21 Questions With... Jonathan McIlwaine

Name: Jonathan McIlwaine

Age: 29

Position: Goal Keeper

Trafford Appearances: 3

Jonny is currently Trafford FC's No.2 goal keeper having not long come back from a 2 year spell on the sidelines. Previously, Jonny has played for Glossop North-End, Ashton United and Abbey Hey.

Jonathan McIlwaine

1. So the first ever time you touched the ball for Trafford was picking the ball out of the net. How did you feel at that moment and did you fear the worst?

I won’t swear but you can imagine, it was my first competitive game of football for coming up to 2 years and that was my first touch. My mates enjoy reminding me about that! At the time I don’t recall fearing the worst I just had to put it behind me and be ready as we knew we would be under pressure with being down to 10 men.

2. I heard you weren't originally supposed to be on the bench for that game, so who would've gone in net after Coops' red?

No I wasn’t, Keil woke up with a stiff neck and after treatment he was still moving like Robocop so I ended up being on the bench. I’m sure Bairdy said he fancied it after the game but not sure, in past experiences in those situations it’s best who ever feels the most confident.

3. Don't you sometimes feel like giving Coops one in training, put him on the sidelines for a few weeks?

He’s an old man now so I can rely on something/someone else in training putting him on sidelines! No but seriously he’s been massive for us this season I’ve enjoyed watching him and picking bits up from his game, we get on really well, have a laugh and wind Tez up! But that old cliche of the ‘keepers union’ we have to stick together and fend for ourselves in training against the rest of the lads or it would be a lonely place.

4. You said it was your first game for nearly 2 years; where had you been playing before and what caused the 2 year gap?

I started at Glossop then think it was 7 and half seasons at Abbey Hey with a very brief spell at Ashton United. I done my ACL playing but I pissed about for 8 months or so before getting it scanned and operated on.

5. Being a no.2 GK is tough, especially at this level; you mentioned getting on with the other GK lads, but what else keeps you motivated and at Trafford?

I obviously want to play but I know the level coops is and performing at but it’s a few things I think, the set-up is top class and professional from the management to the squad so always really enjoy the level of training, keep involved in the crack in changing room they both help make sure you’re ready to play. The people around the club who make the club what it is are great to speak to on match days before and after the game. Then there’s the pitch as everyone says you won’t find any better at this level and above.

6. Talking of No.2's (not that kind), who do you think is the best back-up GK in football?

Off the top of my head and the lads will probably say I’ve got my red tinted glasses on but I’d say Sergio Romero, never lets us down. Think he would be a great number one at many clubs. We will probably have a dilemma soon with how well Dean Henderson is performing at Sheffield United too.

7. You mentioned the crack in the changing room - who is the one normally dishing it out and who tends to be on the recieving end?

Won’t be his first or his last mention but Keil, he doesn’t miss a trick with anything. He dishes it out pretty even to be fair as well no one is safe although I think Bairdy has enjoyed a quiet month while key was out on loan. Good to have him back with us.

8. To be fair, Bairdy deserves stick for not doing his 21 Questions when it was his turn... but anyway, how important will the squad be in terms of the amount of games coming up, starting with a tough Friday night trip to Liverpool, then mid-week trips to Sheffield, Marske, Pontefract and a cup final against FCUtd all to follow? Having players like Keil back will surely help?

Make the questions about Xbox and he will rattle them off no problem! Course it’s massively important especially this time of the season there is always little injuries people pick up so having the quality we have to come in replacing them is vital going forward.

9. So you're a United fan... who would be your 1st choice GK next season (bearing in mind Henderson) and realistically one signing you'd bring in?

Tough one, De Gea is going through a sticky couple seasons and with Henderson performing well there will be questions to be asked. Ideally though I’d give Henderson another season on loan in the Prem if possible to see how he progresses plus I think De Gea has enough credit in the bank to try get through this patch. We get linked with everyone seeing names like Sancho and Werner but where United are at the minute I think they’d be looking elsewhere, a realistic one I think is Jimenez at Wolves I like him.

10. I know it wouldn't have effected you as much Haha but has the lack of playing time due to the weather had any impact on the lads as a whole? More time for weekends boozing I guess haha?

It’s always frustrating games being off, after a good performance you want to go again then the other side of it if you don’t play well you want a game straight away to put it right, then there’s the factor the games you listed above having to travel there midweek is always tough with the lads having work, college/uni, PlayStation in the day leading up to the game.

11. You mention 'the playstation in the day/college' group... we do have a fair few younger lads in the squad. How do you think non-league football has changed since you were in your late teens starting out? Do the younger lads look after themselves better in terms of staying off the booze?

Definitely! It reflected on our Christmas do with some of the younger lads

. It has changed massively, now younger lads in non league in general look after themselves a lot more. Even after games it’s all recovery shakes and healthy food, which is fair enough as they can earn a decent living of the back of non league now or even as a pro. But for the older lads it’s whatever food is put on and a few pints which usually progresses into the night.

12. What are your thoughts on last Saturday’s win at home against Marine?

Thought we shown both sides of our game, it was a great win for the lads and to do the double over a very good side. The lads weathered a period very well where we was under a lot of pressure resulting in what felt like about 15 corners in the space of 5 minutes in the first half so it was satisfying for us coming out with a clean sheet with it being spoke about in the week. But throughout the lads played some great football resulting in two fantastic goals especially young Curts.

13. Lewis Salmon has gained lots of plaudits so far this season, and rightly so but how good is Curtis - he seems to have bundles of talent?

He is one of the number of young talented lads in the squad. They have a good mix of experienced lads in the squad as well to learn off too which will be a great help for them going forward. Was no surprise to see Curt score a screamer though he practises his shooting from range quite a bit in training/before the game so was great for him to come off the bench and have an impact scoring a important goal for us.

14. Best ever game you’ve been involved in?

Tough one, there was a few the season we got promoted at Abbey Hey but to name one was probably when Gibbo was our manager at abbey we beat a strong Warrington the season after they got on TV against Exeter, was a few down watching and we was deserved winners, we had a good couple of games in that FA cup run we beat Worksop the round before although I should’ve been sent off that day.

15. They sound like good days. Gibbo as manager, what was he like as gaffer and is he a better coach than he was a player?

He was top to be fair, had everything set up very professional and built some very good teams there with just a win bonus as a budget and gained a reputation as a manager who’s team plays good football or tried to at least. Yes, definitely

16. In the last few seasons, Trafford have developed a small but hardcore singing fan base; recently we have adopted about 50 young 'ultras' from nowhere. Have the players noticed this and what impact does it have on the squad?

I come watching a lot last season with being injured and few of my mates being at Trafford and that was something I always noticed the singing support., Especially clitheroe away after my pal Ross screamer late on. Limbs. But yes the lads do definitely appreciate and notice the support it seemed relentless in the semi vs Droylsden not many clubs are lucky enough to have that behind them every week so it’s a huge lift.

17. Worst dressed at the club?

Any one of the younger lads no doubt about it they all dress the same these days. 400 quid trainers a T-shirt with Dsquared or Gucci on it but never see them at the bar buying a drink.

18. Worst on a night out: dance moves/chat?

There was a few casualties on our Christmas do throwing up wise I’m no grass but they’re both defenders and both young, one of them threw up all over the bucket with our beers in. There’s a few stiff movers in our dressing room on the dance floor but probably me or the skipper. Chat wise probably the skipper again, was talking about the new Kia Picanto GT line on our last night out, never clocks off that man.

19. Last person you'd want to see one on one with the goalkeeper?

A Thursday night Ross Davidson

20. Favourite other sport orher than football?

Enjoy my cricket (good days on the piss) and do a bit of road cycling.

21. Who are you nominating next for 21 questions with?

Ashton’s finest Oli Roberts