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"JUST ONE MORE QUESTION...?"

Exclusive County 4 Life Interviews

First it was Liam Dickinson, then club skipper Ashley Williams, and hopefully many more players past and present will be looking to give County 4 Life an exclusive interview that'll appear on this page after spending a while on the home page.

Thank you very much and happy clicking...

Liam Dickinson - Oct 2007

Ashley Williams - Nov 2007

Gareth Owen - Dec 2007

Jason Taylor - Jan 2008

Adam Griffin - Feb 2008

Conrad Logan - Feb 2008

"I SEEM TO CLICK WELL WITH PROUDLOCK"

Liam Dickinson...Exclusive Interview For County 4 Life

For the start of hopefully a regular feature, County 4 Life were flattered when County striker Liam Dickinson agreed to give us an exclusive interview. Many County fans will be pleased to hear Liam is fully focussed on getting County as high as possible, thinks team mate Ashley Williams is the best defender he's faced this season, yet took inspiration from a certain Manchester United bad boy...Enjoy.  

Thanks, Liam. So, how's your season gone so far?

"So far, apart from the results that we have had, I am quite pleased with my season so far!"

Your recently back in action after an injury occured during the Rotherham game, and stopped you in your tracks after a superb start to the season, how did that affect you?

"Well I got off to a flyer coming off the bench to score twice in three games and then injury struck which was really disappointing, but hopefully I will pick up the form I was playing with back then."

When you first arrived at County, you were raw and fresh from Non-League, how was the step up to The Football League?

"It was a massive step up to be honest, adapting to training every day and the pace of the game but I think I manage to settle in straight away!"

Your first game, Cheltenham at home. You score with practically your first touch, what was that feeling like?

"It was amazing to be given my debut so soon and even better to score on it!"

Who's the best defender you've come up against so far this season?

"Am not too sure of the best defender that I have played against this season, as I don't think that any of them have stood out. Will probably have to say Ashley Williams in training. Ha!"

If you had the final say, who would you select alongside you up front for County?

"Well that's a very hard decision, as all the strikers have different qualities! I think I seem to click well with Proudlock, but also like playing alongside Elding!"

You were rumoured to be on the move earlier in your County career, were you aware of the rumours and how close were you to moving on?

"Yeah I was aware of the rumours but the key word is 'rumour'. Nothing concrete. I just concentrated on my game and helping to keep County in the Football League, which was the most important thing!"

Do you have a definitive moment in a County shirt?

"I have had a lot of fine moments in a County shirt, but the finest would have to be scoring on my debut in front of the Cheadle End!"

...and your saddest?

"My saddest moment was when we beat Darlington 5-0 last game of the season and didn't manage to make the play offs!"

As a youngster, who was your playing inspiration?

"As a youngster I always liked to watch Eric Cantona. He had a lot of heart and conviction!"

Now, we've all noticed your Dad in the crowd at Edgeley Park, how much of an influence is he for you?

"He is a great influence to me, but the biggest influence is my Mum, as I wouldn't be the player I am today without her!"

Finally Liam. Where do you see yourself in five years time?

"Well who knows, hopefully playing as high as I possibly can, but for now I'm happy at Stockport County"

Many thanks to Liam for taking time out to answer our questions.

"WHEN IT WENT IN I WAS OVER THE MOON"

Ashley Williams Takes Time Out To Talk To County 4 Life

Ash was, (and still is...hopefully) a long standing fan of County 4 Life, labelling it 'one I use' and stated that C4L had 'always been nice to me from what I can remember', so when we approached him for an exclusive interview, he jumped at the chance. Our club skipper talks about his injury, his perfect centre half partner, thinks County 4 Life should have a message board and shrugs off the reported interest by Cardiff...Thank you! 

So, Ash, you were an integral part of the Record Breaking team last season. Talk us through it and how important was it that the record had to be broken?

"I think at the time, we weren't thinking about the record probably until the 7th game and people started talking about it. The main objective was just to win games and get up the league, but looking back now, very happy to be part of the record." 

You were given the skipper's armband in the summer, what were your thoughts on the honour?

"It was a very proud moment for me when I got the armband and I knew it would be a huge responsibilty for me. I just couldn't wait to get the season going and start winning some games"

You have been one of the longest serving players at County and have seen some players come and go, who would you say was the best player you have played with and why?

"I'm not sure I could pick one. Goalkeeper - I'd probably say John Ruddy, as for goalscorers I'd have to go for Luke Beckett and as an all-round player I might go for someone like Marc Bridge-Wilkinson, although he wasn't here  for that long."  

Like Liam Dickinson, you came up from non-league and was more or less thrown into the first team. How did you find the transition?

"At first it was hard training every day, but I had the confidence in my ability to play in League One and I knew it was just a metter of time until my body adjusted to the demands of pro football."

I'd say your best goal was at Rochdale last season. A stunning strike. do you agree, and if so, what were your feelings when it flashed past their keeper?

"I would definitely agree. When it went in I was just praying Tes Bramble didn't get in the way of it, because he was quite close to it...! When it went in I was over the moon." 

It's County 4 Life's third birthday on the 10th November, what do you think about County 4 Life in honesty?

"I like C4L. It's one of the websites that I use. Maybe it needs a message board"

...and how did you come across the site?

"Not too sure. I have been on it for a bit now so can't remember."

Who would you say was the hardest striker you've faced so far this season?

"This season I would most probably say either O'Grady from Rotherham or Todorov for Charlton."

What is your high point in a County shirt?

"When we survived relegation against Carlisle or breaking the record against Swindon."

...and your ultimate low so far?

"Injuring myself on Saturday...!"

Who were your childhood playing inspirations?

Definitely John Barnes was my hero."

If you could play anywhere, for anyone, who would your centre half partner be and why?

"I wouldn't mind playing next to Cannavaro at EP...!"

What's your opinion on the rumoured interest from Cardiff City?

"Flattered to have possibleinterest from a Championship team, but at the moment I am fully committed  to County."

Finally, where do you think County'll finish in May?

"3rd"

Many thanks to Ash in taking time out to answer our questions...! 

"I WAS GUTTED I WASN'T CAPTAIN"

Gareth Owen...Exclusive Interview With County 4 Life

He felt like a bit-part player at Oldham until Jim snapped him up, and many County fans will agree, since his arrival he has been a revelation. Gareth Owen took time out to speak exclusively to County 4 Life and talks about his playing inspirations, his recent illness and how he rates the Peterborough front two...Thank you. 

So Gareth, what was the loss at Staines like?

"I was gutted like everyone else. We played OK but we missed a lot of chances and if you do that you won't win any games. Once it went to penalties, they are a lottery and anyone can win." 

You not fancy a penalty...?

"I volunteered for a penalty as did everyone who took one. I was sixth man if it went that far. Usually the five who took them take really good penalties but it wasn't to be." 

How do you feel about the chances of a Wembley visit in the JPT?

"It would be great to go to Wembley. I went to the Cup Final last season and it is a really impressive stadium. There is a lot of hard work to be done yet though and every team left in will be fancying their chances as well." 

What are your feelings on the 'Gannon Out' brigade?

"I can't really understand it to be honest. The gaffer has done a lot for the club and no-one works harder to achieve results than him. Granted the results this season haven't been as expected, but to call for the manager to go is very premature and a little uncalled for, but, the fans pay their money and they are entitled to their opinions." 

Tell us about your recent injury.

"It was a weird one. I was warming up before the Carlisle game and I started to feel chest pains and couldn't breathe properly. I was really worried after all the stories you hear about footballers collapsing. The Doc checked me over and found out I had Bonhommes Disease which is an infection to the intercostal muscles. Thankfully after a course of tablets, I'm fine now." 

What are your thoughts on the County 4 Life website?

"Yeah, It's really good. I'm not a big fan of looking at websites and reading match reports because football is all about opinions and you will never please everyone. I know when I have had a good or bad game and as long as I'm doing OK in the manager's eye and he keeps picking me that what matters. Having said that, it does give you a buzz when the fans are talking good stuff about you."

There was talk this season you were on your way out of Edgeley Park, how much of the talk was true or was it all typical Edgeley Park grapevine?

"It's the first I've heard about it. After last season's loan spell I did have a few options before signing full time, but I had such a good time last season that County were always my first choice."

Ash got the captain's armband in the summer, how were you affected by the decision, considering you did a sterling job last season?

"I won't deny it - I was gutted I wasn't captain. I consider it to be a great honour to be named captain and after last season I couldn't understand why I wasn't. I give Ash my full support though and would never let it affect my performances."

After paying £50,000 for you, Oldham only played you two twenty times. How did you rate your days at Oldham and what do you think it was that made you constantly overlooked?

"I really enjoyed my time when I was on loan there but as soon as a signed permanently things changed. A lot of players came in and there wasn't a lot of team spirit. Plus I went there thinking I would be first choice but a week after I signed they went out and bought two more centre halves. I just felt I was a bit-part player. I was Man Of The Match one week then dropped the next." 

You remember your only goal so far?

"I remember it as if it was yesterday...A 30 yarder! (laughs) No, it was a volley from 8 yards for Oldham at home to Plymouth."

Who were you playing inspirations as a child?

"I used to love watching Italian Football and my hero was always Paolo Maldini. To achieve what he has in his career in unbelievable. Nowadays I look at John Terry and see what I can learn from him." 

Who has been the hardest player you've faced this season and why?

"The two front men from Peterborough were very good. They have spent a lot of money on them and you can see why. They have pace and are not afraid of hard work."  

There has been many central midfield partnerships this season. Who would you choose, if you were boss?

"We have some very good central midfielders and each one of them bring something different to the team. I like the look of the new guy Adam Nowland he looks a really good player. Greg Tansey is one of the most talented players at the club. Jaybo is like a machine at times how he keeps running and then you have Dom Blizzard and Gary Dicker who are enjoyed so I will leave that option to the Gaffer." 

Proudest moment in a County shirt?

"Definitely the record run last season. I don't think some people realise what an achievement it was. It will probably only be appreciated in years to come. To do all this as captain made it extra special and I will never forget it as long as I live."  

...and you lowest point so far?

"The defeat to Rochdale last season was probably the lowest I felt. Nothing went right and I was embarrassed. You learn from your mistakes as a footballer, you have to deal with the lows as much as the highs."  

Finally, where will County finish in May?

"We have enough quality in the team to be challenging for promotion. We know we haven't started the best but it's all about how you finish the season. Just ask Bristol Rovers."

Thanks again to Gaz in taking time out to answer our questions...!

"THERE'S NO CHANCE OF ME LEAVING!"

County's Midfield Dynamo Speaks Exclusively To County 4 Life

Although last season's County 4 Life Player Of The Year was unaware of County 4 Life before we approached him for an interview, Jason Taylor tells about how he jumped at the chance to join County after his successful loan period, speaks candidly about how a massive influence the fans at EP are and is relatively modest about his super-strike against Cardiff...Thank you.

Thanks Jase, Firstly when you first came to Edgeley Park you helped County stay up in your first season. Was it 'mission accomplished' for you or did you know at that time you were going to sign full time?

"When we stayed up it was mission accomplished for me because it was the reason I came here as well as wanting to gain experience. I didn't know I was going to sign full-time until the end of the pre-season and jumped at the chance to come back."

If there is anything, what aspect of your game would you improve on and why?

"There are a few aspects of my game I'd like to improve. Firstly chipping in with a few goals helps if your a midfielder. Also learning to keep things simple at times when in possession. I'm always looking at ways to improve myself to keep at the top of my game."

Your goal against Cardiff pre-season was pretty special. Your best goal ever?

"Yeah, my goal against Cardiff is my best goal ever. I just connected right and tried to hit the target."

Jim has been known to play players out of position, what would you say was your best position?

I feel my best position is centre midfield, because that's where I can influence the team most. I also feel that I am most suited to this position."

If you were boss, would you play Pooley or Pilky?

"I'm not quite sure who I'd choose because they both bring different qualities to the team...and both are good friends of mine!"

What are your theories over who Jim is going to bring to the club in January?

"The new players the Gaffer has brought into the team seem very good additions. Making the squad healthier with competition in every position."

No chance of you leaving is there?

"At this moment in time I'm loving everything at County and our season seems to be coming together as well. So there's no chance of me leaving." 

Tell us about your time at Oldham.

"I was at Oldham since I was 12, so basically I grew up there. Never got a chance in the first team. I was always on the bench near the end of my stay, so I jumped at the chance to come to County when I knew they were interested."  

Were you aware of County 4 Life before we approached you for an interview? If so what are your feelings about the website?

"I wasn't aware of the website before you approached me."

You were voted Player Of The Year by readers of County 4 Life last season. Any comments about the award to the people who voted for you?

"Last year for me was a fantastic year, but not reaching the play offs was a massive disappointment. I was really chuffed to win the award and so grateful to the fans who voted for me because they have a massive presence at Edgeley Park and a great influence on the team."

The JT hairstyle (or lack of it). Is it to hide the ginger or is it something you've always had? Ever thought of growing it or having a 'fro like Ash?

"I can honestly say I have never thought of having a 'fro like Ash, that is something unique. I've always had a shaven head since I was younger and I don't think I'd suit long hair." 

You were part of the record breaking run last season. How special was that to you?

"The record breaking run last year was something really special when you think going nine games without conceding a goal, you need a little bit of luck to achieve this. Winning nine games on the run is a hard feat on its own."  

Finally Jason, where do you think County will finish in May?

"Come May, we are definitely hoping to go one better than last year because we've got a better squad now. So we should make the play-offs at least."

Thanks Jason for taking time out to speak to County 4 Life.

"THE FANS ARE GREAT"

Adam Griffin Talks Exclusively To County 4 Life

It took a while, but we finally got our man. County's Utility man Adam Griffin finally agreed to be hounded by our intrepid interviewer, and Griff tells us about his form, why Jim Gannon shouldn't shout at him at half time and why he won't be donning the gloves if Conrad was injured...happy reading...!  

Personally, how's your season going?

"Season is going well. We look like we could push for a play offs!"

Just the one goal for you this season so far. Disappointing?

"Of course it's disappointing. I need to get myself more in and around the box and shoot more!"

You scored with your first touch as a County player at The Cheadle End, what was that like?

"The was amazing to score with my first touch. It come nicely for my head from a crossand I just put it away and to make it better it was at The Cheadle End where the fans are great!"

Before you signed full time, Oldham were playing a little hard to get before releasing you. Did you want to stay and fight for your place at Oldham or were you happy to join County?

"I wanted to fight for my place at Oldham. I liked it there and I wanted to play football at the highest level I could but at the same time County was a really good club to join."

Your upbringing in Salford must have been very 'red', did you have any playing heroes as a child?

"Yeah. I'm a Red! Obviously Cantona, Paul Ince, Lee Sharpe, Ryan Giggs they are all great players!"  

Having looked at your history, you were at Chester on loan for four months yet never made a start. What happened?

"Not too sure why I never played there. Ian Dowie saw I wasn't playing and told me to come back because it was for getting first team experience."

It's half time and you are playing crap, which do you prefer - the hairdryer treatment or a calm talking to? And why?

"The calm approach, because I would already know what I was doing wrong. I would just need encouragement to do the things right."

Jason, Gaz and yourself all came from Oldham, and there was Danny Boshell as well, anyone currently at Oldham you'd like to see at County?

"No, not really. I would like Crai Davies to come. I was on loan at Oxford and made good friends with him and this season he signed for Oldham."

Had you heard of County 4 Life before the interview? If you hadn't (shame on you) what are your feelings about the site? Anything we can do to improve?

"I had heard of it but don't go on it...sorry!" 

You've been here for just over two years. What would you say was your high moment and your low moment for County?

"The high moment was keeping County up and also winning the nine on the run. The Lowest was just missing out on the Play Offs!"

So, what did last season's record breaking run mean to you personally?

" It meant a lot. I was in a really good team who worked for each other and dug in when it came to match day."

The goalkeeping position at County is spoken about regularly. If Conrad was to get injured, would you volunteer to go 'in sticks'?

"I wouldn't be picked to go in net. I'm too small! Ha!"

The front two? Who would you pick and why?

"I cannot really answer that one because I think all the forwards when on form are really good!" 

Finally, County are on a decent run in the league, where can you see us finishing come May?

"I can see us just making the play offs!"

Thank you to Adam to taking time out to speak to County 4 Life...!

"I'D DEFINITELY CONSIDER WHAT HE PUT FORWARD!" 

County's Number One Talks Exclusively To County 4 Life

Although only at Edgeley Park on loan from Leicester City, what struck me about Conrad Logan is the way he uses the word 'us' meaning to me that he's feeling well and truly at home in Cheshire. Conrad talks about his time at Leicester, life after Anthony Elding and hinted he may pick County if Jim came knocking...happy reading...! 

So Conrad, Personally, how's your season going?

"It's been a decent season and I have been pleased with it, just hope to perform well until the end of the season and get promotion."

Your best performance to date?

"Possibly MK Dons away but the penalty save at Wrexham I was delighted with as we won 1-0."  

How will losing Anthony Elding affect the club?

"Anto is a good player and done well for us but I believe we have a good, strong squad and the other strikers have a chance to step up to the plate and make a significant contribution until the end of the season."

How does life at Leicester compare to that at County?

"Obviously Leicester is a big club with massive stadium and training ground but Stockport is a big club in this league and should be in a higher league with a fantastic fan base and an ambitious manager and I'm really enjoying the challenge of getting us where we belong."

...a bit different from Swilly Rovers then? 

(laughs) "a lot different to Swilly!"  

Your most utopian goalkeeping scenario?

"Saving a winning penalty at Wembley"

You had two spells at Boston, what were they like?

"It gave me my football league debut and a taste of league action and I really benefitted from it." 

Proudest moment so far?

"Probably making my debut at Leicester as I had been there for 5 or 6 years and worked hard for it."

Who was your goalkeeping idol as a youngster?

"Shay Given"

I became a goalkeeper because I was lazy and my fitness level wasn't as good as it used to be, why did you decide to be a goalkeeper?

"Being from Donegal with Packie Bonner and Shay Given being local lads playing for Ireland it was something I aspired to be!" 

Had you heard of the website County 4 Life before we approached you for an interview? If so, what are your feelings on the website?

"I've not see it before, but now I'm aware I'll have a look at it!"

If, at the end of your loan spell, Gannon wanted to sign you full time, what would your reaction be?

"Obviously I'd be delighted as it meant The Gaffer is happy with what I have done and I'd definitely consider what he put forward." 

Finally, where will County end up in May?

"On our way to League One either as automatic or through the play offs and I'm confident of that with the team and staff we have and with the help of our brilliant fans."

Many thanks to Conrad in taking time out to talk to County 4 Life...!