North Bank Banter took the opportunity of contacting Leamington's injured midfield dynamo with a few well chosen posers. His reply?
"It would be no problem to answer your questions. In fact I'm glad of the opportunity to let the fans know what's going on concerning my injury. If you have any further questions I would be happy to answer them as long as they are appropriate."
NBB: Speaking of your injury, what is the latest state of affairs regarding that?
Wicko: At the moment things are going well with regard to my injury. It's getting stronger and stronger, and I hope to be back playing soon. At the moment I am running, swimming and cycling every day to get fit again. The real test for me will be sprinting, kicking a long distance ball and sharp turns. I would like to take this opportunity to tell everyone that it was NOT a hernia that I suffered from, as many people have thought.
What exactly was the injury, then?
I tore some ligaments in my groin and had what is known as 'Gilmore's Groin'. I had an operation on 10 December, and hoped to be back playing 4-6 weeks after that. This was not the case, but come the end of January, I started training. But there was still swelling from the operation, and it became increasingly sore, so I had to stop for a few weeks more. I have now been seeing a physiotherapist at University and taking things slowly so I can build up the strength in my groin.
Have you any date in your head for a return to training/playing?
As I said earlier, I have been running, swimming and cycling over the last week, and hope to do this every day for the next 3 weeks. I am going on a football tour to the Isle of Man with the university. It's only a one-day tournament but I hope to be fit for that. All things going well, I hope to be available for selection for Leamington on 1 April - home to Rugby Town. I can't wait!
What's been your most memorable match for the Brakes, and why?
For me, (and I have missed some very memorable games due to university), the 4-3 thriller against Archdale '73 [last season] was special. We were 3-0 up and cruising at 77 minutes. We made three substitutions, to give everyone a run-out, and everyone just switched off! Before we knew it, it was 3-3, all their goals coming from set-pieces, with 90 minutes on the clock. We got a throw-in in injury time and Thommo launched it into the box. I managed to rise above everyone else and head a winner. The North Bank went crazy and I was a loving it. It was a quality feeling. What made it better was that it was very near the end of the season, and we had to get 3 points from the game to keep up with Rugby Town for the championship.
What were your feelings when you got the phone call informing you of the demolition of Rugby Town last week? How gutted were you to miss even seeing it?
Gutted does not even go half-way to describe what I felt! I can't believe I was not there! What amazes me is that I saw the game on Saturday against Wilmcote, and to be brutally honest, we were not good at all. I did not give us much hope against Rugby, just 3 days later on that performance. I just hope I can play some part in another win against them on 1 April.
Which player(s) do you most admire at Leamington?
There are two players that I really admire, Will Payne and Brian Agar. Payney is a brillant defender and I always felt very confident with him at the back to organise things. Being one of the youngest players, he helped me especially in the first half of last season on the pitch. If he does not return, he will be a big loss to the club. Bagga has such a great first touch, that just by
watching him you can tell that he has played at a much higher level. He's a clever player as well, and uses his brain to his advantage more than most.
What would you say are you're three best attributes as a footballer?
This is a very difficult question. I would say my ability to win the ball in the air, especially as most of the opposition tend to under-estimate me due to my size. Second would be my ability to read the game and deliver a good pass. And thirdly, I would say my
creativity and skill on the ball.
... and as a person?
I don't know. You can ask my friends at university that one.
Speaking of university, which one are you at, and what course are you following? How long have you got left?
I am at Brunel University in London, studying a Business Management degree. I'm now in my second year out of four. My third year though, is a work placement for 12 months. I don't know where yet, but I hope to continue to play for Leamington. I have missed enough games as it it is!
Have you played any other sports for any other teams or at any other levels?
I have always been very sporty. Football has always been my favourite, and the sport that I'm best at. But I play cricket as well in the summer. I was in the university first team squad last summer and I have played cricket for Shipston-on-Stour and Stratford C.C. I was in the school hockey and badminton first teams, (only because they did not play football at my secondary school!). I also played badminton for Mid-Warwickshire up until I was 16. Around the age of 16/17 though, I decided to concentrate mostly on football. I did not even play that much cricket last season with all Leamington's friendlies.
Will Tottenham win the FA Cup?
Being a Spurs' fan - of course!
Which person do you most admire outside of football and why?
I don't think that there is one person that really stands out. I admire a lot of people. I recently saw the film 'Ali'. If I had to pick one person then I might choose Mohammed Ali. That film definitely inspired me.
Which woman from any sphere of life would you like to have a candle-lit dinner with (current girl-friend etc discounted)?
I am always changing my mind, so there is never one particular woman. At the moment though, I would choose Cat Deeley.
Finally, do you have a message for the North Bank supporters?
Just that it still amazes me the support that Leamington FC gets. I think it's fantastic. So many people give up so much of their time to make it possible for people like myself to play for Leamington. I'm always bragging to my mates at university about our support and the size of the crowds. The crowd, the banter and the songs at games really give us an extra advantage over many sides and give the players a real lift. I just hope we can gain promotion and maybe win a cup this year to reward all the fans for their support.
Si, many thanks for finding the time for this interview.