Greg, thanks for giving this interview. Thanks also for providing information about the History of the club and
the match reports.
When did you start playing Hockey?
At a rough guess mid 80’s when Dave Jellicoe, Geoff Poole, my dad etc started the Sunday
morning training sessions on the grass at the club.
Who did you play for?
I’m pretty sure I played my first game in the fifths, before rapidly moving downwards to
the sixths. The badger set up was still a few years off at that stage, but Roy Rodger tells me that I was one of the original
badgers when it started off.
What Position?
I was a flying right winger!. Geoff Poole decided my future lay elsewhere when I was 15/16, and
I’ve never been out of my own 25 since.
What book are you reading at the moment?
‘A blueprint for success’ by Chris
Todd.
Favourite film?
I can’t actually remember its name, but it can only be described as an ‘action’
movie. Fraser Horwood gave it to me so he might remember the name, he said he’s got loads like it, but you can’t
get them at Blockbuster apparently ?. I actually thought the plot was a bit thin but it soon warmed up.
What position do you play at the moment?
Central defence.
Who is the best player you have played with or against?
What, apart from you Tony? Difficult choice. I’ve been fortunate to have played with and
against some pretty handy players and it’s a damn shame that none of their talent has rubbed off on me. Robbie Smith’s
knowledge of the game was second to none, but if I had to choose one I’d say Jason Cooper (ex-Neston, Brooklands, Harrogate). Amazingly talented
but sadly without Robbie’s brain.
Top tip in Hockey?
Listen to all that Eddie Byrne’s tells you, and then forget it. Only joking Ed…
What other sports played?
Cricket, football, snooker and darts. Unlike my brother’s glittering 1st team
cricket career, I failed to score in my appearances for the team. He was a run machine in those days..
What Music do you like?
I always enjoy the calming tunes of Foster and Allen before a big game, whilst I’ve also
got quite into Right Said Fred since Barry started playing it on the way to matches.
What’s it like playing Hockey with your Brother?
It’s great, because he’ll normally
give me a lift, thus allowing plentiful post match beverages.
What is it like having your Dad umpire you.
If truth be told, I can’t stand it !. He’s
actually pretty good compared to many, but it get’s the oppo’s backs up when they know I’m related to the
silver fox.
What does Emma, your other half do when you’re playing?
Emma’s generally at work, worrying about
what time and in what state I return to the lovenest in!
Who would you want in a fight on your side from NSWHC?
Without doubt Ben Coppack. After all, they’re
bound to punch the ginger first, giving me time to get out of danger.
Future for NSWHC?
Rosier than it has been for sometime. Seem to
be doing really well numbers wise, and under your stewardship, the junior section seems to be thriving again. An ‘on-site’
pitch would be a massive step forward, but to really push things along the 1st team need to get themselves up sooner
rather than later. We’re doing well attracting the young talent in the area, but to attract quality established players,
the ‘flagship’ team needs to push on.
Finally, I’d like to see a statue of Eddie
erected in the car park. In marble preferably.
I have heard that you have had a few run in’s with the shamrock
marked black stuff, however I am very keen to know exactly how did the cream coloured carpet get ruined? Was it the
same way that two tables were taken out of action at the Indian Fusion? Is it true that Barry Roberts was involved or
present at both ?
You are correct that
there was some ‘stout’ damage to the cream carpet. You are also correct in that Barrington Roberts was at the
scene, as he was at the Fusion debacle. However, the stout damage was accepted as an occupational hazard and the REAL long lasting damage to the carpet was in fact caused by none other than the pesky Nathan
Brooker, who ironically managed to knock over a jug of cream whilst scrambling to dip his fingers in my Guinness!
I am pleased that all this was all cleared up! Thanks Greg and
good luck with the rest of the season.
