- The 7s were once considered a team you joined if you loved your football but weren’t necessarily gifted in that department – how do you think that outlook has changed this season? Was it sudden or has this developed over a period of time?
Even when myself and Nick joined the 7s as freshers, this was never really the outlook. We had a strong team and made it to the Cup semi-finals, losing to the UCL 3s who went on to win the cup. Obviously when you say LSE 7s people don’t immediately think of a good footballing team, yet this season i think this outlook was changed immediately. We beat both the 5s & 6s in pre season friendlies and went on to win every game in the first 6-7 weeks.
- Was all your success this year anticipated or was it more a question of ‘fuck it, we’re doing well, may as well start taking this even more seriously’?
It’s hard to anticipate anything, especially with signing so many freshers. You simply do not know who will regularly turn up or who will eventually drop out. This said, we always take it seriously, it was never a matter of taking it seriously because we are doing well.
- How do you explain signing such a quality group of freshers?
Nick Davies has far too much time on his hands and is a very persistent man. He went to watch the freshers 5-a-side tournament a few days before trials, spoke to a few players and made sure not to let them out of his sight. A lot of other signings came from signing early, I believe we signed around 7 players on the Saturday.
- How much of a help has it been having Nick by your side?
On top of his tapping up of freshers, Nick has been a massive help. Being captain last year, he was able to help me in pretty much every aspect of being captain this year. He helped with team selections, finding players when we were short and ran all the pre game warm ups. Without wanting to inflate his ego, he has made my job really easy.
- Are the 7s going to miss his throw-ins?
Lol no, it’s a well known across the footballing world that Nick has a long throw, but unfortunately our team are very short. For a man as tall as he is, he’s pretty shit in the air.
- Who, of all your players, has impressed you most this season?
Tommy Sharpe, without doubt. We signed him as a duo with Sam Taylor. Everyone knows how good Sam is, but Tommy is the most consistent footballer and is being poached by a lot of other captains as a ringer. Also Banno, with his surprisingly good touch.
- Sammy T has just been confirmed as captain for 2019-20 – what makes you think he’s the lad to continue your work?
There were a lot of good contenders, but Sam has been one of the best players in the FC this season, and has been very social. He’ll also be well assisted by Jonty and Benji next year. It was a very difficult decision and one that was not decided immediately, but i think the right decision has been made.
- Do you have any advice for Sammy going into next season?
Sign freshers early, go into trials with a plan, and most importantly is to use Jonty and Benji for guidance.
- Much like Liverpool, the 7s are locked in a title race – do you have to win in order to call your season a success?
Nah. We’ve beat the 5s twice and the 6s once, and we’re ahead in the league. I think we’ve already had a successful season. Obviously winning the two leagues would be decent though.
- Which of all the other captains do you admire in particular and why?
Will Cole, for dealing with a lack of players all season. I’ve been lucky with having such a big squad this year and rarely had to worry about not fielding a team. He has to turn up with often a bare 11, playing against teams with 7 substitutes and coaches.
