Getting to Know Lloyd Reddin

As you know by now, we`ve had new Co-Editors, and we at Vital Stoke like to force them… cough… ask them to complete some initiation questions about themselves and how they think. We`re nosey like that. So welcome to the stage Lloyd Reddin, turn on the blinding spot light, loosen the tie and begin the friendly chat…

RYAN KALISZ: First of all, how long have you been supporting Stoke and what is your favourite memory from that time?

Lloyd Reddin: I’ve been supporting Stoke now for I’d say near on 12 years. I have many memories in this time, not just the success we’ve accumulated in that time, but also the fact that I was a ball boy for a good 5 years.

I was never out of the spotlight in my role as well, seeing as I made the front page of the Sentinel after Dave Jones threw a ball at me and caused a ruck in the technical area, ha ha! I have also been screamed at by Dennis Wise, had a water cooler kicked at me by Phil Brown, been verbally abused by Joe Hart and in the same incident marched to the Manchester City changing room!. Was an eventful couple years to say the least.

I would say my favourite memory has to be the obvious, promotion day. It was just awesome, every time I think about it or see a picture, the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. Just amazing!

RK:Well well well, it seems you like to cause a stir; perfect for us lot here at Vital Stoke I think! If you could describe yourself in a sentence, what would you say?

LR: Tall, Blonde and Stoke obsessed!

RK: That sounds like something from a lonely hearts column in the paper! If it is, then you`ll be bombarded with replies seeing as you`re a Stoke fan, after all, come to Stoke and pull a bloke! Speaking of Stoke blokes, who is your all time favourite Stoke City player?

LR: Hmm… There’s been a few that I’ve loved to watch, such as Hoekstra, Tuncay, Hoefkens and Lawrence to name a few, but I’ve got to say Andy Wilkinson, just because of the fact he always puts in a 110% and wears his heart on his sleeve. If he could have a stint without an injury, I believe the sky`s the limit for Andy, maybe he’ll finally score!

RK: Yes, the local hero that is Andy Wilkinson. He is a proud Potter and not afraid to show it, just like the likes of Ryan Shotton and even Carl Dickinson (although departed) who also rose through the ranks at our academy. Stoke have been a remarkable success story over the past handful of seasons and continue to be just that with the recent qualification from the group stages of the Europa League; is this possibly the best time to be a Stoke fan?

LR: Well it’s definitely the best time in my personal career. I know people always harp on about the ‘glory days’ and ‘football just ain’t the same nowadays’ but come on!? We have some of the world’s best players on show at the Brit week in, week out, and to go with the fact we have quality players such as England internationals in our squad is just a joy to behold.

Who would have thought as little as 5 years ago that I would be going to watch Stoke in Turkey, in what is really a nothing match because we’d already have qualified for the knock-out stages of a European competition with a game to spare!?

RK: There`s always moaners wherever you go who never seem to be happy with what we`ve got, but I totally agree with you. Why should they be moaning?? What has been done for this club, and the success we`ve had from it is truly remarkable and deserves far more credit than we actually get. This brings me nicely to my next question; is Tony Pulis worthy of the title ‘legend` along with the likes of Tony Waddington?

LR: I would say so. I think we should Knight the guy now! When he came back I was very iffy with his appointment like many were, but god you can’t knock what the guy has done. From his exploits in the loan market, to his shrewd bargain signings. Yeah, I have to admit from time to time he baffles me with a transfer, team selection or playing style and I have a good old moan about him, but he just keeps proving me wrong. No more than the signing of Jon Walters. I absolutely slated Pulis for purchasing the player I now see him as the best player at the club.

Some say he isn’t ‘better’ than Waddo because he hasn’t won a trophy, but an F.A. Cup final, a promotion, survival and a European campaign must put the guy close, if not better.

RK: Bring on the Tony Pulis statue!!! Where do you see Stoke in say, 5 years time, based on the current progression rate?

LR: I really wouldn’t mind if for the next 5 years we stay a mid table side, and slowly integrate to become more of a footballing side; a couple more additions similar to the quality of Palacios and Crouch will do nicely. I think another couple of European campaigns, and just maybe a cup win or at least another decent cup run. With the new laws for financial fair play, we could easily be in the Champions League!

RK: Looking at the not as distant future, where do you expect us to finish in the table this season?

LR: Safe mid table. 8th-12th again would do very nicely for me. Hoping Tony brings in a few nice additions in January to balance our cup runs too. Quarter finals in both the Europa and F.A. Cup. anyone?

RK: I`ll second that!! Slightly more Soccer AM type of questioning now; if you were placed in the Australian outback along with celebrities – just like that popular ITV reality show that actually doesn`t relate to football in any way so therefore is not worth mentioning the name of – which footballer/manager would you most like, and which would you most hate to be in there with?

LR: I’d love to be in there with someone like Robbie Savage. I used to have a grudge against him (he pushed me over in my first match as ball boy) but he’s always up for a laugh & we could throw the banter at each other. I’d hate to be in there with Arsene Wenger, argh god, I can’t stand the guy, I just have pure hatred for him.

RK: I would actually have to disagree, I would like Arsene Wenger to be in the outback with me. Well you have to use something to get the fire going after all, and I wouldn`t have the motivation to collect wood. Which Stoke player would you, or even your mates, would say you most looked like?

LR:It’s got be Peter Crouch, I’ve just got his arms and lanky frame.

RK: Finally, are you a LOUD and PROUD Potter, or a subdued prawn sandwich Potter?

LR: LOUD and PROUD all the way, maybe too loud at times.

RK: Good man!! Welcome to the team and I hope you enjoy writing for us.