Catching up with……Jamie Forrester

Ex NTFC striker Jamie Forrester kindly agreed to answer some questions, proving not only was he a fantastic goal scorer for Cobblers but also a thoroughly nice guy.



? What was the best moment of your career at Northampton?

My goal in the season opener following me signing permanently against Brentford at Sixfields. There was a lot of pressure on me at the beginning of that season and that goal was a special one for me.

? If you could score an injury time winner against any team who would it be and why?

I was normally substituted by that time in a match so an injury time winner against anybody would be nice!

? Best Ground you have played at is..?

I have been lucky to play at many superb stadiums. The old Olympic stadium in Munich, the Olympic stadium in Berlin as well as the old Wembley Stadium. I am also fortunate enough to be able to say that Old Trafford, Anfield and Stamford Bridge are in there too.

? And the worst..?

There some pretty bleak stadiums in the lower leagues which I define in terms of changing facilities. Brentford, Chesterfield (Saltergate) and Barnet are probably the worst three I can think of.

? Which attribute of yours did you feel needed most work during your playing career?

Heading?..obviously ! (add your own ‘short’ jokes here ) !!


? What was the best thing about playing professional football?

It was always my dream to play football and I feel honoured to have lived it, even though it is not as glamorous as many believe. Looking back, being a footballer allowed me to spend lots of time with my children when they were very young and I will be forever grateful for having that time that many parents do not get.


? What is the biggest regret of your career?

I have to admit that I really didn`t achieve the potential that I showed as a young professional at Leeds Utd. I wish I had applied myself better during that time rather than take things for granted so much.

? During your time at NTFC who had the worst dress sense and what sort of clobber did they wear?

John Hodge. I’m sure he had huge problems finding anything with a 42” waist and a very short leg so his hands were tied to some degree.

? And worst Musical tastes?

Nothing springs to mind

? Who was the worst trainer at Northampton during your time?

John Hodge. End of !!

? Where will NTFC finish this coming season?

Im sure that Aidy Bothroyd will build on what he has already done in his time at the club. League 2 is a league where if you are organised, fit and have a goalscorer you can be successful. If Aidy can tick these boxes, and I’m sure he can, then there is no reason why the club cant be competing at the top end of the table.

? The FA ask you to make one improvement to the game of football in England, what would you do?

Winter break.

? Technology in football, good or bad?

Definitely good, and long overdue.

? What is the one biggest reason why England don`t succeed at international level?

I think the culture of the country. As a nation we want to make football a battle. That is a major reason why we do not develop enough young players in to top international squads.

? Who will win Euro 2012?

Germany

? John Terry or Rio Ferdinand?

Rio, all day long.

? Pro Evo or Fifa

I was turned to FIFA from Pro Evo about 3 years ago and will probably never go back.

? Apple or Android

Apple. I cannot live without my iphone and Macbook

? Who is the greatest football manager of all time?

Sir Alex Ferguson

? If I gave you an Elephant where would you hide it?

Behind John Hodge. You would never find it. He has certainly piled it on since he stopped playing !!

? If invited, would you go into the Big Brother house?

Yes, not for the cheap fame but for the life experience.

? What was the best thing before sliced bread?

Unsliced bread.

? What was your first car? And what are you driving Currently?

Citroen AX. It came with free insurance which was a huge bonus as a 17 year old. I now drive a BMW

? Who is your idol?

I admired kevin Keegan, Glen Hoddle and Kenny Dalglish when growing up as a youngster.

? Funniest moment on a football pitch?

At Lincoln City we played a little game during a match. Somebody started with a £1 coin. Whoever ended the game with the coin was due a pretty harsh forfeit. Every time there was a break in play players would be seen passing it on to each other. I’ve never seen so many tight footballers giving money away so easily !



Footnote from Jamie : Although John Hodge was the subject of some of my answers I can safely say that he was by far the funniest player that I ever played with. An absolute legend.


I’d like to extend my thanks to Jamie Forrester for taking the time to answer these questions, very much appreciated from myself and all readers.