Ben Herd / Ben Herd / 05 May 2010 / Leave a comment " class="free-bet-btn" rel="external" onclick="javascript: pageTracker._trackPageview('/G4/inline-freebet');" target="_blank">Free Bet

In the penultimate edition of Ben's Banter, our Aldershot-based correspondent tells us about winning two major awards this season and interviews Shane Clark.

"I want to play at least 100 games for Lincoln City, that is a definite target. After that I suppose I am just like most players in that I want to play at the highest level I possibly can because being a footballer is what I have always wanted to do and I am very privileged to be doing it for a living."

A few of my mates have recently commented to me that I must not like having two months off during the summer, because after our victory against Lincoln City on Saturday, we are now guaranteed a place in the play-offs. This will be the third time in four seasons that I have been involved in the play-off; let's hope it's third time lucky as the previous two occasions have ended in disappointment! It was a doubly rewarding day for me, as I won Player's Player Of the Season and Supporters' Player Of the Season. I would like to pass on my thanks to all the supporters and players for voting for me as these two trophies will go down as the proudest personal achievement in my career. Unfortunately, I am still currently sidelined with a dodgy 'Hans Krankl' but hopefully I should be back soon. Enough about me, this week's player in the hot seat is young 'Imps' midfielder Shane Clark, here is what he had to say for betting.betfair.com:

So Shane what did you think of Saturday's game?

Well, we started off really brightly and knocked the ball around quite nicely on a decent surface, there wasn't much separating the teams at half-time and it looked like it might be a bore draw. When we took the lead it was just after Aldershot should probably have scored, so I suppose it was against the run of play. As I have said before, we tried to play nice football on the deck but we didn't really penetrate in the final third. When Aldershot made a few substitutions the game really turned on its head, scoring all three of their goals in a six minute salvo! You can see why Aldershot are up there in the table because they looked dangerous every time they went forward. 3-1 was probably a fair result.

How has the management team of Chris Sutton and Ian Pearce tried to implement their ideas and philosophy on the team?

Both of them played their careers in the Premier League, so they both command the respect of all the lads. The Gaffer wants us to play attractive football and that means everyone being comfortable on the ball and playing simple but effective football. Ian Pearce is more of the defensive mind, obviously being a defender himself, and he does a lot of work on the back four. The gaffer's philosophy is to bring in young and hungry players by using his contacts in the Premier League; we've signed a few players from that level, be it on loan or permanent.

How would you describe your own performances this season?

I am 22 now and have played 70 odd games for Lincoln which isn't bad but this season has been a bit up and down for me really. I have had periods in the team followed by spells on the bench. I am still learning the game at this level and I have played in a number of positions this season including right-back and central midfield. The Gaffer sees me as more of a holding midfielder, in the 'Makelele' role, and he has tried to make me simplify my game a bit, which is definitely helping me.

Who got your vote for Lincoln's player of the season?

Rob Birch, our goalkeeper, I don't really know what he is doing at this level if I am honest with you. He started off at Tottenham and had loan spells at the likes of West Ham. In a disappointing season he really has been instrumental at times, very consistent throughout and the club will do well to keep hold of him!

Finally, what would you like to achieve in your career?

I want to play at least 100 games for Lincoln City, that is a definite target. After that I suppose I am just like most players in that I want to play at the highest level I possibly can because being a footballer is what I have always wanted to do and I am very privileged to be doing it for a living. So, with a bit pf hard work and determination, let's see where it takes me.

Football

Favourite Premier League Player? Steven Gerrard
Favourite player outside the Premier League? Cristiano Ronaldo
Manager you'd most like to work under? Jose Mourinho
Club you'd most like to play for? Man Utd

Best mate in Football? Steffan Oakes
Messiest eater? Moses Swaibu
Biggest ladies man? Clark Keltie
Worse Dressed team-mate?? Moses Swaibu - He thinks he has swagger!

Non-football

Dream date? Cheryl Cole
Favourite TV programme? Heroes
Favourite shop? Whites - In Lincoln
Worst vice? Biting my nails
Biggest pet hate? People loving themselves too much!

50/50

Chinese or Curry? Chinese
Pepsi or Coke? Coke
BMW or Audi? Audi
Pro Evo or Fifa? Pro Evo
Michael Buble or Akon? Akon

Tags: Aldershot Town, Ben Herd, football columns, League Two players, League Two teams, Shane Clark