Earliest memories of football are watching my dad play for Leek Csob and going down the Old Victoria Ground watch the Mighty Potters. Playing wise it was Lads and Dads for Nab Hill Bombers. It was a team my dad set up which Phil Braddock took on after a year.

Do any of those early day team mates/players still play- Where

No players from my lads and dads are playing on a sat which is a shame because we had some good players like Paul Hammersley, John Millington, Wayne Braddock and Jason Beardmore. Once the lads found pubs and beer that was a big problem haha.

Who was your biggest influence.

My biggest influence was definitely my dad. He was a leader on the pitch and someone who gave everything.

At what age did you start to play adult league football and for who.

I started adult football with the Sea Lion on a Sunday when I was 17. Kenny Scragg worked his magic on me. It did me the world of good playing against men. I broke into the old boys first team at 18.

Who were your early playing managers, did they help your game.

Lee Mycock really helped my game and gave me the confidence. Chris McMullen was also a great manager and was the man to give me a chance in the first team.

What has your Sunday League history been, teams from your first to current.

Thinking about it I started at Royal Oak when I was 16/17 then I signed for Kenny Sragg at Sea Lion. Then it was Blue Mugge with Kenny after winning the sentinel cup, league etc with Mugge I left to join my dad, brother and mates at Roebuck. Then I ran my own side down the Abbey.
I played for Gareth Jones at the Dyers last season and signed a form for Valiant this season. I have done Saturday and Sundays for over 10 years and can't do it anymore

Did you play any other Saturday football be fore signing for the Old Boys

I have had 1 season at Ball Haye Green where we finished runners up and I enjoyed it. Kenny Birch-Machin gave me a chance to play centre mid

When did you sign for the Old Boys

I signed when I was 18. I had a couple of seasons then a season at Green before returning to Csob after Chris McMullen called me.

Last year you became the clubs record holder for appearances, over 200, how does that feel

It is a great feeling and something I'm really proud of. The club means a lot to me and always will. I have had my eye on the record for a while.

Over the years you have many witnessed highs and lows, can you reveal a few.

Winning the Staffs Vase was brilliant even though I was suspended for the final. Me and Mark Fox were in dressing room cuz I couldn't watch the penalty shoot out. Playing at Gigg Lane against FC Utd in front of over 3000 people was special especially leading the lads out as captain aged 21.
Lows would snapping my ankle ligaments 2 weeks before the FC United home match and having to miss the game. Also my bad injury away at Radford in the FA Vase about 5yrs ago when I was left with a massive hole in my knee which needed over 30 stitches and eventually major surgery.

What so far has been the proudest personal moment

Proudest moment is definitely leading the lads out against FC United as skipper. A very proud moment and a great day I will never forget.

Lets talk about inside the club, what do you think about long standing member and servant Stan Locket

Sir Stan is Mr Leek CSOB. He is a legend and for me there would be no Leek CSOB now if it wasn't for him. A great man.

We have currently three joint managers, is that a good thing.

Don't see why not. It's 3 different opinions and all bring something to the club.

You are Skipper, if the management wanted you to stand down, would you fight for it.

Being honest no. I would be very shocked, surprised and disappointed though. I have always been captain of my sides since the age of 10 on Saturday's and Sunday's. I want a manager to believe in me as a captain and want me as their leader on the pitch. I enjoy it.

The club rely `s on many unsung heroes/ volunteers, whats your message to them.

Ur right there are a lot of people who don't get the recognition and I would like to say a massive thanks on behalf of all the players.

The Team, Sitting 10th in the league, is that where we should be.

I think 10th and mid table is about right. We have been in great form since December and should be aiming for top 6 next season but we only won 1 of our first 13 games I think so we have got to be happy with mid table. Ash Wooliscroft and Lewis Rhodes have made a big difference.

There has been a lot of ins and outs of late, does that bother you.

Not really It happens every season so I'm used to it by now. There isn't much loyalty now a days and lads don't enjoy their football like they should and used to.
We are down to the bare bones now which is disappointing after the run we have been on but it gives the young lads a go

When you look around the pitch during a game, can you see weak areas, if so, do you have input to the managers

Yes there are weak areas and we can definitely improve. I do get asked my opinion as captain but I'm not the manager. They make the decision

One of the main successes this season has been seeing the youth players stepping up taking their chances, how does that make you feel.

It's great and what should happen. I was a young 18yr old once and Chris McMullen and Andy Walters gave me a chance. They are the future

Where do you think Old Boys will be this time next year.

It depends on alot of things but the club is in a good place and we should be aiming for the top 6. A good start is key

Finally, your future player to watch out for.
George Pauley a young lad who has come in the last few weeks and impressed me. Right attitude and definitely one to watch out for.