You’ve had a full pre season under your belt, and we’ve now played our first game. How do you feel things are shaping up ahead of the new campaign?

Firstly it’s great to get a full pre season under my belt, especially with the solid turn out we are getting at training each week.

The manager had his own ideas and philosophy he wanted to bring to the team and I believe the lads have taken really well to it. Just look at our results against higher opposition within the past few weeks, you can see that everyone has bought in to what the gaffa is trying to do, and it's an exciting time.

I really do feel we will be in amongst it come the end of the season.

How satisfying was it to walk off the pitch with the win in our first game of the season after such a fast paced game against such a tough opponent?

Extremely satisfying. Just goes to show the hard work we have been putting in during pre-season paid off on Saturday. They were a decent outfit and the beginning of the second half they put us under a lot of pressure, but the lads dug deep and we came out on top. It shows that Falcons belong at this level and higher.

It must have been extra encouraging to get the clean sheet as well?

The win is the most important thing but always a bonus to get a clean sheet. The defensive unit is working really well.

Can you believe that was your first start in the senior side since the 16th January 2016?

I didn’t know that. It’s great being back involved with the first team. I enjoyed playing in the seconds for the past 2 years, and with how it works for subs this season, the 2s have a great opportunity for the upcoming season.

You joined us in the 2008/09 Season and played a key role in the clubs promotion up to Division 2, the title winning season in 2011, and the clubs debut campaign in Cheltenham Division 1. You must have some happy memories of Falcons down the years?

Many happy memories down the years, too many to list. Winning that title was a great feeling!

The great thing about Falcons is that on and off the pitch I can think of many memories. The Albufeira and both Holland tours spring to mind. You only have to look on YouTube to see Griff on his way to Rotterdam!

Unfortunately we lost you effectively for three years due to a severe injury at the start of the 2012/13 Season. How difficult a time was that for you?

Horrible. Watching a football match, let alone Falcons, was agony as all I wanted to do was be on the pitch. My body will never quite be the same, but I just have to live with that.

I actually kept up to date with how the club was doing. In real terms we don’t get a long ‘career’ to play football at a competitive level, so to miss 3 years playing hurt. Not to mention the weight I gained……

After such a long time out, the comeback to 11-a-side begins at the end of the 2014/15 Season where you popped up at none other than arch rivals Charlton Rovers (taunting RJ along the way!!)………. Tell us about that move?

After not playing for so long my brother asked if I fancied a game and I thought why not, haven’t got anything to lose. Merry knew the outrage it would cause so thought it would be a good idea to take a picture of me in the Rover’s kit and spread it with the Falcons boys. I did wonder how RJ would react?!

You featured in red and blue in a 4-1 defeat against our Reserve side in a big end of season 6 pointer to decide which team was relegated. What are your recollections of that game, and was it tough to play against Falcons?

The bribe I got for giving away a penalty made up for it!

It was tough playing against Falcons, but I knew I’d be back in a yellow shirt soon enough.

Fast forward a few months and you saw the light. Was your journey back to the birds always a formality?

I got a call from Merry who basically said ‘do I fancy playing the odd game?’ and the rest is history.

You have since got stronger and stronger with every game, and up until the start of this campaign have gone on to make 43 Appearances for our Reserves since you returned in the 2015/16 Season, as well as 3 Appearances for the first team. How has that helped with your confidence in putting your previous injury troubles behind you?

As I said before I really enjoyed playing with the Reserves, although having to cover Gary Morris every week did get tiring!

During the first few games I was conscious of what happened before so eased myself back in, after that it was business as usual.

What I can take most from those 2 years is staying injury free, it's great to be able to play week after week again.

5 Years in the making, you had the opportunity to reunite your previous colossal defensive partnership with RJ for a few games before he retired. How was that for you?

He knows as well as I do we both enjoyed the reunion! I find it very easy to play with RJ as I know exactly how he plays. It was great to get the partnership back, if only for a few games. Great player!

Reserve Team Players Player of the Year two years in a row, Captain of the side, and rave reviews about your playing by all that know you. Could you have done any more to impress the previous regime and break back in to the first XI?

I think it's best I don’t say too much about it…

Was that a frustrating time for you, and how much did that make you consider leaving the club?

It’s always nice to get recognition from your peers, but sometimes you just accept you are not part of peoples plans. Come the end of the season I did have an offer I was seriously considering if the ‘previous regime’ was still active.

I was going to take RJ with me so we could continue our reunion... what a double signing that would have been?!

What made you keep the faith?

Turin.

It shows how affectionately you are thought of in this club that you have your very own player chant. Not many amateur footballers can lay claim to that. What are your real thoughts on the ‘Cacchioli song’?

I may not show it, but I absolutely buzz off it!!

Looking forward, what are your own personal and playing ambitions for the season?

Personally, I just want to stay fit and be available for as many games as possible. As you know I have a young daughter so I make sure that I divide my time fairly for my family and football.

Honestly, I don’t mind where I play, obviously within the back line is my preferred role but the team comes first and I would play left wing if need be.

How far do you think this team can go?

Falcons have a very strong squad again this year, I think we should be aiming to be in the mix come the end of the season. You never know it could be more silverware for the club again!

Any final thoughts?

I believe there will be a code of conduct out shortly for everybody to abide by. I have been asked to enforce the rules, the guys who were on the tours will know what I’m like…….