In a series of interviews with your favourite Marine players, coaches and officials we’ve pulled a rabbit out of the hat and gone for popular figure Mr Jamie Rainford, local player and all round good guy. Jamie has got off to a fantastic start this season with not just his goals but his all-round approach play winning the plaudits of home and away fans alike. Gary caught up with Jamie recently to discuss Football, Tactics, Cars and holidays alike…..

You’ve really come out of the blocks firing this season, you must be
happy with the way you have started the campaign?
“Very happy with things, certainly from a personal perspective anyway? I had a solid pre-season and feel like ive hit the ground running with
regards to fitness, subject to debate obviously!!”

What are your thoughts on the overall start for the team so far?
“Probably would have to say disappointed overall, especially with the home games. We just haven’t got the ball in the back of the net, probably most evident in the bank holiday game against Buxton, we felt after that game that we should have bagged all three point in that and we didn’t get anything. The FC United game, well that just didn’t happen for us but at the start of the season we’d have probably said 8 points from the first four games would be ok, we got six so we’re not too far off.”

This team seems to have really stayed strong and are playing with a united front. What are your hopes for the team this season?
“There is potentially a lot of strength in depth in the squad
which is great at this level and with the quality that we have in the first team at the moment I can certainly see us up there come the end of the season in the thick of things.”

Do you think that you have another notch or three to bring to your game this season or is it just a case of developing with experience?
“I think there is a lot more to come from me, not just in the mid to long term but also this season.”

Are there any players that are really standing out in the squad in your opinion at the moment?
“It’s difficult to single out any one player in particular as we’ve all progressed as a squad but if pressed I’d say little Ste Johnno has done well and Sean Doherty has also impressed early doors.”

There are a lot of decent, high profile teams in this division at the moment, what teams are you expecting to challenge for promotion come April?
“I suppose FC United will be there abouts but I’ve got to be honest with you Gary I probably couldn’t tell you who the main challengers are as I only concentrate on my team and what we can do.”

QUICK ONES……
Former Clubs? “Bootle FC”;
Fave Team non-Marine? “Everton FC – The People’s Club”;
Fave television Programme? “All the Soaps”;
Top Tipple? “Brandy and Coke”;
Favorite Holiday Destination? “Thailand”;
Current Motor? “BMW”;
Flicks, Disco or Meal? “The Pictures”;
Favourite Players Past and present? “Brazilian Ronaldo (Past), Portugese
Ronaldo (Present)”;
Last film seen and would you recommend it? “The New Karate Kid film and I’d deffo recommend it.”;
Who’s the best dressed at the club? “Well there are a few of us who really get the best out or urban apparel but I’d say best dressed would be Sean Doherty.”
Who’s the worst dressed at the club? “The name that comes to mind is Joe McMahon (sorry mate).”

--------------- Thanks for your time, Jamie!