Ben Herd / Ben Herd / 19 November 2009 / Leave a comment " class="free-bet-btn" rel="external" onclick="javascript: pageTracker._trackPageview('/G4/inline-freebet');" target="_blank">Free Bet

Ben is adjusting to life under a new manager at Aldershot off the pitch as his side picked up a point against Macclesfield on the pitch. After the game he caught up with Ross Draper.

"I never lost sight of my dream which was to be a professional footballer."

There always seems to be something going on at our club at the minute and last week was no exception with 'The Shots' appointing Kevin Dillon as the new manager. I think I have had more managers than I have played games for Aldershot! Getting back to matters on the field, we played Macclesfield at home last Saturday in what can only be described as hurricane conditions!

We came away with a point after a goalless draw but in truth we had the better of the opportunities in the game yet failed to convert them. As always, I chatted to a player from the opposition after the match for betting.betfair.com and this week's interviewee was Ross Draper. He is a player who has experienced earning a living away from the game as you will find out when you read on...

What did you make of the game?

The conditions made it a very difficult game from start to finish, we weren't even sure if the game was going to be on after travelling down on Friday. Aldershot probably had the lion's share of the ball and we were more than happy with a point as Aldershot are quite strong at home.

What are your targets, both as a club and personally this season?

We have one of the smaller budgets in the league so survival has to be the priority. Once that is achieved I have faith in the young squad the manager has assembled to push on and compete for the play-off places. One thing we certainly have here at Mac is a tremendous team spirit and everyone is pulling in the same direction. Personally speaking, I have come from the non-league scene with Hednesford Town, so it is all about playing as many games as I can. I have adapted quite well so far but I only have a one year deal so it is vital for me to earn a new deal as I don't want to have to go back to playing part-time and having a proper job.

What was it like combining Football with a "proper job" as you put it?

Very tiring, I can assure you of that as I was working an eight hour shift in the day then training in the evening. I was working for a mortgage company as a debt collector so as you can imagine I have been called quite a few names! Nothing beats playing Football full-time though and I have experienced the other side of the coin and I don't think all footballers really appreciate how lucky they are! I never lost sight of my dream which was to be a professional footballer.

When you do hang up your boots will you go back to debt collecting?

I have that experience to fall back on but ideally I would like to go into coaching or maybe even become a manager. I have not started taking my coaching badges yet as I want to fully focus on establishing myself in League Two, but I will in the next few years. I have also worked for an accountancy firm but as I said before, you cannot beat being involved in football full-time!

What is it like playing with Wayne Rooney's brother? There is talk of him possibly on his way out of Moss Rose.

John is going to play at a lot higher level than League Two, that is for sure. He is only 18 and plays exactly like his brother; they share the same temper as well! He plays as a second striker and has unbelievable vision. I think that if he does move to a higher league it will only enhance his skills as he will be playing with better players. He has a very good attitude and can probably go as far as he wants to in the game.



Football

Favourite Premier League Player? Steven Gerrard
Favourite player outside the Premier League? Kevin Nolan
Manager you'd most like to work under? Paul Ince
Club you'd most like to play for? Wolves

Best mate in Football? Steven Reid
Messiest eater? Ben Wright
Biggest ladies man? Emile Sinclair
Worse Dressed team-mate? Matthew Tipton

Non-football

Dream date? Cheryl Cole
Favourite TV programme? The Inbetweeners
Favourite shop? Diffusion
Worst vice? Losing things
Biggest pet hate? Slow Drivers!

50/50

Chinese or Curry? Curry
Dani Minouge or Cheryl Cole? Cheryl Cole
Strictly or The X Factor? X Factor
Pro Evo or Fifa? Pro Evo
Michael Buble or Akon? Akon

Tags: Ben Herd, football bets, League two betting, League two footballers, Macclesfield Town, Ross Draper