When did you start playing Hockey?

When I was 13/14 at school.  I then got involved with South Wirral Hockey Club via Mark Cooper and his connection with Dave “The Legend” Weston

Who have you played for?

South Wirral, Rabnoolas, The University of Liverpool & Neston/South Wirral 1sts-3rds

What Positions have you played?

At one point or another I have played them all, kicking back included.

What book are you reading at the moment?

Bill Clintons Biography – I started it in 2006 and hope to have it completed by 2008

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What is your favourite film?

Iam a bit of a Bond fan and particularly enjoyed the last one, Top Gun and Ferris Buellers Day Off were favourites in my younger years, Silence of the Lambs and Schindlers List are classics.  I think I am becoming morbid in my old age!

What position do you play at the moment?

I have managed to con people that I am a centre forward.  I have managed a reasonable tally over the past few years with the highlight of scoring 5 goals in one match (Hogarth struggled with that one).

Who is the best player you have played with or against?

I have been lucky enough to play with Johnny Bell (he was England Universities captain at the time), and several others at university that were in the National League, several of which played for their country at their age level.  I recall at University playing against Birmingham which contained Billy Waugh who later on played in the Olympics.  He got sent off in our encounter for a deliberate foot on the ball, which I thought was harsh but we suffered a 9-1 loss with me playing right back and scoring our only goal.  I played against Bobby Crutchley when I was at South Wirral and Bobby was playing for Neston, and later on he trained us when I played at Uni.  It was a particular honour playing with Robbie Smith – who is an example to anybody within hockey, extremely fit, great technical player, he has forgotten more than I know!  Dave Watson (RIP), Picko, and Turnbull where all great fun to play with in the days when playing all day tournaments on grass was a regular occurrence.

Top Tip, in Hockey ?-

Hockey isn’t just a physical game.  Players like Robbie Smith, Trevor Thomas, Rowno would always be analysing the game.  Watching where the opponents runners would run too etc. etc. 

Philosophy of life ?

You get out of life, what you put in.

What other sports played?- 

I have played all sorts of sports at one time or another.  I just play hockey these days, but enjoy watching sport.  My biggest indulgence is going to watch Liverpool when I get the chance.  I have been fortunate enough to see them play in the last two Champions League finals.  I have also got tickets to go and watch England v Samoa in the Rugby World Cup.

What Music do you like? 

Dire Straits are my all time favourite band.  However I enjoy quite a broad spectrum of music, I have been to see Richard Ashcroft in concert a couple of months ago and I had Scissor Sisters tickets the other week but last minute couldn’t go.

What are your duties going to be as third team Captain ?

Its quite simple, I need to provide a platform for the youngsters (& Hursty) to integrate into the 1s and 2s and await the imminent arrival of Greg Brooker.

What does your other half do when your playing hockey?

She plays for the ladies firsts….which when we are both at home is great because Jess and Harry (my kids) stand on the sidelines with Sarah when I am playing and vice versa.

Who would you want in a fight on your side, and why,  from NSWHC.

The answer a couple of years of ago would have been Greg Cooper – but he probably has a sore wrist now, so the answer would have to be Rob Young – hes got a face must people would love to punch, however if they still were insistant on hitting me, by the time they run around Rob, they wouldn’t have much energy left.

Future for NSWHC ?

Lets conquer Europe……onwards and upwards……viva la Shrimps.

Thanks Steve have a great season