How Steven Gerrard, Virgil van Dijk, Dele Alli and Adam Webster have made big impressions on my football career

Which club have you felt at home with?

It would have to be Bognor. I spent about 10 years at Portsmouth but when I was let go I came to Bognor and was able to enjoy my football again, be myself and play senior football week in week out.

Who’s the best manager you have played for and why?

Probably Jamie Howell or Jack Pearce – Jamie was the first manager I had in senior football and during those three years the team obviously has great success. Jack has also helped me massively and knows a lot about football.

Are there any role models you look up to and why?

As a kid my idol was Steven Gerard. I used to play in midfield and would try and copy everything he did on the pitch. Now, I like watching Virgil Van Dijk, he plays in the same position as me and is probably the best in the world at the minute.

What was the reason for coming to Bognor?

I had already spent almost two seasons on loan from Portsmouth – so when I got released it was a great place to come and play. I had a great relationship with all the players, the manager and was able to play men’s football week in week out at a young age.

Did you have any trials at any higher league clubs?

When I was let go by Portsmouth I did have trials at some Football League clubs like most released players do - but nothing worked out. Before signing for Bognor I almost signed for a team in the League of Ireland but that didn’t work out – an I am kind of glad it didn’t now.

What’s your favourite football club?

Growing up I supported Portsmouth but now its Bognor – 100%

Which coach do you feel you have benefited from your career?

I had a lot of youth team coaches who helped me develop as a kid but when I came to Bognor Jaime, Dabba and Jack really showed me the real side to football and what needs to be done to become a decent centre half.

What’s your favourite colour?

Green – of course!

Who’s your best player you have played against and why?

As an apprentice I played against Dele Ali – you could tell even back then that he was very good player. He ran the game – everything went through him and I’m sure he scored a few goals too.

Why did you choose football?

I have always loved football – I don’t think there was any other choice!

Who’s the best player you have played with and why?

Adam Webster – we played together a lot in the reserves at Portsmouth and since then he has gone on to play in the Premier League for Brighton. He is everything you want from a modern-day CB really. He’s a good defender, strong but very comfortable on the ball and able to play out from the back too.

Why did you choose to be a defender?

I didn’t really – I was always a midfielder/striker when I was young. But because of my size I got put back into defence and seemed to play better as a CB who could pass out from the back.

What did you think about the FA’s decision to null and void the 2019/20 season?

To be honest, as I was injured for the whole season, I was probably one of very few who didn’t mind. On paper, nobody played the 2019/2020 season not just me.

How did you keep fit during lockdown?

During lockdown I was still recovering from knee injury so all I could really do was rehab exercises and ride my bike. Since then I have been back in the gym trying to build the muscle back up in my legs.

Have you fully recovered from your ACL and PCL ligament operation?

Not yet – like I said I am back in the gym now working on building muscle and regaining the range of movement in the knee. I’m hopeful I will be back running again soon and hopefully kicking a ball around again come Christmas time.

Are you excited for the new season?

Yeah! Having not played for a whole season I have missed football massively. I definitely won’t take it for granted when back playing again.

What’s your prediction on where Bognor will be on the final table came April?

We will be up there I reckon – with the group of players we have at Bognor if we work hard, play the right way and enjoy it. There is no reason we can’t get promoted.