In terms of playing style the similarities continue: not out and out goal scorers and certainly both quicker of mind than feet. Arguably inconsistent, but capable of magic moments that make you scratch your head as to why they ply their trade at non-league level.

Facebook has been useful for keeping in touch with past heroes and I’ve had the occasional chat with Declan Perkins on social media. It’s always weird that even after ex-players retire you still are slightly in awe when you get a response, so thank you to Declan for giving up his time.

1. Declan, I thought this Q&A may be fun given the above similarities I see between Ian Daly and yourself. Is he a player you were aware of either at Dulwich Hamlet or with Ireland? If you haven’t you may wish to see him unleash this crazy skill on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZ0H8Jvv840

DP -This skill is what we call the Irish Jig. Whilst this looks like Ian is producing footballing magic, what he’s actually trying to do is dance.

2. Can you tell us of your experience of playing competitively for the national side and who were you with professionally at the time?

DP -Well, it was a fantastic experience. I played at U18 and U21 level. In My U21 team was Steve Carr, Shay Given, Gary Breen, Mark Kennedy, Graham Kavanagh, Allan Moore. to name a few. These guys were all playing in the premiership at the time and all played full internationals. At the time I was breaking into The Southend Utd. 1st Team., which at the time had some amazing players such as, Ronnie Whelan, Mike Marsh, Chris Powell.

3. My main recall of your playing time was under Dave Garland, and at times the Hamlet played some great stuff under Dave. What was he like to work with?

DP -I guess he was very old school- no nonsense. Told it as it was. I arrived at Dulwich just after they sold Dave McEwen & Dave Stevens and Dave Garland told me on my first training session I was starting on the Saturday up front. When I got to the match he called me into his office (broom cupboard) and said I’d have to start on the bench as they had signed a kid on Loan from Spurs…..Peter Crouch.

4. That side certainly would have contained some real characters, the Garland brothers come to mind, along with Les Cleevely who obviously also managed Dulwich for a short period. Did you easily fit in to what seemed on the outside as a dressing room where no-one could hide?

DP-There was a good team spirit, and these guys were all good and honest and liked a laugh. So, really it was very easy.

5. I spoke to a few Hamlet fans about this Q&A and a highlight for them of your time at Champion Hill was the Trophy match away to Tooting. Is this a match you can recall easily – especially considering you scored a double that day (and our current leader Gavin Rose was sent off!) and were you aware how much that result meant to the fans?

DP -Yes, I loved this match. I think it was Tooting's first season in their new ground.It was a cracking match and I was so chuffed to score those goals. I remember the Dulwich fans going crazy when I scored the 2nd goal…which was the equaliser to make it 2-2 (Peter Adeniyi got the winner with a far post header). Gavin got sent off in every other match didn’t he!

6. Speaking of Gavin Rose, are you aware of Dulwich winning the league last season and the style we play in? If so, do you think a 90s Declan Perkins could have played in this current side? Basically we are the non-league Barcelona Dec!

DP- Yes, through you on Facebook, I’ve kept an eye on the team, and its lovely to see two old players succeeding in management there. I wasn’t aware they are the non league Barca…but its no surprise as Gavin Rose & Junior Kadi played liked Neymar and Messi. I think it would have suited my style yes. Life as a non League centre forward was often about trying to control passes at neck height, which was never easy.

7. From your time at Dulwich, who stood out as being a pleasure to play in the same side: on leadership, skill and just general football ability?

DP- Veli Haki had lovely skill, and was a great 5 a side player in training. In terms of leadership, we had a centre back called Al-James Hannigan who was quite a character, he was never happy unless he was kicking lumps out of a centre forward. He was a funny bloke as well. Danny Husbands used to score 10 goals a season, mostly from tackles ricocheting in the net. Worst touch ever!

8. The Dulwich supporters have long been known for creating a right noise, and nowadays it seems even more passionate than ever with many new fans visiting CH and going to away games. What is your recollection of what is known as “the Rabble behind the goal”?

DP -Well, I played for loads of non league clubs, and none of the other fans were as passionate as The Dulwich supporters. It was always good going on away games and having a decent following. Although, I think Mishi never forgave me for missing a sitter on my debut….although I have to say, it was a dodgy pass from Peter Crouch and wasn’t as easy as it looked…honest, it wasn’t!

9. I was lucky enough to bump into ex-Striker Richard Thompson after a recent home game. Do you think you’d make a visit to Champion Hill again? Perhaps there's even scope for a Dulwich Legends event?!

DP -I’d love to. I’m waiting for the invitation. Although I reckon Martin Eede would make me pay!

10. Finally, post-football, in seems you have been very successful in the pub trade. It must have been a relief that no drunken Rabble ever visited your premises?!!

DP -Well, you are all welcome to visit any of my pubs next time you are in Hackney or Islington, pop in. Hopefully I’ll get a pub in Dulwich, so you can pop in every Saturday .