Ever wondered what you footballing heroes are actually like away from the limelight? well this new regular feature will reveal all as we experience what it is like to be At home with the players.

                                                      

Fact file:

Name: Ian Keepin  

Age: 36!!                                             

Height: 5’9”

Weight: 15st (At the time of writing)

Nickname: Kipper, Kip, Begeara, Monty, Joe Bugner, Ian from England

Position: Defence

Debut: 1986

Favourite Colour: Red

It’s not often that you actually get to meet your heroes but that that is the prospect confronting me as I stride along the winding path to legendary St Aldhelms full-back IAN KEEPIN’s sumptuous home in the celebrity enclave of Durville Close. Will he actually live up to his reputation as the “nicest man in Headley Park™” or will it all turn out to be a façade that he has cultivated over the years to hide the fact that he hates dogs and small children and is just in it for the money! Well read on and find out………………

Ian welcomes me in with a firm handshake and a warm smile, he seems relaxed, almost excited about our interview. I survey my surroundings and a apart from a few medals dotted on the mantle piece there are very few clues that this is actually the home of one of the most decorated players in the history of St Aldhelms FC.

So Ian How long have you played for St Aldhelms? Twenty years Can you remember your debut? what happened? Was there anyone playing still playing today? Was it in black & white?

I can’t actually remember a great deal about it to be honest, I do remember that it was a night match for the reserves and I was 15 and came on as sub with Ozzie who was also making his debut. The only memorable thing I can remember about the match was that Mike Clarke actually had hair!!!!

 

I am sure must have had many highlights during your years playing, what is the most memorable moment you have? Tell us about it.

Oh Definitely the GFA Cup Final the year we did the treble! Have I ever told you about the time we won the treble?

 

Umm yes Ian, quite a few times.

 

Do you have a favourite goal? There can’t be many to choose from!

There aren’t to be a honest but there are two that standout, the best was at home against Tytherington Rocks, a twenty five yard drive from outside the box. The other goal I can remember was away against Bris for the reserves, it wasn’t as spectacular but was probably the most important I have scored, it was a last minute equaliser and kept Dean Williams in a job!!

 

To have spent all those years in the first team you must have been doing something right, what do you think your strengths are?

My tight marking and I am very consistent, like my hair!!

 

If you had to compare yourself to a professional footballer who would it be? Denis Irwin Do you have a pre-match routine? Any superstitions?

I always have a crusty loaf for lunch before the game, mmmmmm crusty loaf!

 

What do you enjoy doing away from St Aldhelms? I understand you now have a season ticket at Bristol City and so now only play when city are away, do you miss playing regularly?

It’s not too bad, I still manage to get a game for the thirds when city are playing away.

 

Please name your St Aldhelms all time XI based only on players you have actually played with.

GK – Tommy Tainton

RB – Scott Matthews

LB – Wringo

CB – Darren Thomas

CB – Darren Gaskell

MR – Puggy

CM – Oz

CM – Glenn Mitchell

ML – Mike Berry

CF – Mike Kew

CF – Jon Berry

Hm not a bad side but you seem to have missed out Russel Bamford who is obviously the most talented player at the club!

Well I didn’t bother to include him as that goes without saying!

 

Quick fire Questions!

Chinese or Indian?                                        Chinese

Studs or Blades?                                           Studs

Kylie or Dannii?                                             Kylie

BBC or ITV                                                    BBC

Film or Music?                                              Music

Crisps or Chocolate?                                     Crisps

Jeff Stelling or Gary Lineker?                     Jeff Stelling

Swimshorts or Speedos?                               Swimshorts

Tea or Coffee?                                            Coffee

Ant or Dec?                                                Ant

Adult channel or Television X?                    Adult Channel

John Berry or Michael Berry?                    Neither

Dangermouse or Hong Kong Phooey?             Hong Kong Phooey

Knight Rider or the A-Team?                      A-Team

Crusty Loaf or Pint of lager?                      Pint of lager

 

Right I want to find out about some of your team-mates through the years

Who is the biggest moaner you have played with?

Ozzie

 

Who spends/spent the most time doing their hair after the game?

Matty Pitman

 

Who has/had the worst dress sense?

It’s a toss up between Darren Thomas and Mark Derrick

 

Who is the hardest player you have played with?

Darren Thomas

 

The biggest joker?

That would have to be Cammy I think.

 

Who is the longest in the shower?

Any Honeyfield!!!

 

Thank you very much for your time Ian it was an honour to meet you, before I go what is the best piece advice that you have received that you would like to pass on to the next generation of the claret & blue army?

Umm never carry lightbulbs in your back pocket?!?!

 

Thank you very much.

 

 

Interview by Rash Bamsboy

Mr Keepin did not receive a fee for this article.