Sitting down to chat with Brentford midfielder David Hunt

Interview compiled by Eric Beard

David Hunt is not Lionel Messi. The Brentford FC midfielder, who plays in England’s League One, knows that. Even so, Hunt is a true professional playing football every day, training hard, and living out his dream. His name hasn’t been thrown at you by the BBC or by Sky Sports, yet David Hunt represents the unsung heros of the English game, the ones who are fueled by the desire to bring success to their club, continuously improve their individual level of play, and help improve the level of play throughout England as a whole. Hunt can be followed on Twitter @davidjhunt, and also has his own blog, entitled ’Life of Another League’, to portray all the hard work, all the enjoyable aspects of being a true professional footballer, and all the little things that shapes the life of the midfield general. I was lucky enough to have a very interesting chat with Mr. Hunt (via email), and the interview’s transcript is below.

Eric: Hi David, thanks for agreeing to answer a few questions for A Football Report. First of all, congrats on getting up to mid-table in your first season in League One with Brentford this campaign. I only wish that next year goes even better! How would you say League One differs from League Two? And do you think there’s a bigger gap in the level of play from League Two to League One or from League One to the Championship?

David: I’ve been asked this question a few times now. There isn’t much difference from league 2 to league 1. My best way of describing the change is, Premiership only need 1 chance to score, Championship need 2 chances, League 1 need 3 chances and League 2 need 4 chances. There’s less mistakes made in our league now and the quality keeps getting better. Other than that I feel that technically players aren’t much different from Premiership/Championship, it’s more decision making. I feel that’s the main difference. There are some very good players in the lower leagues but it’s hard to keep consistency when the standard around them isn’t as high. I always would like to see how, say Fabregas would do playing for a League 2 team. I guess all we can do is, imagine.

Eric: I find your blog, Life of Another League, really enjoyable to read because you are able to portray just how much work goes into being a true professional. If you are not gifted enough to play with Lionel Messi-like skill, what do you think is the next most defining trait needed to make a career out of football?

David: There are many traits. The obvious are to work hard, listen, professionalism and consistency etc. Also, other things like even when you feel you’re doing enough, do more. Belief. Believe you can always improve and achieve higher goals. Anything can happen in football and you have to take your chance when it comes. Luck is always involved. Learn Learn Learn!!! Watch the best and copy them. They’re on television every week, you can only learn from these guys. People always say enjoy it but you can only enjoy it if you’re doing well. You never know, one day you may be playing with these guys, they’re only human.

Eric: I saw that you went to the Arsenal vs. Barcelona Champions League match at the Emirates to support the Gunners. What it’s like being a professional player, but a fan at the same time? Do you watch these fellow professionals in awe or do you simply appreciate the great football on show?

David: I love it. I watch both in awe and appreciation of how great they are. I think because I play football professionally, I can understand and relate even more, how good these players really are. I try to learn from them by watching their movement, formations, what they do off the ball and how they conduct themselves. I’ve had the luck of watching Barcelona train and it’s amazing how much you can learn in 1 hour. I also like to just have a good old jump around with other supporters when my team scores. I can let my hair down, there’s no pressure. I put my shirt and scarf on, get to the game early to watch the warm up, have my food and drink and then enjoy watching the greatest game ever invented.

E: I saw that you play against the likes of American international/Fulham star Clint Dempsey in pre-season friendlies. Is it a strange feeling having played against someone like Dempsey and then watch him score absurd goals against teams like Brazil and Juventus?

D: Yes I’d have to say it is. It’s interesting as you can test yourself against them to see what the difference is and it isn’t a great deal. Consistency and decision making are the main ones. It just shows that there isn’t that big a gap from playing lower league football to international football. Take Keith Andrews for example. Two seasons ago I played against him and MK Dons in League 2, now he’s playing premiership football and International football against the likes of France/Italy. The change isn’t that far. It’s why players should never give up hope. Anything can happen in football, it’s a game.

E: League One is certainly one of the more physical leagues to play in, but who would you say was the toughest footballer you have had to match up against in your career? Is there a player that just blew you away with his skill or his physicality?

D: I’ve come across many strong and gifted players. Some of the most physical that stand out are Emile Heskey and Tommy Doherty. Other great players include Jemaine Pennant and Jerome Thomas who both played youth team against me for Arsenal, Scott Parker who was unbelievable when I played against him, the guy could do it all and Wayne Routledge who was in my youth team and technically gifted. I’ve had the privilege of playing against many great players but most recently John Bostock who came on loan to us earlier this season. He is technically the best player I’ve ever played on the same pitch as, as well as so physically strong for his age. I tip him as one to look out for, potentially could be one of the best!

E: In your time spent in England, how have you seen the standard of play change? Obviously the Premier League has jumped far, far ahead of the other leagues, do you think that this is a good thing for English football as a whole?

D: I think the game is getting better and better each year. The Premiership is attracting the best in the world, which can only mean good things for the English game. I think the leagues below will also benefit from this too. Clubs are loaning out some of their best young players to lower league teams and I see this as a positive to help the standard in those teams rise. Others may disagree but that’s just my opinion. I’ve also started doing some coaching at Reading football club for the under 12’s. I was blown away by how good technically and mentally these players were. I was nowhere near as good when I was that age. This again is another sign that the standard of football is getting better and the future is bright.

E: Growing up, who was the player that really made you want to go out and be a footballer?

D: I didn’t really have a hero, I would like to watch many players and learn from them. I remember buying Ryan Giggs soccer skills video and watching it over a 100 times and then trying to copy all the skills. I also liked Gazza, Ian Wright and Chris Waddle. I think it was manly the technical players that I liked to watch and learn from.

E: I just have a few more quick questions. Please don’t put too much thought into these! Write down the first thing that comes to mind!

E: What is the greatest band ever?

D: Queen

E: The greatest goal ever?

D: Zidane Champions League Final Volley

E: Your greatest goal ever?

D: Free Kick against Gillingham last season.

(shown at 5:55 in clip below)

E: The best feeling you’ve ever had while standing on a football pitch?

D: Final whistle going to win promotion with both Brentford and Northampton

E: Who would you be happier to see transfer to Brentford: Thierry Henry or Alessandro Del Piero?

D: Both but if had to choose one, Henry purely for his pace.

E: Who is your favourite youngster to add to your squad in Football Manager 2010?

D: Febian Brandy at Man Utd, goal machine.

E: Where would you rather have been born: Brazil or Spain?

D: No brainer, Brazil.

E: Do you have any plans after you hang up your boots for good?

D: I’ve started down the coaching avenue so who knows but I always say, never, say never!

E: Thanks again for doing this, I really think its great to hear a bit from the players that aren’t shoved in our faces by BBC and Sky Sport, but rather the ones that put in just as much time and effort into performing week-in, week-out.

D: I quite enjoyed it as well! Many Thanks,