IT'S "SUMMER" TIME

JD LIONS' DEFENDER RICHARD SUMMERFIELD INTERVIEW
The furious-pigeon chats to 'Mr. Reliable' about previous clubs, bizarre own goals and stealing Neil Ruddock's cat!
We meet up with Richard Summerfield at the Gunbarrells public house which lies in the shadow of the Astro-Arena where JD Lions play their home games and from the 'off'' we find him an affable, young, footballer; courteous and housing a brooding intensity uncommon amongst many of his peers. Because Summerfield is not like many footballers, you may or may not know that he has a degree in history and politics from the university of Leicester and intends to complete his masters next year, he is a 'thinking mans footballer'. Born and raised in the second city Summerfield is a proud bluenose, following Birmingham whenever he can, club commitments permitting, obviously.
"Following the blues is important to me, sure, its just a bit frustrating really-it's similar to JD Lions, but hopefully blues will get promoted back up to the prem(iership) this season and I can help JD to get promoted aswel...that's the plan."

Since his controversial switch from Back Inter Bryan FC to rivals JD Lions back in 2007, following his sucessfull promotion from division two, Summerfield has made the left-back position his own and never let boss James Walker down, Summerfield has not missed a game over the past two season's. The man who lured him to the club, player/manager James Walker speaks very highly of him: "He's one of the most dependable lads we've got at the club, never late, never injured, never suspended, always consistant, he's a managers player."

Summerfield was lambasted by his former employers for making the short move and a hate campaign was launched against him by his former team-mates who considererd the transfer a Celtic-to-Rangers style betrayal: "When I was playing for 'Bryan' (Bryan-Munich/Inter-Bryan/Back-Inter-Bryan) I was enjoying my football alot as I always have but it seemed like I needed a new challenge as I'd been there for seven season's (scoring ten goals in the process) and when James Walker came in for me with a decent team I couldn't turn it down. The chance to play with the likes of Alex Dandy and Dave Sorensen was an opportunity to be grabbed and I've no regrets."

YOUR QUESTIONS

Who was your favourite player growing up? Jason, Portishead
RS: I'd have to say David Beckham, with his work-rate, ability, what he did (does?) for England, he's a great player and an example to kids playing the game everywhere.

Would you send me the underpants that you wore in the game against that polish team, please, please, please? Malcolm, Highbury
RS: Absoloutely not, no.

Are you going to grow your famous long hair back or are you keeping it short? I preferred it when it was long. Jenny, Tamworth
RS: Probably going to keep it short...are there any football questions because these are a bit gay...

Would you send me a cup of your blood and a lock of your hair? Malcolm, Highbury
RS: Fuck this.

Richard Summerfield's book 'Left-back and beyond' by Furious-Publisher's is now available at all good stockists priced £7.95