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Firstly Tom thanks for doing the interview.
What is your full name and nick name:
No worries Tony. Full name is Thomas Darren McCurdy. Nickname, I'm
not sure, probably 'Little'un' gets shouted at me enough times. Other than that just general abuse; 'cocky
little sh*t' etc.
When did you first take up Hockey?
Firstly had a dabble in
primary school after a little push from my Mum, then tried properly when I was 11 in the Tony Bush School of Hockey!
What positions have you played?
Initially centre forward as a matter of fact, it
seems the fatter I was the higher up the park I played. Through the years I've played centre mid, right mid, as I'm
sure you can appreciate I was a handy winger with my outstanding pace. However my true calling was in a full back position
along side Mr. Brooker.
What are you reading at the moment?
I started Angels and
Demons just after I saw the film in the summer, it's safe to say I've got a lot left to read. Being such an academic
young man, my chemistry books take precedence over Dan Brown's novels!
What is your
favourite film?
There are a lot really, I love old time war films such as Where Eagles Dare, however Back
to the Future always will be top of my chart!
Best player you have played with or against?
I've been lucky enough to play with a few, I know Shep would love his name thrown in here somewhere, he's quite
handy (in goal). Andy Bull, he's a quality lad who's the U18 England captain, he was bundles of fun to play against!
Another young lad, Brendan Creed is awesome, he is brilliant to play alongside with.
Top tip, for
Hockey?
It's so boring and so typical, but if you want to do well, train train train train. I have
made hockey more of an obsession than a passion and I think analysing what you do in a game really helps you to improve.
What are you listening to, music wise at the moment?
Anything and everything, big
fan of Babyshambles, The Libertines and Robbie Williams is a must have an the iPod.
Best advice given
to you?
It was after my first North West tournament, I was totally dejected after getting next to no pitch
time. I spoke to Lawrence and he said no matter how little of a part I played in the squad, I still played a part. So next
time, train harder and prove you're worthy of being a bigger part of the team. And also when I didn't get into
England after I played in the Futures Cup, my parents both said; 'next year come back, come back bigger, harder, faster,
fitter and stronger, just make sure you come back'. Simple I know, but it's always stuck with me.
Who
has been the biggest influence on your Hockey?
I would say there are three main people who have influenced
hockey for me dramatically, yourself Tony, you have been a great coach and mentor from my first game on the grass pitch at
Bowdon, to now. Also Richard Beswick had a great influence as well as Lawrence McNeight, who really has helped me through
the senior section. To all three I am very grateful!
What next for NSWHC?
It'd
be great to see promotion for the first team, really boost up morale as well as getting out of that scrappy league. Also to
see the juniors continue to do so well, and of course the junior girls, I'd love to see them gain greater recognition
and do well for themselves!
Who would you have on your side, who is a present member of NSWHC
in a full kicking scrapping fight and why?
At first I thought Greg Brooker you know, but then thought he'd
be more likely to turn around and join the person attacking me, probably due to my tight red trousers or something like that.
But, after what I saw a few weeks ago of Steve Cookson deciding to pick on the largest hockey player I've ever seen, and
still having a go at him when the umpire called them over, I think he'd be very handy!
Where do
you Splash the Cash?
(What shops do you spend your Money?) I enjoy spending my parents money at various
different shops. I do enjoy HMV for buying my Frasier Boxsets!
What has been the best day of your
life? I think the Holland tour a few years back was the best few days of my life, just cruising along the red
light district in the evening after being taught by Dutch International players in the day!
Favourite
Food?
Definitely a Thai, I love Tuna and Pasta Bake, but on the other hand a good Chinese never goes a
miss!
Favourite Drink?
I vaguely recollect tasting Snakebite and deciding it was
my new favourite drink, but later on that evening I think my stomach decided against that notion, so a good Dr Pepper is relatively
tasty.
Your ideal weekend?
Definitely starting off by chilling Friday evening with
my loved ones, I'll let you decide whom they may be. Then a 9-0 win against Oxton Saturday morning, with my triple
hatrick! Off for a few drinks with the team and a bite to eat. Then hit up a party or a good gig in the evening with my mates.
Sunday a nice lie in, breakfast in bed courtesy of Audrey, who recently passed her level one coaching course (it's almost
Christmas, may aswell get in her good books) and then a phone call telling me school has blown up and I never have to go again! What/who
are you going to miss at NSW!?
Neston is a brilliant social club, which I will miss, however I'm still
keeping my social membership so I'll be knocking around with a lemonade in hand now and again. I enjoy the banter that
has recently come about, and how used to all my cocky antics the team has gotten. Just generally the whole section and especially
the first team. Really sound bunch of guys.
Tom great interview and it goes without saying we will
miss you, probably more on the field than off, only joking, although the McCurdy Fashion parade post game is always very entertaining!
Best of luck in your journey to go as far in hockey as you can, we will watch your progress with pride and hope we can tempt
you back at some time in the near future. Have a good Christmas and a Great 2010.
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