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Interview with iamadonut

Written by iamadonut

Interview with Iamadonut, manager of Wesley Wanderers from V53, the lowest ranked club in round 5 of the English Cup. Wanderers take on defening double winners, Shakhtar Donuts, on Tuesday.

You acquired Wesley Wanderers on 20/05/10 (nearly 8 years to the day) midway through s42. Since then you've been pottering along in V & VI although you spent one horrendous season in IV.27 in s60. Since then, you've been in V.53 finishing in the top 4 for the last 7 seasons. You are top of that leagues historical standings, 10pts clear of arch-rivals Purple Eagleas (55150). You've played them 15 times, winning 9, with 3 only draws and 3 losses yet they've won the V.53 title three times. Please tell us a bit about this?

I love sports sims, but I'll admit I'm totally rubbish. My Out of the Park Baseball team - the Portland Willamettes - has won one BSBL (http://bsbl.org/news/html/leagues/league_100_home.html) championship in 40 seasons.

Wanderers have been under-performing for the last few seasons of Hattrick, especially against Eagleas. This season we've dominated several matches but haven't got the scoring touch of the Dougie Murihead or Sergiu Puiuleţ (386287176) years. I've built a strong midfield and I'm developing a good 'keeper in Jurrien van der Vlag (430410394). However, my forward purchases have been a bit disappointing. I'm torn between going all academy developed or buying in some seasoned players. First, I need to make sure we avoid relegation.

Last week you knocked out Bedworth, a former Cup winner who were in the Premiership last season, and are now rebuilding, to progress to R5. You've never been past R3 before and now face the English Cup and Premiership double winners, Shakhtar Donuts who will also be facing a Georgian side in R1 of the hattrick Masters tournament the day before you meet. You must be delighted?

This is a big surprise. We got a good draw in the first three rounds but I had little confidence of beating Bedworth. Nevertheless, I put out my best XI and despite falling behind 0-2, came back strong to win 4-2 versus a not-too-shabby opponent.

Undoubtedly, facing Shakhtar is the club's biggest Hattrick moment. Let's hope tha fans turn out and we put in a good display.

Your manager page tells us that you are a Spurs fan, but we understand you also have some affection for Hitchin Town. Did you take part in the "Save Top Field" campaign, and how satisfying is it to be a Spurs fan right now with Harry Kane and the boys keeping Arsenal out of the top 4?

My dad took me to my first Hitchin match when I was knee high to a very short grasshopper. That first match was in Wimbledon's last Isthmian League season. I've stayed loyal to the Canaries since then though I haven't lived in Hitchin for over twenty years. I made a small monetary contribution to the Save Top Field campaign.

For those that don't know, Top Field is on common land, managed by the Cow Commoners for the benefit of the town. The details aren't very transparent, but it does seem that the trusutees were offered a large sum by a developer with connections to a large supermarket. The deal would have involved swapping Top Field for an out of town plot on which the developer would fund a new ground.

Most fans didn't want the Town to leave what has been the home of Hitchin football since the late 19th century. (The original Hitchin FC were entrants to the first FA Cup). Of course, these schemes are fraught with pitfalls and there would be no guarantee of planning permission for a new ground. Thankfully, the club has been able to sign a new lease as the developer appears to have got cold feet.

There are so many non-league clubs who've been through traumas like this. Dulwich Hamlet is the latest, having been evicted by their property developer landlords. The Hamlet are old Hitchin foes, but I wish them well.

I think Pochettino has done a fantastic job at Spurs but I fear he'll be leaving this summer as will some of the big names: Alderweireld, Dembele, Rose and - possibly - Kane. I fear Poch has already been told he must sell to buy because of the financial drain of the new stadium. To be honest, when I first saw Kane play I wasn't a fan as he seemed too slow. But, that's probably why I'm rubbish at Hattirck.

What's your favourite tipple and place to imbibe?

These days I drink at home though I do like the Hampshire Bowman in Dundridge near where my borther lives. (http://s0.geograph.org.uk/geophotos/01/77/52/1775205_8d269ab8.jpg) I'm into American Pale Ale but currently working through a collection of Belgian Trappist beers.

Please could you tell us about the last book you read and whether you'd recommend it?

Six Days in May - all about when Winston Churchill became prime minister in 1940. Very well researched and echoes of today's shambolic UK government! Much better than Downfall, the latest Churchil biopic.

Do you have a favourite building or architectural design?

I did study art history so I know a bit about architecture. I have a soft spot for expressionist architecture though there are hardly any examples of the oeuvre. Most of the "buildings" are on paper, but it was the first modern movement to look using steel and concrete in an artistic rather than functional manner.

And, this won't be popular, but I'm a fan of the brutalist movement as seen in London's South Bank Centre. (https://c20society.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/2393045928_fb31d01712_z-580x380.jpg)

Connor Gritton (200992360) will be coming to your office tomorrow and asking whether you'll give him some training in the first team, as he's going to be too old to play for your YA. He's a bit unpredictable, and a bit of a liability, but along with Holden, Harding and Dalton-Kumins you could have the core of a home-grown rebuild in place with some nice specialities. What are are you going to tell him?

Well, he's probably going to get promoted and start playing friendlies after Tuesday's cup tie!

Please tell us how your significant other feels about your interest in this game and a bit about your other interests?

She thinks I spend too much time online!

As above, I'm interested in politics and history. Most of my spare time is spent on my allotment. As much as anything I tend the allotment to keep my body and mind fit. The produce I grow is a bonus. Every gardener will tell you that it's either too wet, too dry, too cold or too hot. Everything's behind this year except that garlic I planted in November. Anyway, it keeps me off the internet.

I'm finally getting a holiday this year and I'll be hiking in Zion Canyon, Utah (https://bnbwebsites.s3.amazonaws.com/4324/zion_national_park_springdale_utah_05.jpg). I do love the southwestern US. I'm also hoping to hike the Grand Canyon next year for the third time. Last time it was over 40 degrees at the bottom and I was physically wrecked so, of course, I want to do it again!

Please provide us a link to utube or vimeo to one of your favourite of all time tunes, and perhaps to something recent as well?

Mogwai Fear Satan - (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgDQN2qls9c).
Lost count of the times I've seen them live.