21 Questions With... Harry Norris

Name: Harry Norris

Age: 23

Appearances: 80

Goals: 1

The maestro of Shawe View: Harry Norris

Before we get down to the nitty gritty, can you give us some details of your previous teams and what made you move to Trafford?

So before Trafford, I spent 2 seasons at New Mills where I really enjoyed my football in a good team. DC got in touch with me twice actually whilst I was there, the first time being during a run to the end of the season as we we're going for the title so I had to turn him down at first. 

Before this I spent 6 years at Oldham Athletic YT.

And your thoughts on the club as a whole now you've been here for a while?

As for the club, I've had a great time since joining at the start of last year. I was made to feel very welcome by everyone around the club and I think this still stands for all of the new lads. There's some top people involved all around the place and this away following we have especially is something to be proud of. 

Now the nitty gritty: we're down to the last few games of the season and 4 points clear of the drop zone - how are you personally feeling with with just 6 games to go? 

Yeah its getting a little bit nervy at this stage in the season with only a month to go. I think its quite easy to fall into a negative mindset whilst down towards the bottom but the mood around camp doesn't seem that way, still 18 points to play for as we stand so with a few good results can easily send us into mid-table where we feel we deserve to be. It'll be clear to see anyway that we want to finish as strong as possible and with the squad looking healthy we fancy ourselves to find some form.

It seems it's going to come down to a test of character, I guess you find out a lot about each other at times like this - how is the mood amongst the lads?

Correct, this will show what a lot of our lads are made of! As I say the mood is still positive and needs to stay that way.

As captain, are you doing or saying anything differently, or is it a case of just believing in what you're doing and each other?

I've obviously had to step up in the 2nd half of this season since being made captain and having so many changes to the squad, which I have enjoyed. But nothing has really changed in the last few weeks, it wasn't so long ago we we're playing some great football and getting big results. So we are trying to replicate that form and atmosphere around the place, and hopefully we get a bit of luck on the way.

You've played a lot of games since arriving at Trafford and become a fans favourite - I'm sure you've only missed 1 game in nearly 2 seasons. What is it like for yourself being captain at quite a young age and playing for this club?

I missed 1 game for a ban and got a rest against Glossop this year but other than that you are right. I can't see it being any other way for myself, I want to play every game and be an important part of the team, so I hate the thought of watching from the side-line. But yeah to play so many minutes and to be made captain has been brilliant and I can only thank the gaffer and fans for the backing.

It's really difficult planning futures at non-league clubs, I know, but I genuinely believe you have it in you to become an absolute legend at this club - could you see yourself still playing here a few years down the line?

It's hard to tell what might come of the future but I'd love to stay here and see the club grow which there is massive potential for.

We're 3rd bottom and yet we've got 2 full buses coming to the away game on Friday at Bootle: how important could the support be from now until the end of the season?

I love the away support we have, it really does make a difference. I wish I could get on the party bus and watch with the lads myself, there's been some great away days since I've been here. You can tell that some of our best away performances have been when we have a big and loud following. Always look forward to a coach trip as well so we can hear Liam Maguires Frank Sinatra.

We recently announced the re-signing of Glen Matthews, what will he bring to the squad at such an important time?

Yeah I'm buzzing Glenn's back, I can't wait to see a few of his diags. 

We also announced Eddie Brown, what can you tell us about him?

Not seen much of Eddie yet but he seems a tidy player from recent training sessions.

Talking of our support, you've been out for a few beers previously with members of our YoT, they're great lads - does it make it more special getting to know the supporters on a personal level?

Haha yeah it's easy to get dragged out into Urmston with that lot! Just need to make sure I go home a lot earlier than they do.

Do you have a favourite memory/game during your time at the club?

Favourite times we're probably when we went on the 7 game win streak last year. It's great when everyone is on form and you feel unbeatable.

And worst?

Worst probably the red card at Hednesford 1st game this year. Booked for asking for a yellow card was annoying as we weren't even aware of those new rules! (Not pointing any fingers...)

Which team do you support yourself?

Man United

And favourite player?

Favourite all time is definitely Rooney, grew up watching him and he was a joke.

Toughest player to mark in training?

Eddie Servuts

Best player you've come up against in our league?

Not sure of this one to be honest. Played against a lot of very good players but I don't tend to remember names or faces too well. 

What would you say your strengths are footballing wise?

I like to think I have improved my passing recently and is a strength of mine. I do also love to roll my sleeves up and have to properly defend the box. As nervy as it can be, I love to defend a lead late on in a game, and head and clear as far as possible.

And if you could improve one thing about your game overnight, what would you improve?

I'd have to agree with Burkey from last months Q's and say finishing. I've got myself into some very good positions to score and win a lot of first contacts in the box. I'd love to come out of a season with 10+ goals.

Talk me through the perfect day/night? Obviously it'll start with a Trafford win 😎 but what else are you doing?

Perfect day out is a toughhh one! I'd probably say a nice long dog walk, followed by a cup of tea, nice warm bath and a TV series before an early night.

Who are you nominating for the next 21 Qs with?

I'll nominate Sam Booth next.