In the latest of our interviews with various national coaches, we caught up with England C manager Paul Fairclough, who recaps a few of his favourite things from 2013.
What has been the best football moment of 2013 for you personally?
The best moment for me was just recently actually, it was when we scored with ten seconds to go to get an equaliser against Czech Republic down at Woking. It was a great moment to come back from being two goals behind and draw 2-2. We got a late goal to set us up and when we got the equaliser through James Norwood, it really felt like a win. It was what we deserved after a really outstanding performance, so that was the one moment for me.
What was your favourite game of 2013?
I’ve seen some real crackers this season, but I have to say that the game which I really enjoyed watching was another England C game. It was our match with Bermuda in the summer, I really enjoyed the atmosphere out there and obviously we had a big scoreline with a 6-1 win too. But it was just the whole carnival atmosphere throughout the game which was different to anything that I’d ever experienced before. The 1-0 defeat against Turkey in February was also a cracking game in front of a great crowd in Dartford.
James Norwood in action for England C against Bermuda.
What was your most memorable goal of 2013?
The most memorable goal this season, from my point of view, is the one I mentioned earlier. So it would have to be James Norwood of Forest Green, who showed nerves of steel to step up and take that penalty to equalise against the Czechs after being brought down himself in injury time.
Who have been the standout players of 2013 from within your group?
Within my group, it would probably be Andre Gray. We always have a lot of new faces who come in every year because of the nature of the England C team with players moving up, but Andre is a standout player in that group now. We’ve left him out before to have a look at other people, but he always comes back better each time. He’s followed closely by James Norwood, because of his hat-trick in Bermuda.
What has been the highlight of your year away from football?
That would have to be related to family and would be the growing relationship that I’ve got with my two grandchildren.
What is the best film that you’ve seen this year?
I’ve seen some crackers actually, but from a spectacle point of view, it would be the Great Gatsby in 3D.
What is your song of the year?
One song that I really like at the moment is by John Newman. My brother-in-law is a musician who has been successful in his time, so I do like music.
And finally, what are your aims and ambitions for 2014?
My aims and ambitions are to see the England C team play a game at Wembley Stadium. With the greater quality of opposition we’re playing against and the crowds which come to watch, it would be a great stage for us. I will keep striving for it to happen.
