Age: 30
Trafford FC Appearances: 132
Trafford FC Goals: 12
Debut for Trafford: 20th October, 2012 v Radcliffe Borough
Ally Brown is an experienced full back/wing back who is currently now in his second spell at Trafford, where he was part of the promotion winning side in 2013. Ally has also played for Chorley, Droylsden, Warrington (where he helped them gain promotion to the Evostik Premier) and Witton Albion.
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| Ally Brown |
I was pleased to have
been recognised for my efforts in the last month. Our start has not been as
strong as we would have hoped but we are only 4 games in and we are all working
extremely hard to improve on our most recent results. I will of course be
working on my individual game like every other player and with your support on
a Saturday/Tuesday we want to give you all something to shout about
2.
This is your second stint at Trafford. How do you think the club has
changed/evolved since your first time here (if it has at all)?
My 1st spell at the Club
was 6 years ago now and I think the landscape of football has moved on so much;
Manchester United lifted the Premier League, Sir Alex retired and that
summer Gareth Bale signed for Real Madrid costing 91 million
Euros (2nd biggest in transfer in history at the time). Now Manchester United
are 4 mangers on, with no further league titles and Gareth's 91
Million Euro transfer sits 7th in the history behind the front runner
Neymar, costing PSG 222 million euros.
A little closer to home
at Trafford I can see the impact of change for the better. May 4th 2014,
Trafford needed a win to secure play-offs against Clitheroe, as you know we did
(I scored) the attendance was 319. 6 years on and the scenario was the
same, win and we achieve play-off. We won the game, with the attendance of 482
and for those of you who were at the game the atmosphere was fantastic. This
increase in local support is vital to the club and as a player who has
made over 130 appearances for the club, seeing you all come out in force
away to Prescott was a really humbling experience for me, we took two
coaches and many more!! The result was not what we
wanted, that's football but you sang through to full time and
beyond, there was a lot of emotion in that moment - thank you.
3.
What has been your biggest achievement/success to date in football?
I have always been proud
to say that I represented my country, playing for Scotland U17 away in
Malta. Over the years I have appreciated the simple things more: I've won
leagues, cups and scored a handful of goals but I know so many that
began football in the Academy system like I did, and no longer
play; either due to injury, personal circumstances or they lose love for
the game. All these years on from being released from a professional
club I am very lucky to be feeling fit and loving what I do on a
football pitch, it is some sacrifice from the age of 7.
4.
And your biggest disappointment?
I try not to hold on to
disappointments for too long especially in football. The key would be to limit
those moments to as few as possible.
5.
You've played all up and down the right hand side during your career; right
back, right wing-back and right wing. Which position do you prefer to play?
I wouldn’t say I am a
winger, never have been, I won’t beat 2 or 3 and fire a cross in. Wing back has
become more popular over the years and I have enjoyed that in-between role,
it’s so important to have good players around you who can play and support or
you can become isolated. Full back is my trade, overlapping runs, linking up
with an out and out winger causing the opposition real problems. Either role
allows me to come onto the ball and meet it in final 3rd and be a
threat.
6.
Who is the best player you've ever come up against?
Over 13/14 years ago I
came up against my team mate a good friend Aaron Burns who was in the Red of
Manchester United. Being a full back I tend to come up against quick or skilful
wingers who are looking to cause you problems. With experience and confidence
you learn to adapt and that getting a yellow card is not always a bad thing.
7.
And best player you've ever played with?
I’ve played with good
players but I also play with good players currently and it’s these boys in the
squad that excite me more. They are the present and future of the club.
8.
Favourite non-league ground (other than Shawe View obviously)
I could probably name
more least favourite grounds in non-league if I am honest. In my experiences
with Trafford, New Mills ,play off, semi-final. Not a great ground, but we won,
so what a ground it was that day, sun was out, fans were cheering and we won a
really tight game, good memory.
10.
Whatever happened to your match day breakfast tweets? We miss them!
Well I still have a
match day breakfast you’ll be pleased to know; I just document everything so
much online. Maybe we could start a, ‘Trafford Breakfast Cook Off’ – let see
what everyone’s pre match breakfast is on a Saturday.
11.
Talking of food/diet... How important do you think it is, even at this
level, that you eat and train right?
This is one area I never
really took to seriously; I have a fairly good metabolism and would eat a
balanced diet so never worried too much about what I eat. It comes 2nd
nature now that I prepare 24-36 hours before a game with the right food and
hydration, food is fuel.
12.
Who is the fittest player (in terms of stamina... ahem) at the club?
I am, although Ross won
the Yo Yo test in the summer - I’d like to see him do a shift at wing back.
13.
And the one who could do with some extra training?
Listen, we can all
improve as individuals but it is as a collective; team, squad, club that helps
to move us in the right direction. Over the last few seasons it has been
pleasing to see some of the young lads improve: Shaun, Mason, Harry, Darius,
Declan, Loz to name a few. A football dressing room is not an easy one as a
young player, those of you that have played will know, respect is earned out on
the pitch which these lads are proving. As supporters you only get to see the
team for 90 minutes on a Saturday or less. I can tell you from training that
every player is at a good standard, even those who don’t get as much game time;
the manager has put together a great group.
Aaron Burns, no
question. Does not miss, I’d back him every time – goal. His celebration needs
a little work but I certainly don’t get tired of seeing it.
15.
Linny seemed to be last seasons Mr. Funny... in his absence, who has taken
over?
Lin’s still here, yes he
is not a player but it’s great to see
him coming to the games, supporting the
club like you all do. In the dressing room, his shoes are hard to fill (or
should I say, red sunglasses) Keil O’Brien gives it a good go #Portugal
16.
How good a feeling was it scoring the winner against Prescot and when did you
stop talking about it?
It was a good 10 minute
period of the game, I won the penalty which Aaron obviously scored and then
arrived at the right time for the cross, game done. I enjoyed the moment and
the excitement that surrounded the day with it being Prescott and everything
that had happened a few months earlier. But it was a win and 3 points, this has
to become the norm.
17.
Do you have a favourite goal you've scored... talk us through it?
For
a full back I think I chip in with my fair share of goals but my all-time best
came away at Chester while I was playing for Radcliffe Borough. A ball was
played into my feet midway inside the Chester half, I was unusually narrow. I
heard Mark Jones shouting hit one. I did, the shot arrowed past and away from
the keeper, easily 30 yards. Anyone that wants to see the goal use the link:(4mins and 46 seconds in)
18.
Favourite sport other than football?
I probably watch Formula
1 the most. I do play most sports when challenged, snowboarding was my latest.
19.
Sporting hero?
Growing up in Scotland
my local team was Airdrie but if I had to pick one of the big two it would be
Rangers and at the time Ally McCoist was scoring a hat full. He was probably my
first football idol.
20.
You've only gone and got yourself in a scrap... Who at Trafford would you want
with you?
This is very unlikely to
happen but with these lads I know that whoever it is we will all look out for
each other. That comes with playing over a couple of seasons and not something
that can easily be created. I’ve also known Andy Langford since the age of 10
playing local football here in Urmston.
20. Ahead of our FA Cup fixture against Lancaster City, what are your thoughts on the game and our opponents?
I think we all remember our last visit to Lancaster where we put on a heroic performance in front of the travelling support. Tomorrow I'm positive there will be the same support and I think you will see a professional, organised performance from the team. We know what is required and where we can cause them problems. It’s been a while since the club had a strong showing in the FA Cup, let’s do it now.
21. And last, but not least... who are you nominating next for '21 Questions With...'?
Langy (Andrew Langford).
A huge thank you to Ally, a great set of answers. Good luck to him and the squad - not only for tomorrow against Lancaster - but for the rest of the season.
ALLEZALLEZALLEZ
