For our next interview we managed to pin down 1st team assistant manager Sid Ponting. For those of you that don't know much about Sid he was previously involved with several local football clubs and after a few seasons out he decided to come back to his local club and share his knowledge and enthusiasm. For those that don't know Sid that well the first few questions below will hopefully shed some light on that as well as getting his thoughts on the season so far and of course his all time 11 at the end.

Welcome Sidney, firstly whats your family situation?

I am married to Susan with 3 children josh lily and poppy

Who do you work for and what do you do?

I work for Parsons Peebles as a project manager/senior mechanical engineer, doing lots of project work for Thames Water.

Sounds interesting, which Football Club do you support?

My football team is Oxford United COYY.

Must be something about teams in Yellow! Who's your favorite ever player both for Oxford and for The Kenny Men?

My favorite player was John Aldridge goal scoring machine and for Kennington Richard Allen, gifted player lots of natural ability

Couldn't agree more on both of those mate. A bit more personal Sid, whats your favorite food and drink?

Beer and curry

Roll on the Al Khyam reopening, we'll have a cracking night up there. What about your favorite tv show and film

Favorite film is snatch I don’t really watch much telly

A classic film that one. Can you tell us which clubs you played for?

I played for Kennington, Chilton, North Oxford and Radley. I then managed Kennington and Radley

Crossing the dangerous line between Kennington & Radley, you're a brave man. Do you have a favorite funny story from your playing days you can share with us?

We had a game at Oakley away and we only had 10 men and one of those was Darren Fifield (boxer), Matty Long said lads if we win I will buy you all a pint, (rare as rocking horse crap that is) well we went 1 down, then I smashed one in on the half volley from the edge of the box and set Joe Hill up for the winner, Matty was pig sick as it cost him 40 quid.

Haha i can only imagine i know how tight he is. Right onto football matters now. Having previously been involved with Kennington men’s football teams are there any similarities and differences you’ve noticed since your return in the summer?

We have always had good teams at Kennington and some great players but I have to say this is the best squad we have ever had
I will never forget the days of running up and down the cow field hills but our preparation even down to the warm up now leaves no stone unturned, it takes the pressure of the players a little bit.

Is there anything in particular that you enjoy about being back at the club?

I enjoy devolving the team into the finished product we all know they can be I also enjoy having the banter.

As anyone who is in The Tandem after a game on a Saturday will testify you certainly do love the banter and long may it continue just go steady on the vino.
How do you think the team has begun the season so far?

We have had a good start to the season with some strong performances but we have another couple of gears to go yet and we will start building for our next push

Definitely more to come isn't there. Have any players in particular impressed you?

I have been impressed with Jack Clarkson his attitude is first class, Dan Fegan, it's his first season in men’s football and he doesn’t look out of place and Josh Nichols has scored some great goals. Ben Quinn and Matty Crossan in the reserves are looking good.

What do you see as success for both the 1st team and the club as a whole for the upcoming season?

I think success for the club is a minimum of a top 2 finish but if we really believe and want it we could win that league this season.
I want the reserves to carry on with there progress Cough and Macca are doing a solid job and they are playing some good stuff

And how do you think this will be achieved?

We will achieve our goals if we work hard and are brave and committed

It sounds very simple but i agree those 3 things will play a key part if the club is to be successful not only this season but in seasons to come as well.
Lastly can you select your Kennington all time 11 from players you’ve been involved with over the years?

GK Neil Purves massive hands and a good keeper

RB Steve Elwood great engine solid defender

CB Geoff Hitchen great in the air

CB Alain Jeffries moaned like hell but was a brick wall

LB Ben Cripps great left foot

RM Mark Trafford great set piece always put it on the money

CM Richard Allen best player I played with could have played at a much higher level

CM Richard Dunham scores some great goals clean striker of the ball

LM Agg Crossan (old) just ran past people with ease even with 10 pints in him

CF Stuart Dunham caused every defenae a headache great poacher

CF Rob Andrews the blokes a legend

A solid lineup there. Sid it's been a pleasure mate thanks for giving up your time to answer some questions for us i'm sure the Playfield Road faithful will enjoy the read.

The first team are again without a game this weekend so lets get some bodies over to Long Crendon as the reserves take on the team currently sitting 2nd in the table. Good luck to Cough and the boys.