Ben Kemp

Nickname – Sicknote

Age - 27

Supports – Brentford

Q - Kempy you have been at Elm Grove for a few seasons now, what or who was your reason for joining?

A - I was introduced to the club through a team mate who I also played with for a Sunday league side. After a serious knee injury, I was keen to get back playing Saturday football. I was very impressed with the quality, ambition and friendliness at Elm Grove.

Q - How do you feel your season went and how do you think you will do in the new Premier Elite league?

A - From a personal point of view last season was not my greatest. Three injuries and two suspensions meant I could never get a run of games in the side and my fitness suffered. Unfortunately I could be ruled out for next season with a cruciate ligament injury.

Q - As we are on the subject of injuries a few of the lads said you recieved a crunching tackle from a twig and you have struggled to shake the pyhsical and mental memories of that day, can you explain this?

A - I was warming up ready to come when one of our forwards blazed the ball high and wide into the trees behind the goal. I thought it would be a good idea to stretch my legs and retrieve the ball. As I got to the bottom of the bank I stood on a fallen branch and twisted my ankle ligaments resulting in six weeks on the sideline. I have no idea why I’m nicknamed sicknote!!

Q - Finally being social secretary (nice skirt by the way) what outings do have planned or in the pipeline for the lads this year?

A - The social calendar is top secrect, but I can assure you that some of the events I have planned are not to be missed!!!

Thanks Sicknote good luck with getting back to fitness and the new season..

Next up..

Matt Kirk

Nickname – Kirky

Age - 27

Supports – Manchester United 2007/2008 champions of England and Europe (Cheers Chelsea)

Q - Matt you have been Reserve team manager now for 2 seasons as you roll into your 3rd how has it been for you and what are your thoughts on how your team will do this season?

A - After finishing second in my first season in charge and gaining promotion it was always going to be difficult to emulate that achievement in my second season. Last season was difficult with lots of injuries resulting in a depleted squad but a mid table finish was a good outcome with the highlight being Nic Donaldson ending as the leagues top scorer.

We have and still are actively searching for new players and have added to the squad for the upcoming season in the new and more difficult Surrey Elite league. The outlook for this season looks good; the return of some of our long term injuries, some old favourites returning and new players’ joining will only strengthen our squad to help us mount a title challenge for the up coming season.

Elm Grove as a club has made huge steps in the last few seasons and with new exciting plans for the upcoming season there has never been a better time to be part of Elm Grove Football Club.

Q - With a right hand man (so to speak) in place to lighten your matchday duties do you feel you can concentrate more on your game this season and get your partnership with Nic Donaldson firmly re-established?

Having Paul Shepherd to help me this year will be invaluable, Paul is a highly qualified coach and a good player, he will take the admin duties and warm up away from me to help me concentrate on football come match day.

Last season I was forced into playing in pretty much every position due to the lack of numbers but with the new players and the return of some old players this should give me the chance to rekindle the partnership that saw us net over forty times the previous season. Nic and I have a good understanding and friendship and I would welcome the opportunity to line up upfront with Nic but the team success comes first.

Q - What has been your favourite moment or memory in a Elm Grove shirt over the last 2 seasons?

My favourite memory is this seasons away game against Virginia Water, at half time 1-0 down things looked bleak but the second half we were superb, the best performance I have seen Elm Grove Reserves make. Second half goals from Nic Donaldson (4) and myself (3) saw us run away 7-1 winners and it could have been 10.

A superb team performance and show of character.

Q - Finally you put your nickname was kirky but a few of the lads are saying your celebrity name at Grove is Ben - Hiam can you explain this?

Apparently, so rumour has it Ben Hiam is lucky enough to look like me. Premiership footballer and great looks – the boy has everything!!

Thanks matt and good luck for the upcoming season.