In Profile... Tom Tonks of Stafford Rangers

Name: Tom Tonks

Position: Centre Midfielder

Current Club: Stafford Rangers

 

Previous clubs: Brocton, Tipton, Halesowen, Stourbridge, Solihull Moors, AFC Telford, Alvechurch, Tamworth

 

Team supported growing up? Wolves.

 

Childhood hero? My Dad, sometimes people don’t need an explanation, but he never misses a game of mine, whether that’s a Tuesday night at Layton Orient or Saturdays at step 5. But as footballers go, Steve Bull as a kid.

 

Biggest influence? Again, my Dad. Biggest critic and biggest fan. We sit there on a Saturday night after a game with a beer and talk about the game and what I have to do better, even at the age of 31.  

 

Favourite current player? Ruben Neves or Kevin De Bruyne. The way these 2 just control a game from the centre of the pitch with such quality is just superb. Scoring unbelievable goals along the way or making outrageous assists. It’s just a joy to watch.

 

Best ground you’ve played at? I’ve had the privilege of playing at Molinuex in a few finals and have a 100% record!! Dream come true.   

 

Best friend in football? Curtis Tilt (Wigan) and Kristian Green (Rushall Olympic) best mates in and out of football.    

 

Best player you’ve played against & why? When I was at Stourbridge, there was a guy at Eastleigh called Andy Drury. He was very good. Had a very good professional career.  

 

Footballing Night out You & 4 others. Who’s getting an invite? Charlie Price, Curtis Tilt, Kristian Green & Dan Scarr. Good lads, we’ve had a few good nights out in the past.

 

Your All time 5 a side team of players you have played with? 

1 Keeper: - Luke Pilling – Top keeper, got pretty much everything apart from not being over 6ft. Great hands, punches well, kicks well and is a great shot stopper.

1 Defender: - Curtis Tilt – Quick, strong, good in the air, puts his body on the line. All the attributes.

2 Midfielders: - Will Grocott – You just can’t get the ball off him in 5 a side. 1 touch, 2 touch, a joy to play with.

Oladapo Afolayan – Some talent is Dapo, quick, tricky and an eye for goal. Scoring goals in League One for Bolton now.

1 Striker – Justin Richards – Works his row off, scored goals and a nasty streak. Great striker.

Best moment of your career? Being captain for Stourbridge in the 3^rd round of The FA Cup away at Wycombe. I don’t really get nervous before games but walking out as captain, seeing and hearing 3,500 Stourbridge fans sent goosebumps all over.      

 

Go to initiation song? Justin Bieber – Love yourself or Uncle Kracker – Follow me. Either one the windows are cracking.

 

Pre match meal? Friday night – Chicken pasta bake!

Away days – left over pasta bake

Home games – Golden syrup porridge

 

Messi or Ronaldo? Messi. I ger why people say Ronaldo, but they are wrong.

Thank you Tom for taking time to answer the questions above and best of luck for the rest of your season 

If you’re a player reading this and would like to be profiled. Please just drop me a message as I would love to feature you. 

Until the next one

Peace 

Luke @PL2NL