Ethan from Cobblers Past interviews Ex-Cobblers player and manager about his time at the Cobblers and his footballing career.
What was your favourite moment from your time at Northampton and why?
Winning the play off final against Swansea at Wembley because growing up all kids wanted to play at Wembley in a cup final and to win it so late in the game was just unbelievable. Beating Liverpool at Anfield because no one gave us a chance, both games backed by unbelievable support.
Who was the craziest player you played with and why?
We had some good characters in quite a few of the squads I was involved in, Dave Martin took banter to a whole new level , Woody funny guy with some great one liners and John Hodge for his jokes and impersonations.
Did you ever think about leaving Northampton as a player bearing mind you spent nearly all your career playing here ?
It never crossed my mind to leave the cobblers I was happy living in Northampton, we had two young children and I didn’t want to be a journey man football dragging my family all over the place, I had some interest from other clubs at our level but it never appealed to me and I enjoyed playing for the town.
You’ve been at some of the Cobblers games this season for BBC Radio Northampton, what do you think about team? What’s needed?
This years team have certainly suffered after relegation, I got the impression there were some egos in that team who maybe thought they shouldn’t be in league two and the football played early in the season was quite pleasing on the eye but the team lacked a real edge at one end and struggled to concentrate on the defensive side at the other , the new manager has come in and straight away looked like he had organised the team well and played percentage football which got them looking up the league with some optimism but for some reason a change of style and lots of changing of personal has almost seen the team go backwards, I think a settled team always helps and try to introduce some of the younger players at the right opportunity.
What’s the one thing that sticks out from your football career and why?
Signing my first contract at Sunderland was the biggest thing to happen to me, I was 21 and working in a factory and signing for Sunderland changed my life completely.
What is life like now after you’ve retired from playing football?
Nothing beats playing football for a living so retiring was always going to be a tough decision, I was fortunate enough to continue working at the Cobblers for another seven years in various capacities, I been lucky to scout for three different premier league clubs over the last few years which at times has been a real pleasure to watch some of the worlds best, l have also been coaching at FCV international academy which is a private football academy with players between the ages of 16 and 21 from all over the world which has been interesting and rewarding and with this role I’ve been able to visit different countries in Europe and one great trip to India.
I would like to thank Ian for his time and support.
We have my ex-cobbler interviews coming soon.
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