Wednesday 21st September 2005

Hi there Fantana fans, and welcome to the first ever edition of Captains Corner.  In my fortnightly column, I'll be taking an off the cuff look at the club, and my teammates antics, (on and off the field).   I'll also be giving you guys and gals the chance to pose your questions to me, and delve deeper into the club in your quests for infinite Fantana Knowledge.

Before his first competitive game back in charge on Sunday, Brad announced that I would be Club Captain for the season. I was proud and excited to take on the responsibility.  I decided that apart from giving my all on the pitch for the club, and showing that I am 100% committed to the cause, I'd like to give a little bit more, starting with this column for our wonderful website.

Our first league game seemed to take an age to come around.  I was a little apprehensive as to what I expected in this league,  but I was absolutely fired up for the occasion, as I was for our second game on Sunday, and I'm pleased with the contributions I've made so far. But I'd like to talk about some of my teammates today...

At the start of pre season, I knew that we had a decent side that was going to compete this season.  I knew a lot about my team mates.  Stephen Dawes in goal was the only player I had not seen play before, but the boss has made several acquisitions since, and I've been very impressed with the way they have entered the setup, and staked their claims for a regular spot in the line up.

Chris Tilbury, has come in and probably knew the least amount of people in the team.  In the friendly against Woodford it was hard to judge abilty as the searing heat affected everyone's performance, but he has been a solid asset in our first two league games, and he has a cultured left peg.  Perhaps most importantly, he has shown me in two recent nights out, that he has a real capacity to drink copius amounts of alcohol, terrorise fat women, and carry on playing to a high level despite vomiting in the bushes at half time.   Well done Chris.

James Spicer has shown me that he has really matured as a player over the last couple of years.  I knew he had great movement, and touch, but his abilty to hold the ball up is shining through in his one man crusade up front, and he is banging the goals in too.  James has been hungover in all three games for the club, and has been known to smell of vomit....

Russell Leiter, is a hell of an athlete, and and gets about the pitch quickly.  Whilst we were perhaps unsure of his ability at first, he is proving us wrong week in week out.  I asked one thing of him in my stint as stand in boss, and that was that he got himself in the box with late runs.  He has responded with three goals, and he is a welcome addition to Racing.

David Sack was known by me as someone who can go out and get on it with the best of them, but I knew little about his Football skills.  He has impresed me with his great bite in the middle and his simple passing.  Pound for pound, he shows immense strength at times, and he was unfortunate to drop to the bench on Sunday. 

Sunday really showed the strength in depth we have, and if people miss training, or games, they really have to work to get back in the side.  Dave took this on his chin well, and it was good to see him come and get a goal.  This is the attitude that needs to be displayed at all times. I took inspiration from Dave, and it was no thing to take a seat on the bench myself for 40 minutes, to give another man a good run out.

Now I'm going to take some time to answer some questions from you, the Racing fans....

Dear Chris,
My name is Adam. I am 9 years old, and I play for Romdale Rovers. I want
to be captain of my team, like you. What advice can you give me? And
what skills do you think you have that make you a good captain?
Adam Smith, 9, Romford

Captain Chris says...

Hi Adam, 
Firstly, to be a captain. you need to give 100 percent dedication on the field, and set an example to those around you.  If you try to do things the right way for the good of the team, those around you can take inspiration from you. It's good to have a little bossiness from time to time as well!!   In the context of Racing, I try to use my experiences of playing with some excellent players in the past, and winning big games.  By passing these experiences on, I hope that we can develop a winning metality.

Also, in the words of Kris Akabusi, Dedication is what you need. 

To Chris,
My dad always tells me to stretch my muscles before and after games. I
don't see the point. Can you tell him he's wrong and I don't need to
stretch?
Marcus Richards, 12, Barkingside

Captain Chris Says...

Marcus, Dad knows best!  By warming up before a game, you can prepare your muscles for the demanding physical nature of football, and prevent injuries.  By warming down after, you can prevent aches and pains, aid recovery, and be ready to go again come Monday night Power League!  You'll thank me for that when your older.

To Captains Corner.
What role do you think football can play in solving world issues, such
as the Iraqi conflict and World Hunger?
A concerned mother, 47, Clayhall

Captain Chris Says...

I'm merely a footballer man.  Whilst we can aid financially by giving 2 sheets a month to oxfam, I'm a strong advocate of  Charity beginning at home.

2 Kris,
Im ur biggest fan. Can I av ur autograf? Ur well fit!!!1
Donna, 16, Dagenham

Captain Chris Says...

Hi Donna, I told you, your too young, and you've already got 2 kids from different dads.  Now do one...

El Maske,
Who is the biggest joker in the Racing Club Fantana locker room?
David, 23, Ilford  

Captain Chris Says...

There are many clowns in the dressing room.  It adds to the fun and spirit of the team. I wouldn't like to single out one name as a practical joker, but when it comes to insulting banter, we have some stars.

Chris,
How do you think the squad will fare this season?
Cyril, 43, Rochester  

Captain Chris Says...

They may as well give us the medals now....  The gaffer loves that one!!

Thats is for this week.

Speak in a fortnight.

El Capitan

Chris "Le Maske" Maskell