I had a natter to our new Assistant Gaffer over the weekend – I asked him some questions & he was good enough to answer them.
Here’s what occurred:
Webmaster: Firstly Leon, welcome to the club. For anyone that doesn’t know you, just tell us a bit about yourself. What position you play, what type of player you are & some of the clubs that you’ve played for
Leon: Spent all my career as a number 10 or off a big man through the middle, liked to play off the shoulder! Would describe myself as a fox in the box with an eye for the odd worldy! Also, as some might have seen, had a real nasty streak at times. Started my career as a young pro at Lincoln then went on to play non league for various clubs which included Tamworth, Corby, Gainsborough, Kings Lynn and, most notably for you guys, Worksop Town amongst others.
Webby; Most recently you’ve been player/coach at Skegness, how did you find that transition
LM: Transition from player to coach was quite easy. I found as long as you make sessions fun & keep the lads working at a high intensity they will enjoy it! I mainly worked with the strikers which came natural to me anyway….so I had no end of drills to work on with them! I just find it hard watching at times because you want to be out there doing what you know but sometimes the old body doesn’t allow that
Webby: Tell us a bit about your life outside football – job / family / interests etc
LM: So away from football I’m a self employed roofer which doesn’t help my playing cause! I’m an all round sportsman, massively into golf & squash but have also found a new sport through lockdown, cycling.. yes full Lycra the lot!! I also enjoy frequenting the bars & pubs of uphill Lincoln – who doesn’t lol – although I think my stint might be coming to a swift end with this newborn (Leons Mrs went into early labour whilst he was doing this interview!!)
Webby: We’ve had some right ding dong battles at the Wezzie, how is it going to feel being one of the good guys for a change?
LM: Yes we’ve had some proper tear ups over the years! They were the games that as players you want to play in. Games that resemble pre season games were never what it was about for me – it was always about blood & thunder! Having said that I never seemed to have the best of games on the Wezzie. I’ve always been the good guy, just once the white line was crossed I was in game mode & that’s all I knew – win at all costs
Webby: How did the phone call go when Frecks got in touch about being Assistant Manager
LM: Like I’ve said I’ve known the Gaffer for 20+ years as we used to work together & I’ve played for a couple of teams he’s been at so we always spoke. Then with me moving into the other side into management at Skegness, which is a fantastic club to start at with – some very very good people behind the scenes – it was an excellent platform for me to start at! But in football it’s all about climbing the ladder and being ambitious….& opportunities don’t always come around often. With Damo moving on, I think it was the Gaffer wanting to get someone in alongside him who he knows and can trust to do a good job, having known me for so long and knowing what I can bring to the table.
Webby: You’ve played (and scored in) a playoff final at step 4 for Spalding, what do you think the key elements are to that sort of promotion push at this level?
LM: Yeah I’ve played in many play-off campaigns at different levels not always successful – more playoff heartache than most ha ha but it doesn’t so much matter the level. You always need a set of lads buying into what you’re trying to achieve & to all be in it together for the good and the bad! What I would say is no 11 ever gets promoted, it’s all about a squad – they will fight to the death for each other and if their mate is having a bad day, they will run that little bit further and enjoy doing the dirty work. If you run further & work harder than your opponents you will win more games than you lose
Webby: You’ve played in the EFL and the Conny North so you’ll have played with and against some very good players, who were the best you’ve played with & against, and why?
LM: There’s been many a good player – I think for myself, as a strike partner, it has to be Tom Denton….as an old school big man, he took all the hard knocks & occupied centre halves which created space for me to do what I did. Also a young Lee Frecklington – there wasn’t many better than him as he showed & went on to have a superb career in the championship! Plus the likes of Jack Muldoon who was a few years younger but his work rate & quality were always there, as we are now seeing in league 2. As for opponents I never really feared anybody, I just used to take every game as it came & didn’t really worry about the opposition! In football if you worry about others it takes the edge from your own game!
Webby: What are your favourite boots that you’ve played in (The Media Team are massive Cope Mondial fans!)
LM: Favourite boots are Mizuno or Nike Tiempo for my playing days & nearly always white! They used to make me look fast!!! I do like the Copa – I might have to see if I can get get some with mixed studs just in case I’m needed for a cameo.
Webby: You can invite one ex team mate out for a session on the beer, if he’s late you get a million pounds – who you inviting out?
LM: Ha ha tricky 1, but I’d probably have to say Shane Clarke – lived in his own time zone in the car schools we were in – would drive me crazy as I’m never late. He’s definitely cost me a few quid in fines over the years!!
Webby: Final one, when the pubs are fully & properly open, where are you going & what are you drinking?
LM: I will be straight to my local in Welton just outside of Lincoln (village pub), it will be a few Carling followed by some whisky & cokes then to put me out my misery, a port & brandy (in the same glass) for the walk home. Good night god bless! Metts
