Neal Bishop Interview!

Pride of Nottingham had kindly been allowed permission by Neal Bishop to ask him a series of questions. As one of our only surviving League Two winning players at the time, we were hopeful of being able to ask Neal some questions about his time at the club which he kindly accepted. During a busy December period the questions were sent across to Neal but unfortunately I waited to publish his answers. We're very grateful for the time and kindness shown by Neal who was expecting his first child with his partner Fran, which shows his dedication towards fans.

Having spent time in the lower leagues, how did you feel when you made the step up to the football league with Barnet?

Yeah i was delighted, i think i was 25 when the chance came to go into the football league with Barnet, there was a bit of interest from other clubs but Barnet made me feel like they really wanted me so it made my choice easy.

How does this reflect now, having played with Notts in League one and being promotion challenges for the Championship?

Looking back i honestly can say i wouldn't change the way my career has progressed, obviously i would have liked to go into the football league earlier but i loved my time in non league and met some great people so i wouldn't change that for the world

Do you have any match day rituals?

I've got no rituals are superstitions on a match day, as long as your preparation is spot on I don't believe putting 1 boot on before another makes that much difference!

What's it like at Christmas being a professional footballer?

Christmas is actually a time of year i really enjoy as its non stop games, and as a footballer, there's nothing better than playing competitive games, it can be hard on lads who are away from there family's but we get our time off come May so we cant really complain

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement so far and what are your ambitions for the future?

I think there's been so many personal highlights in the last few years it impossible to single out 1, the Man City games were brilliant, beating Sunderland, winning league 2, going to Juve, been made captain, all have been fantastic, for the future, the aim of myself and the football club has got to be the championship

What's your favourite music, any particular bands/singers?

I'm not someone who follows a particular singer or band, my music collection is fairly eclectic, there's stuff in there from 60s soul to 90s dance!

What's been your favourite Notts shirt and football shirt in general?

My personal favourite was the home shirt of our 1st season in league 1, as for the away shirts i like the pink 1 we currently play in

You and Lee Hughes feature in our flyer, what are your thoughts on being featured on it for a Fan Site?

Aha! very good! any picture I'm in with Hughsey as great as he makes me look like I've got hair!

Apart from Lee Hughes, you are the only Notts player remaining from the 2009/10 season. What's it like for players who come in on loan or on a transfer that don't know any other players?

I've never done it myself but i imagine its really hard to come into a new dressing room, full of strangers, knowing you could be gone again in a week or so, however since I've been here our dressing room has been full of great lads and anyone who has come in has been welcomed in to the group from day 1

Lastly, what would you say would be your most defining moment of this season so far?

I'm hoping this seasons defining moment is yet to come!

Please note that the questions were asked before Lee Hughes's departure. We would also like to Thank Neal for answering our questions and congratulate Neal and Fran! On their first child little baby Oscar! (Future Notts captain no doubt)