Ruts Appearances 201

Ruts Goals 23 

When did you join the Old Ruts and why?

I played against the club for Rutlish School. Loved it and have been part of the club ever since. Must mention how immensely proud of Ruts Youth I am. We have provided 100’s of local youngsters and their parents with some magical moments including winning the Surrey Cup and playing at Stamford Bridge. We are very close to achieving the original objective of getting the players to become Senior Players at ORAFC. This will happen within 2 seasons.

Question 2 – What was your most memorable match and why?

 There are 2. The QF of the Surrey Cup in 2004/05 was the highlight as a player for me. No point retelling the tale as I’m sure everyone has heard it multiple times.

Then there was the Semi Final of the Surrey Cup for Robbie Baird’s youth team. We played a very good Barnes FC team and found ourselves 1-0 down due to a shocking penalty decision. In the final minute we threw everything at them, the ball dropped to my eldest son Jamie in the box, he duly buried the equaliser, the noise from the support was amazing (75 plus watching). We ran out of gas in extra time but that goal and the amount of support we had was a sign Ruts Youth was going places. The following season we drew Barnes again in the quarter final, the boys played superbly to avenge the defeat on their way to lifting the trophy – Great memories.

Question 3 – Who was the best Manager/Captain you played under?

In the early days Mark Barber was great in building confidence of younger players. A special mention to Boo Boo though, who made me Captain in our double winning Season.  However, due to his commitment, longevity, leadership on and off the pitch and ability to get a side out regardless of absentees it is without a doubt Erol Yilmaz.  

Question 4 – Your funniest Ruts Football Memory. 

Easy one. Step forward Peter ‘Polo’ Thomas. A tough tight game over Wimbledon Common Extensions saw Polo marauding forward and into the opposition six yard box. The ball rolled into his path for a simple tap in. Instead of calmly side footing the ball home he decided to try and break the net. Unfortunately for Polo the ball cannoned squarely off the post and rebounded to the half way line. Everyone on the pitch stopped because we were laughing too much. Made even funnier by how cross he was.

Question 5 – What is your least favourite Ruts Football Memory?

I don’t really have too many negative memories on the playing side as I enjoyed being part of it so much. Off the pitch the only negative is how only a handful of people do so much to provide football. If only more people pitched in then the jobs would be less time consuming. There are many people that have loved playing for us but only a handful put anything back. 

Question 6 – Best Player you ever played with for the Ruts?

I’ve played with all the usual suspects that get mentioned when this question crops up. They are all well worthy of being listed. However, from a personal perspective I most enjoyed playing alongside Darren Noonan. We built a great defensive partnership in the double winning season and were appalled on the few times the opposition did manage to score.

Question 7 – Favourite Goal you scored or were part of in the build up?

Without a doubt the goal that drew us level in the Surrey Cup QF. Shalford were 2-1 up and cruising with 10 minutes to go. I was sub and harassing the managers to put me on. Eventually they ran out of ideas and I was slung on. The ball was pumped forward and I managed to control it and dispatch the ball past the on rushing keeper with my left foot. There’s a rumour I stood there Cantonaesque in celebration. I was more than likely in shock.

Question 8 – Most embarrassing moment in a Ruts Shirt? (Playing or Socially)

Socially there are hundreds. Playing wise I’d say my ill advised run out last season. I was run ragged by an average forward and had the ball pelted into my not small hooter. The only completed pass I made that day. Boots well and truly hung up.