Interview taken from 'Sky Blue Review'; Ballymena United's match-day programme on 04/02/06 against Armagh City. Interview conducted by Paul Irwin.

How did you get started in football? "I started playing for Carmoney Colts in the Down & Connor league, before going to St. Andrews, then Larne Youth. Just before I turned 16 I went over to Nottingham Forest, where I spent 3 years, before coming back to Ballyclare from where I joined Ballymena United."

Who have been your influences, both on and off the pitch? "Probably my biggest influence on the pitch has been Paul Hart, who was the Academy Director at Nottingham Forest when I was there, although Tommy Wright has had a huge influence on me since I joined the club. My dad, mum and my big brother (who plays for Ballyclare Comrades) have been very supportive off the pitch."

What do you think of the squad at BUFC? "I think we have one of the top 3 squads in the Irish League. Linfield are out on their own, and the Glens, although going through a bad patch will be back to their usual strength before too long. Portadown, especially with the loss of Vinny Arkins, seem to be losing touch with the ‘big two’. There is a lot of depth to our squad, coupled with a good blend of youth and the experience of players like Rory Hamill and Gary Smyth."

What are your initial thoughts on Tommy Wright? "Tommy is the main reason I came to Ballymena, he had kept an eye on me before becoming manager here, and I was delighted when he asked me to join. He is a very ambitious person, always positive and professional in his training, and he wants to win every match."

What do you think of the setup of the club? "Brilliant – all the squads are fully kitted out, the home stand is excellent, and it’s great to have the training pitches and Astroturf, we couldn’t ask for much more, although a hot tub would just top it all off!"

What do you think could be done to improve Irish League football and its attendances? "Definitely more matches on Friday nights would draw bigger attendances, but I think one of the single biggest factors is the style of football on display and the only way to improve that is by keeping the pitches in good order. It’s hard to play football on pitches like those at Solitude and Coleraine Showgrounds with the state they’re in. Summer football may be one way to increase the quality of the pitches, as they are greatly affected by the weather during the winter months."

Which grounds/opponents have impressed you in the Irish League? "Glenn Ferguson, I think, is the best player in the Irish League, he is in a class of his own! Wesley Boyle at Portadown has also impressed me. I like playing at Windsor Park and the Oval, as a Ballyclare fan I hate Inver Park."

Have you any pre-match rituals or superstitions? "No, I’m not the superstitious type."

What are your ambitions for this season? "Personally, I’d like to play in Europe next season, and qualify for the Setanta Cup. I’d also love to lift a trophy, because the fans have waited a long time for one."

What is your preferred Ballymena United kit? "The white away kit, although I’d prefer it if the shorts were white as well."

Ballymena United haven’t won a trophy in 17 years, can we put this right on Tuesday? "Yes, of course we can! Seriously though, someone has to beat Linfield at some stage, and there’s nothing to stop us doing at the final at Seaview."

What do you think of the proposed new multi-sports stadium at the Maze? "I’d rather the IFA redeveloped Windsor, perhaps by upgrading the Railway Stand and improving the other stands they could increase the capacity within Health and Safety grounds. I think 25,000 would be a more realistic target attendance for international matches, especially when you consider the majority of our matches are against smaller teams like Liechtenstein which won’t draw as big crowds as the recent England match did."

Are you married, or otherwise attached? "I have a girlfriend."

How do you like to unwind? "I usually go out with a few mates into Belfast, or go to Kelly’s in Portrush and end up losing my phone."

Name your favourite current band/song? "I like James Blunt at the minute."

Do you support any English football teams? "No, I’m a Ballyclare Comrades fan."

What is your favourite holiday destination? "I was in Magaluf in the summer for 2 weeks and it was brilliant."

Finally, If you were on a desert island; pick three things? "Sky TV, a crate of Smirnoff Ice, and a football."