21 Questions With... Connor Hughes

Name: Connor Hughes

Age: 26

Games: 17

Goals: 3

Connor Hughes in his Colne days - his Trafford pen pic wouldn't upload!!

1. This is your first season at Trafford. How have you settled in?

Yeah, I've settled in well. I knew a few lads coming into the group so that always helps but in terms of settling in, I felt comfortable from day one really - its a top group.

2. For those that don't know, where have you played before signing for Trafford and how did the move to us come about?

I've not had many clubs to be honest. I started out at Maine Road, then went on to Colne and then I came from Curzon Ashton last year. I was going to come last year - I had spoke to DC but I went with Curzon. It didn't really work out so it was easy for me once DC got back in touch this pre season. 

3. As a team, we had a decent start with such a young squad playing together in this league – just how tough a league is it?

Very young squad, I think there's a nice balance though with experience and youth. The leagues tough, especially these next few months with the weather and not every pitch is going to be like ours, so a lot of games are just about working hard and sometimes grinding out results.

4. What are your impressions of the team/place as a whole now you’ve settled?

Like I said earlier, its a top group - probably the best dressing room I've been in to be honest. The club as a whole have been welcoming, not just to me but my Mrs - she loves coming to games now.

5. In Burkey’s 21 Q’s, he stated you were one of the best players he’s played with – high praise – who is the best player you’ve played with?

Yeah, big praise to be fair. As for me, I cant really think of the top of my head... maybe Joel Senior - he was only a young lad when I played with him but you could tell he would be a player. He's gone on to Altrincham now and he's flying.

 6. He also singled you out as the worst dressed – now is your chance to defend yourself as well as get your own back…

He's panicked there when answering that question saying I'm the worst dressed! Obviously he can't vote himself - he's nailed on the worst dressed, but fair play to him, he if he likes it, that's all that matters init hahaha. 

 7. You’ve featured as a number 10 more often than not – and it’s a key position linking the midfield to the forward(s) – what would you say are you key attributes?

My main attributes are creating chances and getting goals, I've not scored any where near enough but I'll get there. I feel I've been in good form and the goals will come.

 8. DC seems to be someone who has very high standards, and rightly so, even after we’ve won one or two games (Kendal and Market Drayton) but especially after yesterday’s defeat to Northwich. What are the main lessons to be gained from these results?

Yes, high standards. It's a talented group and we have to maintain the levels, take each game as it comes and see where we are at the end of the season. Kendal and Market Drayton - we got the 3 points but played poorly but it shown against 1874 that we can't have off days in this league because against decent teams you get punished.

 9. On a personal level, what are your ambitions for the rest of the season?

Personally, my goals are to help the team to push for the top spots. With my position, I need to create and score as many as possible, which are my aims.

  

10. And outside of football, you and your partner are expecting your first child – a girl: first of all huge congratulations from us all at Trafford. Are you prepared for the sleepless nights and have you decided on a name yet?

Thank you, we are both really excited! I'll never be prepared for sleepless nights but its got to be done hasn't it. In terms of names, we don't have one as of yet. 

11. Yeah, it’s nice to hear that your partner feels welcome – we pride ourselves on being a family/community club and there is a genuine buzz about the clubhouse (especially when we win). How important do you think it is that the players actively become part of the club: socialising, speaking with fans etc in creating that atmosphere?

It's massively important that the players spend time in the bar and bond with the fans, its paying off on and off the pitch. I've played against Trafford myself in the past but I cant remember the crowds being like they are now -maybe I'm wrong but there's definitely a buzz around the place and its up to us too keep it that way. Hopefully we'll repay the fans come the end of the season. 

12. Is Coops still in charge of the fines and have you been on the receiving end of any harsh/funny fines yet? If not, who has had the most ridiculous fine?

Yes, Coops is in charge and he does a good job with it as well. Everyone pays up, so it should be a good Christmas doo. i have well and truly been on the receiving end of the fines! Neildy is up there for fines - always on the worst team in training without fail every week!

13. 4 out of the next 5 league and cup games are away from home – does that affect the players at all or is just about making sure your all just focused either way?

Its just about being focused on each game. Its obviously nicer to have the home crowd behind you - it gives you a lift when you need it.

14. In terms of away grounds, are there any that you’ve not enjoyed playing at?

I've only played them once away; but Workington. Everything about it, especially on a midweek game: the travel, the pitch was bad along with the fans. We have them on a Saturday this time (in March), so hopefully we get the win and have a good drink on the bus on the way back. 

15. James Neild is looking to break the record for the number of POTM awards won (the record is 5), which saves us money as Lucozade is cheaper than beer – but who is the biggest and worst at handling their beer on a night out?

There's only been a couple of nights out so far so its hard to say, and I missed the most recent one where Sean (Higgins) was a mess! I've actually not seen him since to be honest... I hope he's alright aha.

16. Who do you support?

I support United, although its tough at the minute.

17. Favourite ever player?

Favourite player has to be Ronaldo, he deserves everything he's got. I loved watching him at United - him and Rooney to be fair.

18. Do you have any match-day superstitions?

Yeah, I do have a couple of pre-match superstitions, sound like a right weirdo here but I've always got to put my left boot on first and in the warm up, I like to be at the back in the lines - I don't think that's a superstition though, I just prefer to take my time warming up.

19. Who is the best/worst* trainer? *Apart from Kelly

Neildy is the worst; he's always on the losing team as well. Not too sure about the best, Barlow (Matty) is a joke whenever we do finishing though.

20. Outside of football, what do you get up to?

Not much outside of football - work and just spending time with my girlfriend and mates; go out for food and drinks... the usual really.

21. Who are nominating for the next 21 Questions With?

I'll let Roo (Adam Rooney) have a go next.