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INTERVIEW WITH MARK HARRIS
On Easter Monday, following our 1-0 victory over Dover,
WIAO caught up with K's stalwart centre back, Mark Harris who spilled the beans
on the Swansea / Cardiff rivalry, George Weah and the smell of Simon Stewart's
trainers.
WIAO: We don't really know a lot about you, fill us in on your
previous career.
MH: The last team I played for was Cardiff, a season there. Before that two years
at Gillingham, six years at Swansea and I started my careers at Crystal Palace
10 years ago.
WIAO: You played for Cardiff and Swansea, obviously there is
a big rivalry between the two…
MH: Yeah that's right. Having spent six years at Swansea, you don't expect to
play for the other south Wales club, but at the end of the day, football is my
living and I was quite happy there.
WIAO: Did you play against each other?
MH: Yeah, there were a couple of local derbies. I missed one through suspension,
but I played in one, the one at Cardiff I think was the first time they let the
away fans in. The last few years they haven't allowed away fans because of police
warnings and the cost of having the police there. It was a bit hostile, but I'm
old enough and wise enough not to let it bother me.
WIAO: Why drop down to the conference, and why Kingstonian?
MH: Well...I'm getting on a bit, obviously Cardiff didn't want my services anymore.
The conference is a good standard of football. I wanted to carry on playing, I
feel I've still got a few years left in me! I went to Hayes at the start of the
season, trained with them a couple of times, but I think Kingstonian have the
potential. Also money talks a little bit, Kingstonian offered me a few more pounds,
but I'm enjoying it.
WIAO: What are Simon Stewart and Matt Crossley like both on
and off the field?
MH: They're both big and strong. Basically the team is the same as the one which
won the Ryman League, obviously the likes of Simon and myself have come in, we've
gelled well together. Off the pitch I don't really socialise that much, but they
are two good lads who give 100% for Kingstonian, just like myself.
WIAO: Which type of striker do you enjoy playing against, the
big physical type, or the tricky winger?
MH: The bigger the better. Sometimes you get the little winger jumping underneath
you, smashing you in the chin, even running through you're legs if they're small
enough! I definitely prefer playing against the 6ft plus guys.
WIAO: Who has been your toughest opponent?
MH: Toughest opponent?...Well, they're all pretty tough. I can't think at the
moment, going back years with Swansea, we played Liverpool in the FA Cup. Ian
Rush scored a hatrick against me. I've also played in the Cup Winners Cup against
Monaco. A guy called George Weah scored a hatrick against me that day as well.
WIAO: That's a bit of a claim to fame.
MH: We got stuffed 8-0 in Monaco. I don't think we even got out of our own half,
let alone get a corner, but it's an experience I've had as a professional, and
you can't take that away.
WIAO: Is there anything else you would like to achieve before
you finally hang up your boots?
MH: With that lucky medallion, Geoff Chapple, at the club, it would be nice to
go to another Wembley final. I've been to Wembley with Swansea in the Auto Windscreens,
but to go to the Trophy final with Kingstonian would be great.
WIAO: What is Geoff like as a manager?
MH: Geoff is very good at motivating players, his man management is excellent
and obviously he has an eye for players, like myself! He tries to bring good players
in that will gel, he has to know how to do that. He lets Ian McDonald get on with
the coaching, but he is always there casting his eye over us. So all in all, he's
not bad.
WIAO: Who do you room with on away trips and what is his most
annoying habit?
MH: Simon Stewart I tend to go with, smelly trainers more than anything!
WIAO: Finally Mark, if you could describe yourself in five
words, what would they be?
MH: Big, clumsy and too nice.
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