TOWN FACES – ANDY PORTER (v Met Police 31/1/15)
Hawk-eyed spectators will have noticed in recent weeks that Bradley Quinton has not been alone in
the dugout as matches unfold! For today’s Town Faces feature, it is the turn of Assistant Manager
Andy Porter. We caught up with Andy after the recent Supporters Society AGM.
WHEN DID YOU FIRST MEET BRAD? That would have been in on a Tuesday night in February 2003 –
the day of my debut for Braintree Town against Bedford Town in the Ryman League Premier Division
at Cressing Road. We won 2-0 I recall!
HOW MANY TIMES DO YOU RECKON YOU PLAYED TOGETHER FOR BRAINTREE? It’s probably well
over 150-160 I would say.
WERE YOU BOTH MIDFIELDERS? Yes we were - both central midfielders, in fact! We had a great
partnership and understanding of each other’s game. I use to break play up and Brad of course used
to distribute the ball very well. I must admit though I probably found the back of the net more times
than him over the course of a season! ;-)
WHO ELSE HAVE YOU PLAYED FOR, ANDY? Harlow Town and St Margarestsbury.
DO YOU STILL PLAY AT THE MOMENT? Yes, on the odd Sunday now and then for Enfield Rangers.
WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MATCH AS A PLAYER? I would say I have two – an FA Cup 1st
Round tie for Braintree at Shrewsbury Town in November 2005. We ended up losing 4-1 but we
appeared on Match of the Day. Oh alright then, I admit Brad did score our only goal! I also liked
beating Justin Edinburgh’s Billericay side in the January of the same year (season 2004-05) 5-0 at
home. I scored a couple that day as well!
FAVOURITE GROUND AND WHY? White Hart Lane – home of the best team in North London.
WHEN AND HOW WERE YOU APPROACHED FOR THE ETFC ASSISTANT MANAGER'S JOB? When Brad
took over in August, I came down to the club and took a couple of training sessions and it went on
from there really.
HAVE YOU HAD A MANAGEMENT TEAM ROLE ANYWHERE ELSE? No.
HOW HAVE YOU FOUND THE CLUB SINCE YOUR ARRIVAL? Absolutely brilliant – The players, staff and
fans have all been excellent. Enfield Town is a very well run club and I have certainly enjoyed my
time here so far.
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE OVERALL STANDARD OF THE RYMAN PREM? Very Impressed. If I’m
honest, I’d say there’s not much difference between the Ryman Premier and the Conference South and we showed that in our performances against Eastbourne Borough in the FA Cup. Having played
in both leagues, and having won the Ryman Premier Division with Braintree (in 2005-06), I know
what is expected each week of the players and the quality of the opposition.
HOW DOES YOUR ROLE DOVETAIL IN WITH BRAD'S? I make sure the guys are fully prepared for each
game - taking the warm up and cool down. I make sure they are focused and ready for when they
step across that line. We both take the training sessions on a Tuesday (if there’s no game) and a
Thursday - again making sure our game plan is in place ready for Saturday afternoon. Off the field,
it’s a case of liaising with the players, making sure we help them with any injuries or problems they
may have, and also keeping a close eye on any decent players coming through the youth system at
the club.
WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES FOR THE REST OF THE SEASON AND BEYOND? We are hoping for an outside
chance of the play offs this season and lifting the Middlesex Charity Cup which would be a great day
for the fans. Then building a strong squad to challenge for promotion next season.
ANY FINAL MESSAGE FOR SUPPORTERS? Keep up the great support which is one of the best in the
league - especially the hardcore fans behind the goal on matchdays home and away. We’re hoping
for a strong finish to the season, as I say hopefully with silverware, and then I’m sure next season we
will be strong enough to challenge for promotion.