19 - Stalybridge Celtic vs Matlock Town

INSIDE THE DRESSING ROOM..
WITH GREG HALL
Well, where do you start with Greg? He’s just our number one isn’t he…
Arriving at the club in pre-season, Greg came with a wealth of experience, trips
to Wembley and as a four-time winner of the North West Counties Goalkeeper
of the Season award. But it’s perhaps his personality, his time for fans, and his
love of three points that we love most on the terraces.
His enthusiasm comes off as infectious and his passion for the game second
to none. And then to top all that off, he’s blooming good too!
We caught up with the Celtic stopper to find out a little more about him…
Team You Support: Manchester United
Favourite Food: Any dessert
Best Player Played With: Chris Dagnall
Best Player Played Against: Jamie Roe
Dream Holiday: Disneyland USA
Favourite TV Show: Match of the Day
Hi Greg, you’ve fast become a favourite on the
terraces at Celtic. How are you finding life at the club?
The first reason I came to Celtic was because of the fans. I wanted
to play for a team with passionate fans who travel home and away
and after playing against Stalybridge numerous times throughout
the last six years, I knew they would be the right team. And they
do, every single game.
What has been your favourite moment of the season
so far?
My favourite moment so far has to be our victories. Watching
the team win means they have run more and harder than the
opposition, so any victory makes me very happy!
We’ve enjoyed some excellent saves from you so far
this season, but are there any that stand out to you?
The saves I’m most proud of are the simple ones, maybe a oneon-one.
But the defenders in front of me have played with passion
and composure, which makes my job a lot easier. I’m proud to be
part of this team as it’s one of the best I’ve been involved with.
Although not having a goalkeeping coach, I can struggle where
others don’t, but I try my best with the resources we have. Big
shout out to our very own Connor Leach though, he’s a top class
goalie who helps me as much as he can.
We’ve seen you at the other end of the pitch in recent
weeks too. Of course, it’s not an ideal scenario, but is
it exciting for a goalkeeper? You weren’t far off scoring
against Radcliffe!
It’s definitely not an ideal situation and I don’t ever want to do
it but after playing up top for a team many moons ago with both
Dahrius and Domaine, I know I have it in my locker to help the
team in an offensive manner. I’d rather be trying to keep them out
in order to win the game though, and so would the defence!
How does a typical matchday look for you? Any
superstitions or routines you have before kick off?
It sounds rank but I hate dry feet, so I wet the bottom of my feet
before putting my socks on! Connor and I warm up the same before
every match. So, I suppose that’s a bit of a superstition.
It feels like you have really bought into the club as a
whole. Is this something you’ve tried to do with clubs
throughout your career?
As I’ve only played as high as this level, I’ve tried my best to
connect with the fans as much as possible as these people are
definitely the driving force of any club at our level. I’m passionate,
focused and I hate to lose, and I’d like to think my teammates
do as well.
You have enjoyed a trip to Wembley during your career.
What was the day like? A real pinch yourself moment?
Getting to Wembley with the gaffer was an absolute pleasure and
possibly the pinnacle of my career. But my fondest was winning
Goalkeeper of the Year a record three times in the North West
Counties, then making the move to this league. Having only started
my goalkeeping career at 25 after running for Sale Harriers and
gaining a second black belt in karate, just imagine how good I
could have been! However, the whole weekend was immense as we
trained at Arsenal the day before and met Mr Wenger! Absolute
deluxe style carpet as well, the pitch was another level.
The list of awards you’ve won at both club and league
level is quite outstanding, and we’re sure there are
plenty of goalkeepers in the game and on the terraces
who really look up to you. If there’s one piece of advice
you could give them at making it at this level, and
beyond, what would it be?
The advice I would give to anyone would be to take the lows and
highs with a pinch of salt because you’re only as good as your
last game. Be positive, humble and never think you’re better than
anybody else!
And finally, there is a strong bond with yourself and
the fans, particularly some of our younger contingent.
Do you have a message for them at all?
My message to all the younger fans is that the more vegetables
you eat, the further you will be able to kick a football!!
30
THE OFFICIAL STALYBRIDGE CELTIC MATCH DAY PROGRAMME