machine. However, the accurate comments are akin to Jack Hussey’s exploits; he will take us to Division One, whilst, like Rickie, being more than just a goal machine. The young forward has made just three starts for FCI and every start has reaped a brace. His scoring ability has seen him rise to FCI’s 2nd top scorer and 2nd in the assists charts. When Jack is on the pitch he scores or assists a goal every 24.3 minutes, more often than anyone else. Read the young hit man’s interview below…..
Nationality: English
Date of Birth: 15/05/95
Height: 5’7
Squad Number: 99
Position: Striker
1. Jack and Jill went up the hill to fetch a pale of water, Jack saw FCI and began to cry, ‘cos he saw the way they slaughter. If we had fans, they’d probably sing that. What’s your favourite song?
It would be ’ Jordan and Jill went up the hill to fetch a pale of water, Jordan saw Jack have a crack and he began to cry, cause he knew, he had found, a top quality striker, …… to score (more than Jim Neave)
This will eventually be my favourite song when FCI hit the premiership but until then it would have to be Nickelback ‘burn it to the ground’
2. Mine is probably Bon Iver - Re: Stacks, it is a truly touching song, give it a listen. The Salaam Shuffle was pretty intense stuff too, though. If you could choose a song to describe FCI’s start to the season, what would it be?
The script ‘the man who can’t be moved’ and the FCI version ‘the team who can’t be moved.
3. Good choice Hussey; talking of Hussey’s, what is it like having your brother play in the same team as you? Is it something that has happened before?
It’s the first time we’ve played together in a team, I think it’s a good partnership with him stopping the shots (when he actually plays well) and me scoring the shots, and I usually get a lift to footy, always a bonus!
4. And on match days he is quite the opposite of you; erratic, loud and aggressive. Is he like it out of football too?
Well not really apart from his laugh which kind of hurts my ears it’s that loud, on rare occasions he shows anger but he backs down to my dominance!
5. What is he like as a brother? Is he like Gary to Phil, Rod to Danny?
He is a legend as a brother particularly as he buys me a lot of shizz, pizza, coke, boost bars, McDonalds, b&q burgers and bacon rolls and any other junk so it’s nice having a caring brother and pretty much a second wallet haha!
6. How do you think he’s done so far this season?
i think pre-season where he was rusty he was a little Gomes but now were well into the season he is actually pulling out some quality saves and the occasional clean sheet which is always a bonus to him and the team. (You really don’t want to mention in the car he didn’t keep a clean sheet after the match, you’ll be walking home)
7. Now you’ve had a great start to the campaign; how do you feel about your introduction and breakthrough to pretty much starting every week?
Well its good see youth gets the go ahead over lazy, lanky pile of dog crap ‘Jim Neave’. Nah, only joking; I think me a Jim have gelled quite well the last couple of games and i am quite surprised how I was only suppose to the ‘referee and be the make up the numbers boy’ but I’m really glad I’m playing most games with some top draw goals, haha jokes!
8. Well it has been well earned. I have some statistics that may shock you; you’re our 2nd top scorer and 2nd top assister since the season started, despite missing some games and starting the season as an impact sub. Not only that, but statistically, you’re involved in a goal more regularly that any other player. Every 24.3 minutes you’re on the pitch for, you score or assist. Were you aware of your vital role to our scoring exploits?
No, I was quite shocked at that but it’s good to hear I’m making a good impact at my new club.
9. It really is a top achievement and we definitely miss you when you’re not available or refereeing. Do you enjoy refereeing?!
I actually quite enjoy it (but only when I’m paid the wonga)
10. You’re actually a very fair and stern referee, not many people will realise you are now the baby of the team; younger than Wes, is this the first men’s team you have played for?
It is the first men’s team I’ve played for in my career
11. How does it differ from playing for Marchwood?
Well playing against my own age its very tiring compared to the men’s league as everyone has pace and agility compared to only some in the men’s league, but it’s much more physical so I’m in the gym most weeks building my strength up! And, I seem to be playing better for FCI than last season with Marchwood.
12. Did you play up front for Marchwood and were you as prolific in front of goal?
I did and I actually have scored 134 goals for Marchwood in 6 years of 11 a side, my worst being last year with only 9 goals and my best being under 11’s scoring 38.
13. That is an impressive 22 goals a season, on average! Like the good lads of the team, you are a Saints fan! Our last game of 2011 is a day before the Saints Portsmouth game; a big weekend! Our game is against Hedge End Blues, what are your predictions for those two games?
Portsmouth 1-4 Saints (return the favour from the F.A cup)
Hedge End Blues 0-11 FC Independence
14. I’m eating a Mars Bar, what is your favourite chocolate bar?
Galaxy cookie crumble
15. I know you’re addicted to Call of Duty, but what is better COD or FIFA?
Call of duty modern warfare 3
16. Who is your favourite player and who do you most try and play like?
Alan Shearer because he looks like Nathan, scores goals and has the engine of a Mustang; he just kept going till he had wrinkles.
17. Jim is your main striking rival up top; will you outscore him this season?
Are you trying to make me laugh? Jim Neave scores more goals than Jack Hussey? NEVER! My gran scores more goals than he does he can’t hit a barn door most days. So yes I shall score more!
18. Who do you think Jim most plays like?
Dimitar Berbatov Jim Neave
lanky lanky
casual casual
can’t score can’t score
always the linesmen always the linesmen
moans moans
……….. Noticing a trend? Need i continue
19. If you were to liken your partnership with Jim to a famous striking partnership; who would they be?
Rooney and Berbatov
Jack Jim
obviously!
20. Thanks for doing the interview Jack. My last question for you is: will we win the league and will you get top scorer?
For FCI hopefully, for the whole league? I might do, I just try each week to bag a goal or two and will see at the end.
Thanks again Jack!
FCI face stiff opponents on Saturday in the form of UK Asian League team Hazaria IFC. It is the first team FCI have faced outside the SSCL and therefore it is sure to be a different test to the physicality of the typically English league. Expect the opposition to be quick, technically capable and feisty!
Come back here to see how we do!
