Posts tagged tom lewis

This week sees the sole Welsh representative of FCI take to the chair and go One-on-One with Jordan Florit. The 6’3 gentle giant joined the table-topping Black and Blues from Bishops Waltham Youth and brings with him a rugged approach to the game, 100% commitment and “a big kick”. Here he is………………………….

1. Hey there Thomas. First and foremost, who is your favourite scientist and why?

I’m not particularly sure I have one, although if this is reference to Mophead’s favourite scientist (Charles Dar-winning), then surely if his theory was ‘survival of the fittest’, Mophead is definitely not going to survive considering his numerous ‘injuries’ and the constant need to drink water. He’s never ‘fit’, so even if it was ‘survival of the fit’ he would become extinct.

2. That is a fiery start Tom, for the readers at home, Mophead is Ryan Breen. Who is your biggest footballing inspiration, past or present?

Ryan Giggs

3. Is this because he is Welsh? I don’t think a love rat is the best role model to have.

Partly because he is Welsh, but mostly because of his loyalty to one club, I respect that a lot. It is a shame that he can’t have that kind of loyalty in his personal life, but you asked me who my biggest footballing inspiration was, whether he is a love rat or not does not change his footballing ability.

4. That is a fair comment Tom and I hope your role model in life is more responsible. Anyway, one thing that does transcribe in your game from Ryan Giggs’ is your tireless work rate. It’s known that you did a lot of fitness work in the summer, what did that include?

Haha, ‘a lot of fitness work’; I went for the odd run, maybe a couple of times a week.

5. Do you think it has made a difference? Do you feel or see a difference?

I do feel very fit now, yeah. Do you?

6. Well you’re enjoying a much better season this year, aren’t you, college and FCI - which are you preferring?

I’m loving the opportunity to finally get some game time! College and FCI are both very different sides, with different mentalities and playing styles. It’s boring I know, but I couldn’t choose between them.

7. We’ve seen you across 4/5 positions for FCI, what is your favourite?

At the start of the season I would have said RM, but after playing several games at RB I’m really starting to enjoy it. The defence this season has been brilliant, special mention to the skipper and Mike Florit, so it’s great to be a part of that. Of course I love to get forward too, and I’ve also enjoyed games playing up top, and just behind the striker.

8. So would you like more game time there throughout the remainder of the season?

To be honest, as long as I’m playing a good number of minutes, I’m happy, but yeah I’d like to play a bit further forward occasionally!

9. We’ll try and fit you in up top then Tommo. So we’ve got three games left in 2011, the first half is going quickly. With two games left in the league before Christmas, where do you want FCI come January?

It’s flying by! By January obviously we should be top still, and with that unbeaten run still intact. A couple of clean sheets would be nice too.

10. Yes, I concur. We’ve come painfully close to some clean sheets recently and credit must go to Nathan Hussey who has only seen 2 pass him by because of two penalties given by defenders. January brings the quarter final of the cup; what would you ideally want - a remaining division three team for an easy pass to the semi-final (providing we play our A-game) or something else?

I think I’d prefer a challenge, maybe a Div 2 team, we’ve shown we can beat teams of that calibre, and it’d be better practice for what future rounds of the cup might hold, we can’t afford to get complacent.

11. Spoken like a seasoned professional Thomas, admirable traits. So, you had a pretty full pre-season, only missing the first game. In fact it is the only game you’ve missed for FCI - what’s it like playing week in week out?

Indeed! If I remember correctly the one game I missed is the only one we’ve lost? Coincidence, I think not; playing week in week out is great, I think I’ve improved because of it as well.

12. Yeah, that is right actually. Well Ryan Breen doesn’t come to training on Tuesday because he “can’t do Monday night, Tuesday night and Wednesday afternoon” why aren’t you there Tuesday nights?

That’s just Ryan Breen’s excuse for being a lazy ****. He should go, needs the fitness! Haha, I’m afraid I have work, something I tried to change, but to no avail.

13. Ahh, I like a man that works. Tell us more about your job.

I work at the village shop, 5-9 on a Tuesday evening, behind the till, stocking shelves etc; without a doubt the slowest four hours of my week.

14. Now, anyone that knows Tom Gwynne Lewis well will know you like your own corners, however; out of all our assists and goals you are yet to get one of either, is it something you feel is lacking?

This is very true; some may call me a set piece specialist. Well, most actually hahaha. I feel that assists and goals have been the two things lacking from my game. I haven’t had the opportunity to take too many set pieces, and after a couple of chances earlier in the season I haven’t had many recently to score. So yes, I feel an assist needs to come soon (it would have come on Saturday if it wasn’t for Jim’s block!), and a goal this season would be ideal.

15. How long do you think it will be before you hit the back of the net, is it something you want to do for FCI?

Time will only tell. Obviously if I’m not playing as far forward, then it’ll be less likely to happen soon, but of course I want to grab a goal.

16. Ryan Breen reckons he has scored the best goal for FCI so far, do you agree?

With regret, yes.

17. That is a truly gentleman response; it is a shame Ryan doesn’t cut his cloth with the same courtesy. What do you think is the best goal ever in world football?

Either Beckham’s free kick against Greece, Roberto Carlos’ free kick, or Glen Johnson’s against Hull for Pompey.

18. I promise it wasn’t a goal in a Pompey shirt. During the rugby World Cup one or two players would’ve noticed you’re also a rugby fan, Joel is also a rugby man, what attracts you to the game, is it the amount of manly contact that goes on?

There is a lot of manly contact yes, but it’s far from homosexual. Being Welsh, it’s in my blood to love the game.

19. You are Welsh? I wouldn’t have known. Are you sure? Because Ryan and I know that you have a more than average appreciation of Sol Campbell, a suspected gay footballer.

We all love a bit of Sol.

20. It has been a tremendous interview Mr Lewis, before we conclude, is there any last comments you want the readers to know?

I’d like to apologise to Ryan Breen, I can envisage him sitting in his room crying right now. Love you xoxoxoxox. 

Thank you Jordan, it’s been a pleasure. X

That was a very pleasant interview and Lewis was a kind, knowledgeable and insightful guest. Tom will be in action on the 12^th at Hunts Farm, Romsey in a friendly against Romsey Saints. The last time FCI faced Romsey Saints was at home on the opening day of the season. A 6-0 victory marked the start of Florit’s reign in charge and an emulation of that impressive score line would be the best preparation for the following fixture – a return to league football against title contenders Waterside A.

Come back Saturday to see just how well FCI did or didn’t do.