Community » Hattrick Press

A thrill to play Ville

Written by PGHG1

Interview with one of the fossils of the game.

6 months ago you were interviewed as lowest ranked survivor (18035) and as a former Premier League Champion and cup winner with your previous team, it is no surprise to find you back up at the sharp end again. This time you are facing Ville, so can we expect a repeat of this game (300064130) when you knocked him out in R8, s43?

I seriously doubt I'll be able knock him out this time, it's a little bit too much too soon for my team. Of course, I have warned Ricardo (ville_man) that I might just dip into the transfer market, to pick up one of those cheap magical IM's which would even things up a bit...

We've heard that you drive trucks for a living. If you could choose any truck in the world to drive, which would it be, and why?

Yes I'm a HGV driver, but it's a just a job, and I've no real passion for driving trucks anywhere really. One day I plan to own a restored E Type Jaguar (http://lanescars.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Lanes-Cars-S1-E-Type-Blue-FHC-1.jpg), and I'll quite happily drive that anywhere & everywhere. (Ed. We've heard that the E-Type handles like a truck so the experience will come in handy!)

In your last interview you said that the plan was to have fun and to train some superstars. How is it going on both fronts, and please explain how long you trained at minimum stamina on the future stars, and what triggered your decision to up it?

I'm certainly having fun, love the game, but it does make me sad to see so many old hands leave.

My future stars were trained at 5% with an excellent coach for 6 seasons. I upped the stamina for exactly the reason you're now interviewing me, more cup games for the additional experience gains on my players. Yes, I'll lose a few weeks training, but with upper level skill decay, I estimate that the final difference in skills will be relatively small compared with sticking at 5% for a bit longer.

After a night in the Steamer, you've hit the local curry house. What are you ordering?

Lamb Madras (https://thethermalcook.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/madras-lamb-curry.jpg), pilau rice, plain naan, onion bhajji and lager.... now my mouth is watering, I think I'll have to get some delivered.

ADHD has got off to a flyer for the U20's and is doing a great job on the community side as well. Did you vote for him?

Oh yes, I voted for him, and what a breath of fresh air he's brought to the campaign this season. Personally, I'd still prefer to use the U20's to give experience to our very best (future NT) prospects, regardless of D.O.B (eligibility constraints)... but I can appreciate that I'm in a minority, so cheering on AgaDoo to U20 WC success is definitely the next best thing.

You explained that you were training three quality wingers last time, training them in everything but GK. You are not following any 'guidance' provided by the NT fed to meet the ideal winger spec "required" for the NT, do you think this should be looked at?

Am I not? I've never actually bothered looking for guidance. I'd have thought that an unpredictable, quick and head would all be satisfactory. Hopefully, a future NT manager will like the skills and specs that I've trained....or maybe I'll just have to put myself forward manage the NT again. ;-)

You've been to a few HT-Meets. How has it enhanced your experience of the game and please could you set a date and a venue for the next HT-Meet in London, sometime before Easter?

It's been great to meet so many of the other managers, all sharing a common interest... Alcohol.

I will definitely get a meet arranged soon, but I have to wait until at least after next Tuesday for a date. I have a meeting with the boss then, to discuss my going part time.

Art. Please provide a link to your favourite piece?

My sort of art is probably different to most other people. I'm a stonemason as well as HGV driver, and this is my favourite bit of art: (http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aiyIDItsdzg/TIFoP0h22mI/AAAAAAAAAEI/3rmxHN7mzUk/s1600/L1-CP2-Houses-of-Parliament-777990.jpg). I actually worked here for 6 months way back in the early 80's, and a lot of the stone work around the southern clock face is my work.

You are a Chelsea fan. Is the club going to win the Prem this season, and can you explain why Mata had to go, why Matic is so much better than Obi (one) Mikel, and why it is that Diego Costa fitted in so quickly (like having Divine loyalty from day one) when for so many other players it takes time to 'settle in' (and build loyalty) with their new Premiership club?

I think we will win the title this season, said so from the 20th minute of the first game of the season.

Mata was too mono-skilled for Jose, and he lacked sufficient defending skill required for his pressing game.

Matic can tackle/head/pass/score, Mikel can't.

Diego Costa has a great all round game, with a strong physique and mind. Every game is a war for him, exactly what is needed for our league.

You are a member of the hattrick England group on facebook. What do you think the group should be doing to push on?

I've absolutely no idea, maybe organizing meets, drinks and currys could help?
(Ed. noted)