Our thanks this week goes to Ben Diment who very kindly offered up his time to answer some questions for us! Ben’s appearances have been infrequent. Have injuries played a part?
“I was quite fortunate to find myself in a bit of a unique position at the start of the season, four games in, as changes with my work circumstances gave me an opportunity to go travelling. I had an honest chat with Matty (Angell), who was very supportive of my decision, and decided it was something I couldn’t turn down. So, I went away to Thailand and Vietnam, coming back before Christmas. The Christmas period and matches being cancelled slowed down regaining my match fitness, but I’m glad to be back now, and look forward to playing a role in our run-in to the end of the season.”
We’ve all been impressed when you have played, what do you consider your best attribute as a footballer, and what would you like to be better at?
“I think this one is an easy one for me and comes from how I am outside of football. I would say I’m organised and commanding, and I like to think this shows on the pitch. I am always looking to improve my game, but Hayche (coach) has been particularly brilliant working with me this season on my body shape, in relation to where the ball is, and I have felt improvement because of this.”
Where have you played previously, and have you played under Matt Angell before?
“Whilst at the University of Essex I started taking my football a bit more seriously, I became the 1st Team Captain and was playing Step 6 football with Wivenhoe Town. Two years ago, I came back home and signed for Long Crendon, then of the Spartan South League, before moving to Reading towards the end of last season, joining Matt & Co at Eversley & California FC. In fact, my debut was up-front, off the bench, which I like to remind the management team of every now and then!”
Who would you consider the best player you’ve played against? And, if you could pick one player from any Step 4/5/6 club locally to join you at WEFC who would it be?
“I’ve been very lucky to have played with and against some fantastic players so far in my career. Whilst at Long Crendon we played Wycombe Wanderers in the Berks & Bucks Quarter Finals. They had the likes of Anis Mehmeti & Ali Al-Hamadi in the line-up who are both now scoring goals for fun in the Championship with Bristol City and Ipswich Town. Mehmeti in particular had us chasing shadows all night long. I’m only 23 so I hope there’s many more opportunities to play against some other brilliant players.”
“As for picking a player, that’s easy. Ross McKernan aka. Rosco. He was the skipper at Eversley & California before moving over to Ashford Town FC this season. I’ve never seen someone with an engine like his. If our budget next season can’t cover his wages, I’d take long term school friend, Aiden Higgs, currently at Wallingford & Crowmarsh FC. Serious eye for goal and may even push current teammate Izzy (Chase-Kelly) in a running race!”
And how about venues, is there a ground you like playing at more than any other, and how about a ground you’ve played at that you don’t want to go back to?
“To be honest, I’ll find it hard to think of any ground that beats Stag Meadow. During pre-season, management brought us all down to have a look at the ground and that’s where the excitement began for a lot of us players. It’s got character, a strong sense of community and the pitch is an absolute carpet, which is a shame in a way as I wouldn’t mind a bobble or two to blame for my first touch! Worst ground experience I’ve had was playing away at Kettering Town. Proper old school setup, the biggest slope you’ve ever seen and the worst hail I’ve ever played in. Miserable day.”
