Post by Admin on Dec 10, 2013 2:12:01 GMT
INTERVIEW FROM 6TH DECEMBER, 2011.
First of all a huge thank you to Martin for taking the time to answer these questions, and please remember that this is the first time I have interviewed a player since 2007, so it is far from journalistically perfect, but I hope you enjoy!
1. First of all Martin, I'm sure alot of our users would be interested to know, do you still follow the fortunes of Stockport County?
I do check in every once in a while. I have family connections in Stockport and go back regularly, I have seen a few games in recent years.
2. If so, what do you think of the turn the club has taken since promotion in 1997 when you were still a player, to now struggling in the Conference division?
I am disappointed in where the club is now, the club was in such a great position when I was there, I never thought I would see County in the position it is now.
3. An old team-mate of yours, James Gannon, has recently started his second spell as club manager, I'm sure you know him from your playing days, do you think he is the right man to take County back into the Football League?
I remember Jim well from my time at County. He was a true pro back then and a good role model for young pro's like myself. I think he is the right man for the job, he knows where the club has been and where the fans would like to see it again. He did well in his first stint at the club and I don't see why he can't duplicate it again.
4. You were obviously a member of the 'Class of 97' one of the most succesful County squads in the club's history, with 3 good cup runs and promotion from Division 2 in that season, you of course scored in the Autoglass Trophy match at one of our biggest rivals Burnley, what was the feeling like to score the winner in a derby match?
It was my full debut for the club and a great opportunity to play against Burnley who were a good side. It was a fantastic feeling to score and a goal I'll never forget. Keiron Durkin whipped a ball in back post, it fell perfectly for me and I smashed it in on the full volley.
5. Aside from the Burnley winner, do you have any other fond memories of your time at Edgeley Park?
I have lots of fond memories from Edgeley Park, being on the bench when we beat Man City. Gaining promotion and the aftermath was alot of fun even though I only got in 5 league matches that year.
6. Which team-mates did you get on best with during your time at County and are you still in touch with any of them?
I hung around with Damon Searle and Matthew Bound a lot. I still keep in touch with Damon a little.
7. You are amongst County's most capped international players, with 8 appearances for Canada during your time at Edgeley Park, The Canadian National team seems to have been producing some very good young players over the last few years, do you feel a World Cup qualification could be on the cards for Brazil 2014, Russia 2018 or Qatar 2022?
The pool of players is getting stronger but I think Canada's first real chance will be in 2018.
8. Away from County, I have family from Burnaby, British Columbia and also follow the Vancouver Whitecaps, the club you retired at, how do you think they adapted to their first season in Major League Soccer and do you think over the next couple of years, the caps have a shot for the title?
It wasn't a great transition for the club going into the MLS and the team struggled on the pitch. Off the pitch it was exciting to see how many fans there were at the games and how loud they were. Despite the growing pains I do think the club has the ability to win an MLS title in the next 3 years.
9. Since you have now been retired for a year, what are you doing with your time now and do you miss being a player or are you glad of the rest?
I do miss playing simply because that was my life for 17 years and I loved every minute of it. I coach in the U18 and U16 Programs at the club (Vancouver Whitecaps) as well as doing the Colour Commentary for the games on TV.
10. Growing up, with Canada being more widely associated with Ice Hockey and Lacrosse, who did you support as a kid?
Funnily enough as a kid and to this day I support Tottenham Hotspur as that is where my parents are from. I played both Lacrosse and Hockey growing up and loved it but didn't really support a team or watch it on TV.
Again a massive thanks to Martin for taking the time to answer the questions and of course best of luck to him and the Vancouver Whitecaps for the future!*
*It is worth noting that since this interview took place, Martin has left his position at the Whitecaps and is now Assistant Manager at the Ottawa Fury.
First of all a huge thank you to Martin for taking the time to answer these questions, and please remember that this is the first time I have interviewed a player since 2007, so it is far from journalistically perfect, but I hope you enjoy!
1. First of all Martin, I'm sure alot of our users would be interested to know, do you still follow the fortunes of Stockport County?
I do check in every once in a while. I have family connections in Stockport and go back regularly, I have seen a few games in recent years.
2. If so, what do you think of the turn the club has taken since promotion in 1997 when you were still a player, to now struggling in the Conference division?
I am disappointed in where the club is now, the club was in such a great position when I was there, I never thought I would see County in the position it is now.
3. An old team-mate of yours, James Gannon, has recently started his second spell as club manager, I'm sure you know him from your playing days, do you think he is the right man to take County back into the Football League?
I remember Jim well from my time at County. He was a true pro back then and a good role model for young pro's like myself. I think he is the right man for the job, he knows where the club has been and where the fans would like to see it again. He did well in his first stint at the club and I don't see why he can't duplicate it again.
4. You were obviously a member of the 'Class of 97' one of the most succesful County squads in the club's history, with 3 good cup runs and promotion from Division 2 in that season, you of course scored in the Autoglass Trophy match at one of our biggest rivals Burnley, what was the feeling like to score the winner in a derby match?
It was my full debut for the club and a great opportunity to play against Burnley who were a good side. It was a fantastic feeling to score and a goal I'll never forget. Keiron Durkin whipped a ball in back post, it fell perfectly for me and I smashed it in on the full volley.
5. Aside from the Burnley winner, do you have any other fond memories of your time at Edgeley Park?
I have lots of fond memories from Edgeley Park, being on the bench when we beat Man City. Gaining promotion and the aftermath was alot of fun even though I only got in 5 league matches that year.
6. Which team-mates did you get on best with during your time at County and are you still in touch with any of them?
I hung around with Damon Searle and Matthew Bound a lot. I still keep in touch with Damon a little.
7. You are amongst County's most capped international players, with 8 appearances for Canada during your time at Edgeley Park, The Canadian National team seems to have been producing some very good young players over the last few years, do you feel a World Cup qualification could be on the cards for Brazil 2014, Russia 2018 or Qatar 2022?
The pool of players is getting stronger but I think Canada's first real chance will be in 2018.
8. Away from County, I have family from Burnaby, British Columbia and also follow the Vancouver Whitecaps, the club you retired at, how do you think they adapted to their first season in Major League Soccer and do you think over the next couple of years, the caps have a shot for the title?
It wasn't a great transition for the club going into the MLS and the team struggled on the pitch. Off the pitch it was exciting to see how many fans there were at the games and how loud they were. Despite the growing pains I do think the club has the ability to win an MLS title in the next 3 years.
9. Since you have now been retired for a year, what are you doing with your time now and do you miss being a player or are you glad of the rest?
I do miss playing simply because that was my life for 17 years and I loved every minute of it. I coach in the U18 and U16 Programs at the club (Vancouver Whitecaps) as well as doing the Colour Commentary for the games on TV.
10. Growing up, with Canada being more widely associated with Ice Hockey and Lacrosse, who did you support as a kid?
Funnily enough as a kid and to this day I support Tottenham Hotspur as that is where my parents are from. I played both Lacrosse and Hockey growing up and loved it but didn't really support a team or watch it on TV.
Again a massive thanks to Martin for taking the time to answer the questions and of course best of luck to him and the Vancouver Whitecaps for the future!*
*It is worth noting that since this interview took place, Martin has left his position at the Whitecaps and is now Assistant Manager at the Ottawa Fury.