by Peter Scherer

Aman Verma joined Mickleover FC in late 2019, after spells at Leicester City and Floriana in Malta on his CV.

He always wanted to be a footballer from an early age.

Since I was seven it was always a dream, which I was lucky enough to make reality.

He started his career at Leicester City, his home town club.

I joined them at the age of nine, but at that time I had to play for the year above, as they hadn’t form a team for my age group. Then I was released aged 12.

But Leicester re-signed him again some years later, after he had made his name in the lower leagues.

I was playing non-league with Redditch Utd and played central midfield on a Saturday and up front in the midweek games, because the striker at the time was getting on a bit and couldn’t play two games in a week.

I scored on a regular basis and had around four teams all interested in me. But with Leicester being my hometown club it was a no brainer, I had a successful trial and Nigel Pearson signed me when I was 21.

So how did he arrive at Mickleover?

I was at Nuneaton with Bev Bevatov, and when he left he told me how good it was at Mickleover and that I should come too. I’m so glad I did.

He normally plays as an attacking midfielder, but is that his favourite position?

I like playing anywhere in the middle. I’ve played nearly every position on the pitch in my career and actually really enjoy playing up top though.

During his time in Malta, with the heat, evening training and being treated like a sporting celebrity, did the change in the footballing culture help or hinder him?

No, it was great! When you move away from home, it’s nice to feel appreciated. The people in Malta love the English and were really welcoming.

You have been doing zoom sessions with the rest of the players during Lockdown, does that help with team spirit?

Yes, for sure. It’s nice getting together with the lads and having a bit of banter. It’s a good a good way for us to get a release,

But what does he do away from football?

I like anything to do with health and fitness. Yoga, road cycling and gym sessions. I ‘m a coffee snob so love my coffee too.

So what do you normally do before a match?

I don’t really have superstitions, but just eat my usual breakfast of coconut yoghurt, Granola and fruit at around 8am, then eat again anything with a good amount of carbs and protein at around 11.30am.

We know it’s been a short season again, but are you surprised how well it went?

Yes I was surprised how quickly we all came together, seeing as there so many new faces at the start of the season.

What has he missed most during Lockdown though?

Having the young v old games in training. The young lads always get schooled!I miss the rondo’s before training, as that’s when the banter and the hard work usually starts in training.

Outside of football though I miss being able to do stuff with my family and friends, like going for meals and the cinema.

When he heard the season was null and void, this was his first reaction.

I was gutted!! It would have been great to carry on riding the train at the top.

What are your fondest memories from your career so far?

Playing for Leicester City at the King Power Stadium was a great memory and winning the FA Trophy at Wembley with Darlington in 2011 too.

by Peter Scherer

Joe Slinn was another pre-season signing for Mickleover FC, an experienced goalkeeper whose career is still on the up.

Joe was keen to be a footballer from the word go and always happy to be on the pitch, no matter what level.

I think it’ probably the same with most people, I grew up enjoying kicking ball around and watching football as a kid. So I think from that moment I always wanted to play football when I got the chance. I am the same now, I look forward to playing five a side or for Mickleover.

Potteries born and bred he was soon picked up by Stoke City.

I went to Stoke when I was eight, then no sooner had I left there about four years later, I was asked to go for a trial at Port Vale and signed for them a couple of weeks later.

Despite being the goalkeeper, he was entrusted with the captaincy of the Port Vale Youth team.

It’s easier being captain in goal if anything, because you can see the full pitch as a keeper, whereas when you are playing outfield you don’t quite see the full picture.

Has he always been a goalkeeper though?

No I started off as a midfielder playing for a local side, but I was put in goal one week when the usual keeper wasn’t available, because of my height. Then I stayed playing keeper after that.

After Callum Hawkins had made a double penalty save in a match, Joe soon did the same, but was that a big ego boost?

No not really, at the end of the day it’s your job as a keeper, keeping the ball out of the net. It is a bit more enjoyable though from the penalty spot though, as the striker is expected to score every time.

Away from football what does he like doing?

I don’t really have much free time at the moment, as I’m still at Uni, so that fills my time during the day, and in the evenings I’m either training at home or with Mickleover, or coaching Port Vale Under 10’s.

Then at weekends we normally have a match on Saturday, and the team I coach play on Sunday’s. When I do get some free time though I am quite big into my Darts. So I’ll either play with some of my mates, or watch it if there’s a tournament on TV.

You have been doing zoom sessions with the rest of the players during Lockdown, does that help with team spirit?

Yes it does, the sessions are quite tough though, but really good too and touching base with the lads and keeping the fitness levels ticking over, while we can’t actually play any football

So what do you normally do before a match?

I’m still Uni the day before, then pop home for tea, before heading out to coaching. Then once I have finished I would probably watch some football if there’s a decent game on, or catch up on some TV if not,

We know it’s been a short season again, but are you surprised how well it went?

Not really, as I think we all knew we had a decent squad and a real chance. If anything the thing that’s been most surprising is how quickly we bonded as a squad, which made it a lot easier to play together out on the pitch.

Sometimes it can take a bit of time when you have as many new faces in the squad as we did at the start of the season.

So with the two Lockdown periods, what has he missed the most?

The chance to be able to catch up with my mates, whether that was going out for a meal and some drinks, or just having a kick about.

One thing I’ve definitely not missed is Moz’s driving. I think James Butler will vouch for me, that the combination of his recklessness and his choice of music is something that makes you appreciate being stuck on Lockdown.

So what are his fondest memories from his career so far?

Probably winning the Walsall Cup when I was at Rushall Olympic. The best part about football is winning trophies, so I would have to say that. But winning it in a penalty shootout made it even better.

by Peter Scherer

Declan Bacon came back to Mickleover FC at the beginning of this season on loan from Gainsborough for a second spell, before making it permanent just before Lockdown.

Unlike a lot of players, Declan didn’t get serious with thisfootballing career until fairly recently.

I think it’s every young boys dream to be a footballer, but it never quite came to that for me. I am proud of my footballing journey though and hope to continue progressing and enjoying myself.

There have been lots of changes at Mickleover since his first spell.

There was only Mase and Pabs in the squad I last played in. No disrespect to the lads I played with before, but this squad is up there with the best I have played with. The togetherness is second to none and I think that’s half the reason we did so well this season.

So having not started through Academies etc, how did his footballing career begin?

Growing up in small village all I did was go to the park and play football. I first started taking it seriously when I was at Bottesford Town, four years ago though.

I had a really good season and scored a few goals, which got me a move to the National League North with Alfreton Town, that was my first real introduction to semi-professional football and I just took it in my stride.

I had a few loan spells at clubs during my time at Alfreton, Sheffield FC, Scarborough and of course Mickleover.

He works in football during the week, as head of Social Inclusion at Scunthorpe Utd, taking him into the community and schools.

I wouldn’t say it hinders me working for a football club, if anything it helps. I’m around like minded people so that always helps.

He started last season strongly and was soon finding the net on a regular basis, before being briefly recalled by Gainsborough, only for the season to be declared null and void again.

It was very frustrating, we all just wanted to keep the train moving forward! No doubt we will continue our form into next season and ruffle a few feathers. I always seem to hit form when I play under the Gaffer, so I hope I continue to work with him regularly.

We have all seen his prowess in front of goal, but has he always played there?

Yeah, I’ve always scored goals. Probably because my Grandad used to give me a pound a goal when I was a kid.

But does he prefer running on to the ball or being the target man?

I am fairly quick so I like to get in behind the defence and create or score goals. I’m trying to get better at the target man stuff, but it just isn’t my style, maybe when I lose pace and I am 35.

You have been doing zoom sessions with the rest of the players during Lockdown, does that help with team spirit?

Definitely, Watty does a great job with the sessions and pits us through our paces. It also helps with a bit of routine, as footballers love routine and need to stay focused.

Away from football, what does he like doing?

I have a two year old daughter, so I love spending time with her. I am trying to get her in to football too, but don’t tell her Mum!!! She has a great strike.

So what do you normally do before a match?

Nothing out of the blue, relax. I love to look at the stats in the league, so I probably do that before we play a certain team.

We know it was a short season, but were you surprised how well it went?

We didn’t start the season so well, but as soon as the lads settled we started to show what we were capable of.

Once the ball got rolling we just steamrolled teams and I genuinely thought going into games we were going to win, or at least get a result. But no surprises now and it’s get ready for next season.

What was his first reaction when the season was declared null and void?

Disappointed, it would have been great to carry on the season where we left off. I was really enjoying everything about football, so it was a bitter pill to swallow.

What are your fondest memories from your career so far?

Probably playing at Pride Park in the Derbyshire Cup Final against Mickleover haha!! I was playing for Alfreton Town at the time and we won, I think I set up the winner as well. A year and a half before that I was literally playing on cow fields for a Sunday League Youth team, so then to jump into Pride Park, it was class.

by Peter Scherer

Having started his footballing story in his native Shropshire, Jake initially became a Mickleover FC player having been spotted playing for Market Drayton against Mickleover.

I always loved football since I was a kid, playing and watching it with my Dad, so it’s just become normal life to me. There’s never been anything else I’ve wanted to do more than be a footballer, so I’ll never give up on my dream.

After playing for Sheffield United, Jake came back to Mickleover for a second spell last summer.

It’s not changed much since I left in 2016, but the team bond is a lot stronger. That’s improved performance on the pitch, which is why we were top of the table.

He made his first team debut at Sheffield Utd in the EFL Cup, but was due to go on loan to Chesterfield when he picked up a devastating cruciate ligament injury.

I was gutted when I got my injury, because of how well things were going. But I knew if I ever wanted to make it in football this would be a big learning curve to get through. It wasn’t hard to find motivation because I knew I wanted to get back to playing as soon as possible. It was hard mentally though to deal with as I was out for so long (10 months).

We know him as a wing back, but has he always played there?

As a kid I played right midfield, but I always enjoyed defending. The when I played for Market Drayton they played me at wing back, which suited me perfectly,  because it meant I could get forward when I wanted, but also knew my job was to defend.

So the overlapping runs into attack are a favourite part of his game?

Yes it’s a massive part of my game. I can show what I can do and help the team score goals, so I do it as much as I can. Some players might say I do it too much, but that’s what I love to do.

He just loves the game and wants to continue playing as long as he can.

My aim in football is to always play at the highest level I can and I’ll never give up on that. I trust in my ability and I know if it wasn’t for my injury, I could be playing league football now. But everything happens for a reason.

You have been doing zoom session with the rest of the players during Lockdown. Does help with team spirit?

It’s great that the gaffer wants us to continue to train on zoom and keep everybody fit, so we’re in the best possible shape for next season. It also continues to allow the team bonding while not being able to train together in person.

Away from his football what does he like doing?

I’ve recently enjoyed riding my bike throughout the Lockdown. I’m looking forward to life going back to normal though, so I can travel more and enjoy time with my family and friends.

So how does he prepare for a match?

The day before I would work in the day then probably chill for a few hours in front of the TV, just relaxing. I always try and make sure I’ve got everything ready for match day, but I normally forget something anyway.

We know it’s been a short season again, but were you surprised how well it went?

After two defeats at the start of the season I wasn’t sure how it was going to go. But after our winning run and managing to get to the top of the table, I don’t think anyone could beat us. That’s the confidence we need to continue to be successful.

When you heard it confirmed that the season was null and void, what was your first reaction?

I did assume it would be, especially after last season ending the same way. Once it was official I was gutted though, because of how well it was going. But we have to come back even stronger next season and keep proving everyone wrong.

What has been your fondest footballing memory?

It was making my professional debut for Sheffield Utd against Walsall. It was always my dream to play at that level and it made it a reality. I plan on getting back to that level one day and will keep working as hard as I can to get there.

by Peter Scherer

Stuart Beavon’s Mickleover FC career started in late 2019, when his experience soon played a major part in the team’s progress.

With Grandad Cyril a professional in the Ron Atkinson days at Oxford United and Father Stuart a midfielder at Tottenham and Reading, football has always played a major part in his life.

I always had a ball at my feet as soon as I could walk, so I think it was obvious I would follow them.

Has he always been a striker with an eye for goal?

No I actually started out as an attacking centre midfielder. Then I started playing up front by chance and didn’t stop scoring, so stayed there.

Having started in local non-league, he moved on via the Conference to play for Wycombe Wanders, Preston North End, Burton Albion and Coventry City. But does he still follow any of his former teams?

I would say Burton as I still live in the area and always look out for their results and watch them on TV. It was probably the most the most enjoyable club I’ve played for and I definitely need to get back there to watch a few games.

In his latter days at Coventry he had been on loan at Wrexham, but left the Sky Blues in May 2019. But how did he get to Mickleover?

I had a call from Mickleover coach Steve Taylor when I left Coventry and ended up going to Nuneaton. It didn’t work out there so I rang Steve back and asked the question and probably regret not signing straight away to be honest. It’s been a long time since I enjoyed my football as much as I do now

In previous conversations he has discussed the pride of being the third generation of his family to win a medal in his career, especially seeing all three medals together.

Yes I have my Dad and Grandads league winner’s medals to go with the one I won at Burton. Something I can pass on to my son and make it even more special.

Over his career he has faced some of the games toughest defenders. But who would he rate the toughest of all and why?

I would have to say Danny Batth. Wolves defender he was on loan at Sheffield Wednesday when I faced him. I literally never got a kick of the ball and he was so good at getting his team going, he didn’t stop all game.

You have being zoom sessions with the rest of the team during Lockdown, does it help with team spirit?

Yes they’re brilliant. Good for a laugh and it keeps all the boys in contact. Everyone puts in the hard work which is good, I think the only one that struggles is poor Wrighty.

But what does he like doing away from football?

I have three kids so try and do as much as possible with them, even though it’s been hard through Lockdown. Also not that I have done it for years, but I do like a bit of fishing.

How does he normally prepare before a match?

I work until about 4pm the day before and get back to see the kids. Once they’re in bed I put my feet up and probably stick Eastenders on and maybe watch a series of some sort with my wife.

We know it’ been a short season again, but were you surprised how well it went?

No I wasn’t really as you could see the team spirit we have and everyone works hard for each other. We have players that can win games out of nothing and I was probably more surprised that we lost some of the games we did.

When you heard it confirmed that the season was null and void, what was your first reaction?

Gutted really, I thought we could have gone on to potentially win the league, as I think as a team we were getting better and better. It will make us more determined to start well next season.

There have been many high points in his career, but which one does he rate as the most memorable?

Winning the FA Vase with Didcot Town at White Hart Lane. I scored two goals and it was where my Dad had started his football career, which made it more special.

by Peter Scherer

Mason Warren came to Mickleover at the beginning of the 2018/19 season and was named captain for this year.

 Doncaster born but it was with neighbouring Rotherham United that his story really begins.

It was my aim to become a professional footballer, like pretty much every young lad around my area, we were brought up playing from a young age, pretending to be our favourite players on the local field.

He was scouted locally and signed for Rotherham, he did make the first team, but was released after a number of loan spells.

I was 15 or 16 when I signed and spent five years there. Happy times but didn’t get the breaks I needed.

He hasn’t always been a midfielder though.

I played centre midfield when I was young, but due to my size when I was about 12, I got moved to left back.

I stayed in that position until 18 or 19 when I moved back into midfield thankfully.

He is the favoured penalty and free kick taker, but did he volunteer for this?

Yes, I always put my name in the hat for set pieces and penalties. There are a couple of boys trying to steal the penalty duty, but I think my record speaks for itself.

Has being the captain and the extra responsibilities that brings affected his game?

If anything I think it’s probably helped really, with that extra responsibility I think tends to bring the best out of people. It’s also helped that the boys have been flying, so it’s worked out perfectly all round.

 You have been doing zoom sessions with the rest of the players during Lockdown, does that help with team spirit?

It’s been great to be honest, as much as the sessions are tough and not nice at the time, it’s kept everyone in contact and kept the team spirit together. Sergeant Phil Squat as we call him now has done a cracking job if keeping us ticking over.

But what does he do away from football?

I love a round of golf and will try my hand at pretty much any sport to be honest, but apart from that I like spending time with my family. Maybe a cinema trip, food out and I’m prone to that regularly.

So what do you normally do before a match?

I tend to chill out, maybe see some mates and relax, then try and get an early ish  night and a good sleep.

We know it’s been a short season again, but are you surprised how well it went?

In all honesty yes. I knew we had a great group of lads, but I thought maybe with all the new signings it may take us a bit of time to gel. But we were straight out of the traps and once up and running we never looked like stopping, which makes the season postponement that bit more disappointing.

When he heard the season was null and void, this was his first reaction.

Disappointing obviously, but ultimately we all expected that to be the case after recent mishaps in the world. For us though it’s just made us more determined to start next season off even better than this one, whenever that might be.

People will write us off and expect us to fall away, but I think that’s when we’re at our best as a team.

What are your fondest memories from your career so far?

Playing at Wembley for my Primary School team in year six. We went through various stages and qualified for the final there. Even though we got beat it was a memory I will never forget.

by Peter Scherer

Yesterdays announcement that the Northern Premier League Premier Division would be null and void for the second successive season, was a bitter pill to swallow for table toppers Mickleover FC.

Having overcome cup runs and waterlogged pitches causing postponements, Mickleover’s perseverance to continue had seen them play 10 of their 42 matches, in contrast to Matlock Town who had only managed six.

The FA decision not to extend the season into June for tiers 3-6 was the final nail in the coffin, making it impossible to complete the remaining fixtures.

We expected this, but we were always prepared to play behind closed doors. Our players had offered to play for expenses only and sort them out with a bonus in the future and just continue to play for their love of the game.

We have to remember they are part timers and we owe the lads really and it’s a sad way to end the season again.

says Chairman Don Amott.

by Peter Scherer

Paddy Webb came to Mickleover FC in late 2019, a well proven goalscorer in lower leagues, making the step up to NPL action.

I had always hoped to be a footballer as it’s always been and always will be a huge part of my life. I like to think realistically and knew it isn’t as easy as people sometimes make out. If I was to make a full-time career out of it, then brilliant. If not then I will always enjoy whatever level I play at.

Although he is from Nottingham he joined Derby County.

I joined Derby when I was 13 and had two seasons there, some highs and some lows. It was an easy decision for me though, as I had been messed around a few times by Forest Academy both before and after my Derby days.

Is he still a Forest fan though?

Yes Forest ‘til I die, but no love lost for their Academy,

He then went to Mansfield Town for a while, before dropping into the lower leagues where his prolific goalscoring feats were noticed by Mickleover.

I hit the ground running at Mickleover last season. I found the step difficult as an all-round player, but knew if I got the opportunities I would do what I was brought in to do.

Unfortunately both season have been cut short, when I was getting into goals coring form.

He is seen mainly as a target striker down the middle, but favours running on to the long ball.

Being left footed I was always utilised on the left wing by most of my managers. But a few years ago I told my manager I wanted to play down the middle.

I would never regard myself as an amazing all-round player, however I do think my style of play has added a different dimension to the team and a few more goals.

So being the runner down the middle is his position of choice?

Definitely happier there yes. I love the ball in behind where I can stretch the defence. It opens the game up and utilises my strengths, freeing up the pitch for the ball players.

We’ve got lots of talent in the team on the ball too, which I believe always needs someone who’s going to make the runs to allow them to play.

What does he feel is the strongest part of his own game?

Although I hit a rough patch at the start of this season, I still consider my best attribute to be my finishing. With a full season and the backing of the manager, I believe I could score 20 plus.

 But away from football what does he like doing? 

I work in construction management, which accommodates a part time degree. With my football it’s a very busy life. Ultimately though it’s a life I enjoy and is fairly rewarding.

If my footballing career never went any higher than this, I would still love to play at this level alongside my day job.

When I am not playing, I’m watching it, which drives my girlfriend mad. I love getting out at the weekend, taking the dog out, which can be rare as it’s normally football on a Saturday. In some ways it’s been nice to have a break, as it’s not something we would normally do in the winter.

You have been doing zoom sessions with the rest of the players during Lockdown, does that help with team spirit?

The sessions are great but I don’t think the team spirit would die even without them. This is the best dressing room I’ve been involved in, as there are no big egos, just a group of players who play for each other and the manager. It makes winning games all the better.

So what do you normally do before a match?

I try and relax, eat right and prepare myself mentally. I’m not ashamed to say I get nervous before every game, a fear of underperforming and letting the team down is only natural for me. I suppose it’s a good thing as I always want to do the best for them and myself.

We know it’s been a short season again, but are you surprised how well it’s gone?

After the first few games I was being honest. However once we got that first win and I saw what we could do, our work rate was far too good for most teams we played. It’s amazing how simple and effective a bit of hard work can be. Moments of quality from everyone then shine through and produce results.

 So what have you missed most during Lockdown’s?

Everything. I need a holiday, a pint, a meal out, a football match, you name it. The sooner we are back to normal the better.

What are your fondest memories from your career so far?

New Years Day against Stafford Rangers away. Being my first game for Mickleover I was bricking it. Coming away with a 1-0 win and the goal, was what I was dreaming of the night before. I don’t think I’ve ever had a greater relief than hearing that final whistle.

The FA’s Alliance and Leagues Committees have now considered the large amount of data and information submitted by clubs across the National League System (NLS) Steps 3-6 as part of a survey to gather views on the continuation or conclusion of the 2020-21 league season, in addition to the information set out in the Government’s roadmap this week. 

Submissions were made by 99.1% of clubs at Steps 3 and 4, and 95.8% of clubs at Steps 5 and 6. We would like to thank the clubs for submitting their views and the time taken in providing responses during what we appreciate is an incredibly challenging period for everyone. The results of the survey showed that over 76% of all clubs across Steps 3-6 indicated a preference to curtail the 2020-21 league season if it could not be restarted with limited spectator numbers and hospitality before 1 April 2021. 

During this process, taking into account views of clubs and leagues it was decided that extending the 2020-21 league season beyond the end of May 2021 would not be a viable option. This was due to various considerations, including the financial implications for many clubs, player contracts and the extent of the fixture scheduling issues caused by the national lockdown and various postponements which had resulted in there being 81% of matches left to complete for Steps 3 and 4, and 75% at Steps 5 and 6. 

Taking into account the survey results and the ongoing impact of Covid-19, which continues to adversely affect incomes for clubs due to restrictions on both spectators and hospitality, The FA’s Alliance and Leagues Committees have reached a consensus that subject to the approval of FA Council, the 2020-21 league season for Steps 3-6 of the NLS should be curtailed with immediate effect, with no further league matches taking place this season. 

The Committees will now present their collective recommendations to The FA Council for ratification. 

It has also been decided that subject to FA Council’s decision regarding the curtailment of the season at Steps 3 to 6, both committees will revisit discussions around a potential restructure at Steps 4-6 of the NLS, which was previously agreed and has been on hold since the 2019-20 season. A further update on this will be provided in due course. 

by Peter Scherer

James Butler was one of the new pre-season signings for Mickleover FC, a reliable and hardworking central defender, with a good pedigree.

James’ father Tony  was also a defender, with over 500 senior games under his belt in a 15 year career, spanning Gillingham, Blackpool, Port Vale, West Bromwich Albion and Bristol City.

I have always wanted to be a pro-footballer, and with my Dad having played, I grew up around it and wanted to follow in his footsteps in making a pro career.

I want to get back into the full time game one day, but at the moment I am very happy at Mickleover and excited to see what we can do next season.

Cheshire born he started out at Nantwich Town.

I joined Stoke City when I was 10 years old, after being scouted at Nantwich, they asked me to go for a trial.

After about six weeks they told me that they wanted me to sign and from then on I just worked my way through the age groups.

I left Stoke when I was 19, so I had been there almost 10 years, so it was hard because that’s all I had ever known. Training over there four to five times aweek as a schoolboy after school, and then being there on a daily basis once I went full time.

So yeah, leaving a club I spent so much of my life at, but I am glad things turned out the way they did, because I wouldn’t be where I am today otherwise.

He hasn’t always been a defender though.

When I was about six or seven I was a right winger and I wasn’t bad there, as ultimately no six year old wants to be a centre half.

It didn’t take long for me to move to centre back though, so I can’t have been as good a winger as I thought.

My Dad would always tell me that I was going to end up there, as he was a centre half and I’m glad I listened to him now, as I am not really built to be a winger and lack a bit of pace to be out there too.

You seem to quite critical of your own performances on occasions, is that part of your game?

I’ve always been quite critical of myself and my performances, because there are very few games where you can come off afterwards and think, I couldn’t have done any better today.

I always try to watch games back to see where I could do better, if it’s the smallest thing I try and take that thought into the next game, so that I am constantly improving and progressing.

The gaffer is a great help as well, he’ll send me clips from the game to show me things I’ve done well and things I could have done better, so that’s a massive help for me.

Away from football what does he like doing? 

I am working Monday to Friday, but in my spare time I like going out with friends, whether that’s for food or a drink. I also enjoy going to the gym whenever I can, so being closed at the moment is annoying.

You have been doing zoom sessions with the rest of the players during Lockdown, does that help with team spirit?

Yes the zooms have been really good. Full credit to Watty as he’s there every session and puts a great workout on. I think they help massively with keeping us close as a team too, but I think we are as close as any team anyway. I have never played in a team that is as close as we are and that’s obviously shown on the pitch this season.

So what do you normally do before a match?

As I am working the day before a game, I usually go to the gym after work and do a light session, then I tend to chill out at home so I am ready for the game.

We know it’s been a short season again, but are you surprised how well it’s gone?

Before the season started I would never have guessed we’d be top of the league at this stage, because being a new signing I obviously hadn’t seen any of the other lads play before. But once we got started training and playing together and I saw what good players we have here and you could tell we were going to be right up there.

Hopefully next season we can build on what we’ve started this year and do what we’re on course for this season, getting promoted.

What are your fondest memories from your career so far?

The best is when I was on loan at Kidsgrove and we got to the last qualifying round of the FA Cup, playing Hartlepool away.

We lost 1-0 but we got clapped off the pitch by their fans. That led to another memory, because after that game I got a loan move to Hartlepool which was good experience for me.