We interview an Alfreton Town Supporter ahead of tomorrow night’s game against them at Sincil Bank
Thank you to Liam for taking the time to answer questions ahead of Tuesday’s game.
Who do you Support?
Alfreton Town
How Long have you supported them?
Since 2007/8. Our first season under Nicky Law. I am only 20!
Last Seasons Finish
13th
What do you think of your manager?
I believe he is one of the best in this league. I fully expect a Football League club to come calling for him if we do qualify for the play offs. He has great man management skills and a real tactical nouse. A prime example being the away game at Kidderminster recently. Losing at halftime Law switched to a 4-5-1 and and we produced a fantastic half of football coming out on top 3-1 in the second half. Even Kidderminster fans were singing his praises after the game!
How has your season gone in comparison to your expectations?
Not even in my wildest dreams could I expected us to 4th on Christmas day and in the top three by New Years Day! My expectations were to have a solid season and push for a top half finish. I am not complaining though! The lads have done the town and club proud this season and long may it continue all the way to Wembley! I mean who would have foreseen doing a double over Kidderminster who finished second to Mansfield last season.
We signed Ben Tomlinson, suspended for this game, from you in the summer. What aspects of his game is he remembered for from his time there?
Ben was well liked by the fans at the Impact. He was a good strong striker and formed a good partnership with Clayton last season. He’s remembered for holding the ball up for the midfield runners. However heading wasn’t his strongest suit and he did have a poor disciplinary record.
It’s unusual to see a team with the worst defensive record in the top half of a league, never mind in 3rd place! Is your defence record down to being weak in that area, or because you’re quite gung-ho in games?
I think it’s a bit of both to be honest! Nicky loves to play open, expansive attacking football and in a few games this season, mostly away, our midfield has been over-run which in turn has put a strain on the backline. The home game against Luton and away games at Gateshead and Nuneaton spring to mind! One thing that has been constant all season is knowing that you have a quality keeper! Ross Atkins was excellent for us but after picking up an injury in a DSC game he was recalled by Derby from his loan. FC United then allowed to have the services of Jon Worsnop who looks a real find and a very adept keeper!
What’s been the main reason you’ve performed so much better so far this season compared to last season?
I think it’s simple – we have signed a better quality of player this time around. I mean how Nicky has managed to persuade player such as John Akinde and Daniel Wishart to come to play for Alfreton is beyond me!
Top five predictions?
1. Luton
2. Cambridge
3. Grimsby
4. Kidderminster
5. Alfreton
I think Luton will just kick on now. They are by far and away the best side I have seen. Cambridge are imperious at home but their stumbling away will just cost them in the end. Grimsby are strong and we consolidate a play off spot. I think Steve Burr we turn Kidderminster around from a mid season slump and there may be a hint of bias in this pick but I feel we will grab the final spot.
Bottom four predictions?
21. Southport
22. Chester
23. Dartford
24. Hyde
I think the bottom two are doomed. I think one big factor will account for Chester and Southport. A lack of goals and in Chester’s case too many draws especially at home.
I feel Tamworths form at The Lamb may just save them by the skin of their teeth.
Thoughts on Lincoln City?
Well, I can remember when I first started following football how Lincoln we perennial play off contenders in League Two and Sincil Bank was a tough place to go! How times have changed! I thought Lincoln may have turned a corner with your form early doors but again your achilles heel has been a distinct lack of Goals. I mean just 10 goals all season if front your home support? I feel its time for managerial change at the club so you can get moving in the right direction again. I always hate to see good honest clubs struggling.
Score prediction?
Lincoln 1-2 Alfreton
Think defeat may be the last nail in your managers coffin. Predicting Lincoln to score as we don’t deal in clean sheets or draws.
Random fact about your Club?
Good Question!
One I have already mentioned the fact that we have only drew one of our last 38 League Games.
Secondly, it’s a certainly a bad omen to beat us on the opening day of the season as every team that has done so, so far has been relegated.
2011/12 A Hayes and Yeading L 3-1, Finished – 21st
2012/13 A Stockport County L 1-0, Finished – 21st
And so far this season
2013/14 A Dartford L 1-0. Currently – 23rd
So it looks like the run is to continue!
