Tuesday, 4 December 2012

Interview: Q&A with the VC

When Stratford need a goal there is only one man they can turn to. One man who has scored seven times and shows no signs of stopping there. He's a Welsh Wizard of the Hackney Marshes. He's 20 years old. He's the kind of man that scores goals from 40 yards for fun. That's right, it's the Vice-Captain, Elliot Greening.

You scored two more goals on Sunday, but the team lost. Did you feel that you performed as well as you could?

If we didn't win, I could have done something more. Simple as that. I thought I put in a good shift and gave it my all but we came up short so there's always areas to look at, for myself and for the team.

Stratford are down to seventh in the League, is that a fair reflection of the season so far?

If you look back at our results, we've really been tough and fought hard in games to get results so I believe it's fair. I'm a bit of a stats man myself so I've had a look at the league and found out that we haven't played the four teams above us, so we've yet to find out exactly what Stratford Athletic are going to be all about.

You're concerned with stats so you'll be fully aware of your goalscoring record but also with your assists week-by-week. Is it fair to say you've hit the ground running at Stratford Athletic?

I'd say so, I like to play with a chip on my shoulder and I was really amped up in our last fixture. It helps me play better. Any striker that says they dont check the goalscoring charts is a liar, my competitive nature takes over with the statistic side of football. Im just planning to keep my form going.

You'll have noticed the banner that the fans hold in the North Stand that reads 'ABSOLUTE BALLSOCKS'. There's also the new tradition of a round of applause on the 14th minute of games. How have you managed the fame that has come your way from the podcast?

I'm glad the podcast is taking off, its something we did as a bit of fun on the side and the fans have really taken to it. Its a chance for the supporters to get to know the gaffer and the players.

Does your healthy relationship with the fans and the players help you to be a good VC, and are you enjoying the role?

Vice captaincy feels like a nice reward for hard work so its fun. I get on well with the lads, we may shout at each other and get a bit heated sometimes on the pitch but its all hugs in the showers after. Me and the Gaff have a special relationship, he needs me to play as much for the club as I do for his seal of approval. He deals with me when I go off the rails, which to be honest is far too often.

There were rumours of a Wales call-up, what with their awful form, would you accept the call?

I am a very, very proud welshman. I would very much welcome the call from my nation. Not in the greatest run of form at the moment are they? I'd be the second Greening to get the call up after my dad (David) did after his 36 goals in 32 game season back in the day. A target he's set me to beat this season.

Do you think you can reach that target?

It's a tough ask but I'm confident I can beat the old man.

What does playing for Stratford Athletic mean to you?

I wake up on a Monday morning, sore and hurting from the game on Sunday but desperately looking forward to the next fixture. I love my football and it's even better playing with your mates. I'm proud of how the club has come along.

And finally, if you could thank the gaffer for anything this season, what would it be?

Believing in me. I've got it gaffer, I haven't lost it, I've just misplaced it, don't drop us boss.

Thanks Boyo.

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