Tonbridge Angels Football Club: Interview with Matt Hollyoak
In our latest interview Phil Kingsley talks to young Angel Matt Hollyoak about his progress through the ranks of the Club and his recent success in making the England Schoolboys' Squad.
1) How long have you been at Tonbridge Angels? What club were you with prior?
I have been at Tonbridge since Under-15 level, and prior to that I played for Westerham Juniors. I joined a very successful Angels side, which was managed by Barry Jeffrey and Kevin Goldsmith. They both made it very easy to fit in and helped me learn and develop as a footballer. Barry and Kevin got me to a level that gave me opportunities at West Ham United and Gillingham.
2) What is your favoured position?
A very difficult question. I enjoy playing in both the sweeper position and at right-back. I do like to get forward; therefore I find the right-back position more interesting.
3) Do you have any nicknames? And how did they originate?
I have a few; one seems to stick with me wherever I go, "Beano", a few mates at school thought I look a bit like an albino, hence the name Beano.
4) Who are your favourite footballers, both Angels and professional?
In the pro game I have always admired Tony Adams, I think that his decision making and reading of the game was top class. I do like to watch the likes of Roberto Carlos who is a very attacking full back. For the Angels I feel that Bealsey is very strong in the air and I admire the way that he has progressed through the ranks at the Angels. I feel that he is a good example to all the youngsters.
5) What do you consider to have been your best game in an Angels shirt?
I really enjoyed my first-team debut against Horsham, I had only just turned 16 and there was a crowd of around 500. I got a lot of stick about my hair, but when we won the game they forgot all about it. I really enjoyed our FA Youth Cup run two years ago, we unfortunately got knocked out in the First Round Proper by a very strong Leyton Orient outfit. The support we had that night was fantastic.
6) Who have been your biggest influences in football?
My dad played a decent standard of football, and he has always had a very unbiased attitude towards me and my game. I feel that this has helped me greatly and I have always been able to rely on his support and advice. I have also met some very influential characters outside of the Angels, Steve Jones who was my Kent County coach, Darren Hare from Gillingham and John Coles who also coached me for Kent.
7) What's it like working with Julian, Kevin and Simon?
I have worked with Kevin since Under-15 level, I have always been able to turn to him for advice on my game and I have found him to be very supportive throughout my Angels career. I get on well with both Julian and Simon, both are superb man-managers and although I have not been able to play for them as much as I would have liked, I do believe that all three are an asset to the club and do a great job.
8) You are representing England at Schoolboy level, how is that going?
I find playing international football very tough, it is a step up and it is challenging both physically and mentally. I have really enjoyed my experience and I have achieved a degree of fitness that has improved my game. The discipline before and after games along with the strict diet has given me a whole new outlook.
9) What are your hopes and aspirations for the future?
I just want to improve as a footballer and an individual. The Angels have given me a great start in my career and I want to continue in my development and see where the future takes me.
10) You have great support from your family - how important is this to a player?
My family have always supported me in my football, we all love the game and we share the ups and downs that come our way.
Thank you Matt and good luck for the rest of the season and beyond.
In our latest interview Phil Kingsley talks to young Angel Matt Hollyoak about his progress through the ranks of the Club and his recent success in making the England Schoolboys' Squad.