Firstly Ben, we hope you and your family are all okay during this difficult period. What are you doing to keep yourself busy?

Yes mate, we're all good thank you. I've been keeping fit of course and enjoying a bit of time off.

You joined us at the start of last season, at the same time as Assistant Manager, Lee Needham, how did that come about?

I broke my ankle and was out for a while and was pretty fed up with being injured so was hanging up the boots but Lee can be persuasive...

You’ve played under him before, was their something about his style that made you want to do it again?

I like him as a bloke first of all. He’s always honest which I have a lot of respect for. He’s got plenty of faith in me and I always enjoy playing for him. He’s very passionate about football and good to have in the dressing room when things get tough.

Earlier in your career, you were with the academy at Chesterfield. What was that like?

Yes I was there from being about 12. I have great memories and we had a good set of lads when I was there. The club's gone through some difficult times which unfortunately haven’t improved much.

And your release from Chesterfield led to you joining the Nike Academy. Talk us through that experience.

I was invited for a trial when I was released from Chesterfield after somebody at the club put me forward. It was my best couple of years since I’ve being playing football, it was a ridiculous experience that I couldn’t compare to anything else. We played some great teams around the world. It’s also nice to see some of the lads that I was there with now playing at a very good level.

Any of them we might know?

Sean Clare – he’s probably the one closest to us. He made some good appearances for Sheffield Wednesday before signing for Hearts.

Presumably you worked under top coaches while you were there. Does anyone standout?

Yes, all the coaches were top level. Matt Murray is probably the best known and still covers the games on Sky Sports. He’s also got to be one of the nicest blokes in football.

Did you think you may have another shot at turning pro whilst with Nike?

It was probably the best chance I had of getting back into full time football but things didn’t really fall into place as I’d have liked and I spent along time out injured. But that’s football, its a difficult game on and off the pitch.

Moving back onto Ollerton Town, how have you found your first season with the club?

Yes I really enjoyed it. It’s the first injury free season I’ve had in the past 4 years so it was starting to feel like I was really getting back at it before everything stopped. The lads are all great and I do honestly think if we keep the lads together and get a few additions we can be really strong for next season.

Any personal highlights?

I’m terrible at remembering any games but we played away somewhere [East Hull] and smashed someone about 8 nil [10-1]. I think I got 3 so that has to be a highlight.

Finally, you’ve played up front and on the wing this season. What do you prefer and why?

I’m naturally a winger but I think at this level I am better upfront with a big lad to play off. I played with Sam (Foulds) at Harworth and I'm glad to have him at Ollerton now as he wins everything in the air.