Jon Lown Interview 2004: Part One

Jon 'Flapper' Lown is now celebrating his thirty-fifth year captaining Ley Hill's Firsts, and shows no sign of relenting on his summer regime of tactical wizardry, run-scoring, wife-avoiding and visits to the solarium. A stuttering start to the 2004 season saw some harsh questions submitted by first-teamers. Lown, however, displays an iron resolve in his responses.

The second half of this interview will appear next week.

Question: What do you think of the disappointing start to the 2004 season?
Flapper: I am as disappointed as everyone else. After an encouraging win against Cadmore End I was hopeful of some good results in the following weeks. However, that was not to be although the win against The Lee this week was excellent. I remain optimistic for the rest of the season where we are capable of further victories and a top half finish.

Are we good enough to survive in the Premier Division?
Most definitely. We have a good blend of youth and experience with plenty of talent capable of holding our own in the Premier League. Team spirit remains good and I am sure we will do well over the rest of the season.

Which players have caught your eye so far this year?
Andy is doing well with the bat and some of the bowlers are doing very well particularly 'The Fridge', and our Celtic tearaway Liam O'Neill. I have been impressed with the attitude and good start made by Seb San Martin too.

Lown: LeatheryWhich players need to pull their socks up?
Including myself (pictured, left), I would also like to see some dominant performances from Messrs Curtis, Leadbitter, Lee, Ottaway and "Proud to be a Pakistani" Az Shakoor. All are capable of much more and will help achieve some more wins.

Do you have any specific plans to help reverse our poor start?
More Mrs Fridge teas is what is needed. In addition under performing players will have to be ruthlessly dropped.

Can we draw any lessons from the way in which the Seconds have adapted to life in a higher division?
No.

Do you think that supporting Leeds has given you a relegation mentality that is rubbing off on the team?
What sort of a stupid question is that.

Does the flow of talented youngsters coming through make you confident for the future of the club?
Absolutely. Next year I am sure we will see Kash pushing for a place in the Firsts and I am extremely impressed with Jake Wells and Stuart Clarke. Others to catch the eye include Scott Peterson and there are also plenty of other youngsters coming through the ranks. Perhaps we have learnt something from the Youth Academy system at Elland Road on that front. It is also interesting that these youngsters appear to have adopted the Arsene Wenger mentality to sport where drinking alcohol is banned - unlike our Colts of the past seasons!!

Do you think you are still up to the job of first team captain?
Of course - perhaps the person that raised this question would like to take the matter up with me in private if they feel I am not and I would be happy to discuss their thoughts on the subject.

When are you planning to stand down as captain? Do you think that the time is right to hand over the captaincy to the up and coming Dave Peterson?
Never. You having a laugh?!

Do you have a plan of action for each game, or do you just take it as it comes?
I have a carefully thought out plan which is in constant need of review throughout the game depending upon performances of our players. This involves both our bowlers and batsmen and applies to every game we play.

Now that Old Challoners are in the Mid Bucks league, are you tempted to transfer? Or are you Ley Hill till you die?
Up the Hill forever!!

What do you think about when you are batting?
Not getting out and where can I hit the ball to score some runs.

Have you considered hanging up your bowling boots?
No, I still feel I have plenty to offer with some medium-paced swing bowling.

Why do you not use the Captains Mate any more?
I do - perhaps people need to look more closely at what chores they should be doing.
 

The second half of this interview will appear next week.