8th April 2021
Interview conducted by Adam Holt
I have recently caught up with ex-Northampton Town, Kettering, Hereford and Brackley player Luke Graham, in order to discuss his career as a footballer, as well as other topics, including the biggest challenge that he faced in his career (amongst other topics), enjoy the Q&A!
Clubs: Northampton Town (2003 - 2006), Billericay Town (loan, 2003 - 2004), Aylesbury United (loan, 2004 - 2005), Kettering Town (loan, 2005), Forest Green Rovers (loan, 2005 - 2006), Kettering Town (2006 - 2009), King's Lynn (loan, 2008 - 2009), Mansfield Town (2009 - 2010), York City (loan, 2009-10), York City (2010), Kettering Town (2010 - 2011), Forest Green Rovers (2011 - 2012), Hereford United (2012 - 2014), Alfreton Town (2014 - 2015), Brackley Town (2015 - 2018) & Kettering Town (2018 - 2020).
Check out the Q&A below!
Who did you support growing up, and did you have a footballing idol? If so, why?
"I support Liverpool. In terms of football idols growing up, I would have to say Sami Hyppia/ Jamie Carragher, both played my position (centre back), both had weaknesses such as pace/height but worked on strengths to become world class centre backs.”
What would you say is the highlight of your playing career?
"The highlight of my career was fulfilling everyone’s dream of playing at Wembley with York City (play off final) and Brackley (FA Trophy final).”
Who has been your favourite manager to play for throughout your career so far and why?
"Martin Foyle, (York & Hereford) had full believe in me as a person & footballer which made me play my best football.”
How did it feel to win the Vanarama National League North title?
"Winning National North title at 21 with Kettering was great for my age, playing regular football week in week out with a fantastic group of players who most had good careers, learned a lot and how to be a winner.”
What would you say is your favourite part of your role at BBC Northampton radio?
"I really enjoying role with BBC Northampton, spent 4 years there as a player so have an affinity for the club (Northampton Town), you can have freedom to speak freely and impart your experiences in football to fans who love their club with no strings attached, fans appreciate honesty & hard work in any job within football.”
What would your advice be for someone who is entering the sports journalism industry like me?
"Advice on sports journalism? Have an open mind, have the willingness to learn in any capacity, ask questions & be happy to fail.”
What would you say was the biggest challenge of your football career?
"When Northampton released me at 20, stats will tell you 99.9% that get released u21 will not make a career/living out of the game, I was one of the lucky 0.01%.”
Who was the best player you played with in your career?
"Young talents Jarrod Bowen (West Ham) & Sam Clucas (Stoke) stand out, but for consistency David McGurk (York) was best CB partner I ever had.”
Finally, what are your thoughts on the implementation of VAR in the Premier League?
"VAR is too inconsistent to use every week, just use it from the Quarter Finals onwards in every cup competition when it matters most, poor decisions can cost a lot of money in the Premier League standings!”
I hope you enjoyed this Q&A, there will be more coming very soon!
Clubs: Northampton Town (2003 - 2006), Billericay Town (loan, 2003 - 2004), Aylesbury United (loan, 2004 - 2005), Kettering Town (loan, 2005), Forest Green Rovers (loan, 2005 - 2006), Kettering Town (2006 - 2009), King's Lynn (loan, 2008 - 2009), Mansfield Town (2009 - 2010), York City (loan, 2009-10), York City (2010), Kettering Town (2010 - 2011), Forest Green Rovers (2011 - 2012), Hereford United (2012 - 2014), Alfreton Town (2014 - 2015), Brackley Town (2015 - 2018) & Kettering Town (2018 - 2020).
Check out the Q&A below!
Who did you support growing up, and did you have a footballing idol? If so, why?
"I support Liverpool. In terms of football idols growing up, I would have to say Sami Hyppia/ Jamie Carragher, both played my position (centre back), both had weaknesses such as pace/height but worked on strengths to become world class centre backs.”
What would you say is the highlight of your playing career?
"The highlight of my career was fulfilling everyone’s dream of playing at Wembley with York City (play off final) and Brackley (FA Trophy final).”
Who has been your favourite manager to play for throughout your career so far and why?
"Martin Foyle, (York & Hereford) had full believe in me as a person & footballer which made me play my best football.”
How did it feel to win the Vanarama National League North title?
"Winning National North title at 21 with Kettering was great for my age, playing regular football week in week out with a fantastic group of players who most had good careers, learned a lot and how to be a winner.”
What would you say is your favourite part of your role at BBC Northampton radio?
"I really enjoying role with BBC Northampton, spent 4 years there as a player so have an affinity for the club (Northampton Town), you can have freedom to speak freely and impart your experiences in football to fans who love their club with no strings attached, fans appreciate honesty & hard work in any job within football.”
What would your advice be for someone who is entering the sports journalism industry like me?
"Advice on sports journalism? Have an open mind, have the willingness to learn in any capacity, ask questions & be happy to fail.”
What would you say was the biggest challenge of your football career?
"When Northampton released me at 20, stats will tell you 99.9% that get released u21 will not make a career/living out of the game, I was one of the lucky 0.01%.”
Who was the best player you played with in your career?
"Young talents Jarrod Bowen (West Ham) & Sam Clucas (Stoke) stand out, but for consistency David McGurk (York) was best CB partner I ever had.”
Finally, what are your thoughts on the implementation of VAR in the Premier League?
"VAR is too inconsistent to use every week, just use it from the Quarter Finals onwards in every cup competition when it matters most, poor decisions can cost a lot of money in the Premier League standings!”
I hope you enjoyed this Q&A, there will be more coming very soon!