Now it’s skipper Asa Hall who shares with us his first, and best, footballing experiences…
Who was the first team you supported, as a kid?
Aston Villa, my Dad and Grandpa used to take me to the games as a boy.
Apart from Plainmoor (of course), what is the best ground you have played at?
Wembley – Twice! It’s an unbelievable stadium to play football in, especially the day I played for Luton when we won the Johnstones Paint Trophy by beating Scunthorpe 3-2 in extra time.
Who was your first footballing idol?
Dwight Yorke. He was my hero at Villa, and I actually got to play with him during as a young professional at Birmingham City.
Who is the best player you’ve played against?
Jay-Jay Okocha. He was a huge name at the time, and had plenty of flair!
What the first football match you went to?
Aston Villa vs Bolton. And I remember getting Villa manager Brian Little’s autograph with my Grandpa too.
What is the best match you’ve played in?
Oxford vs Swindon. It is a huge rivalry and derby down there, and we beat them 2-1 when Paolo Di Canio was manager of Swndon. It was a full house at the Kassam Satdium. We went down to 10 men early on, and I scored the first that day too!
What is the first goal you remember scoring?
I remember scoring for my school team. I was in Year 4 playing for the Year 6 team – We won 3-0, and I scored all of them!
What is the best goal you’ve scored yourself, or seen?
The Boxing Day goal against Truro for Torquay last season will take some beating!
What is the first thing you make sure you do on a matchday, as preparation, or as a ritual / superstition?
For a home game I always eat my pre-match meal then take the dog for a walk, just to clear my head and switch on for the game. Sadly we had to have him uit to sleep during lockdown so I need a new ritual now, or will have to borrow the neighbour’s dog.
Finally, what is the best bit of advice you could give to any young player?
Believe in yourself and work hard practicing everyday. I used to work on using both feet all the time when I was growing up, and it definitely has helped me.
