Welcome to this weeks fan interview. It's been a while due to a college project I was working on, and a History trip to Belgium & France. But I'm back now, and it's Phil Spracklen's turn to take part. Information on how to apply is at the bottom of the page.

Profile

Name: Phil Spracklen
Place/Date of Birth: Portway Hospital on the 11th April 1954. So as you can see I'm an old time Terra!
Occupation: I'm semi retired nowadays, but I spent 30 years on the railways following the family tradition as both my brothers both worked for BR.
Years following the Terras: 45
Favourite Terras player of all time: Graham Roberts

In Depth

RB: Evening Phil, good to speak to you. Let's get underway by hearing how you became a strong supporter of the Terras?

PS: I started showing an interest in football when I started a paper round for an old chairman called Reg Bartlett. That when I decided to go and watch a Weymouth match at the Old Rec.

RB: Is there much you can remember from that first experience of Weymouth FC?

PS: I can't remember the exact game, but I do remember climbing over the wall by the old Sydney Hall to get in for nothing as pocket money was not a lot in those days! I always used to stand behind the goals, and at the opposite end to the gas works was a café selling hot Oxo which I think was the first time I had ever drank the stuff.

RB: Graham Roberts is one of your favourite players of all-time. What impressed you so much about him during his time with the club?

PS: There are two reasons I suppose that I took a shine to Graham Roberts. One was due to his incredible ability to win any 50/50 challenge, and secondly he always gave 110% effort throughout the game. He was also very friendly towards us fans when all the players use to come into the old terra cotta club afterwards for a beer. He was always willing to sign autographs and have a good old chat.

RB: Can you recall any funny or unfortunate moments from over the years while watching the Terras?

PS: I suppose the weirdest moment that I have encountered whilst watching the Terras was during Brian Godfreys reign as Manager. During one particular home match the referee got injured and a call went out to any official referee (this was in the days when no 4th official) to come forward.

As a fully qualified referee I put myself forward and ended up running the line for the whole second half in a borrowed WFC track suit and boots borrowed from a player which was at least 2 sizes too big. Not only did I have that, but I had to contend with Brian Godfrey shouting obscenities in my ear for the whole 45 minutes!! The most obnoxious Manager I can recall us having.

RB: One of the key events for the club in its recent history was our defeat to the hands of Rushden & Diamonds in February. Can you remember your initial emotions?

PS: I actually brought 2 mates down from Oxfordshire for this game and we were all gobsmacked at the situation the club was in. For me it was a bit of an embarrassment to see your team lose 9-0 at home, but the circumstances surrounding the reasons why we fielded the team we did was very hard to take and we all found the occasion rather sad.

RB: Which Weymouth game would you say is the best you've had the pleasure to watch?

PS: I've seen so many games over the years that have been a pleasure to watch. Obviously recently the Forest home game springs to mind, but perhaps the best one for me was the FA Cup match at Cardiff.

RB: Next season will see the battle between Weymouth and Dorchester recommence. Do you look forward to the derby matches, or find them unbearably tense?

PS: If I'm honest I used to look forward more to the Yeovil matches than Dorchester. Perhaps it's my age, but it's just another game to me.

RB: Who would be in your greatest Weymouth Eleven?

PS: Not sure what formation I would use, but it would most probably be something like; Peter Guthrie, Paul Morrell, Steve Tully, Tony Hobson, Graham Roberts, Alan Beer, Andy Townsend, Mickey Cave, Tommy Spratt, Tommy Pattison and Steve Claridge.

RB: The Rec or the Wessex?

PS: I'd go for The Rec. It had a far better atmosphere and it was a lot closer to the town centre.

RB: With the Conference fixtures now out, how do you feel on the first day of the season?

PS: I'm elated if Weymouth win, but if we lose I'm miserable for the next twenty-four hours.

Extra Time

RB: What song would you use to pump the team up before a game?

PS: As a Liverpool fan as well, most probably Your never walk alone but something heavy like Paranoid would be good.

RB: What player would you love to see in a Weymouth shirt?

PS: Steven Gerrard.

RB: What is your worst nightmare as a Terras fan?

PS: Going out of business!

RB: Finally, what are your hopes for the club next season, on and off the pitch?

PS: On the pitch, to be within sight of the play offs. While off the pitch, I want the club to be back in control of its own destiny regarding ground and finances.