Nathan Ashmore : A Goalkeeper's tale

This week’s interview is a man who has worked his way up the footballing ladder to where he is now in the National League. He has played in big stadiums such as Wembley. That man is Boreham Wood FC goalkeeper Nathan Ashmore....

Q: What was the team you supported as a child and did you have any heroes growing up?

A: When I was growing up I supported Portsmouth Football Club from a young age and tried to go to every home game. I remember going to my first-ever game which they played against Tranmere FC and I still have the programme. My football hero was Peter Schmeichel but I looked up to other sporting idols such as Linford Christie, Damian Hill and Sally Gunnell. Peter Schmeichel inspired me to become a goalkeeper.

Q: At the start did you feel goalkeeping was right for you, because it is a hard skill set to master for anyone?

A: Goalkeeping is a very hard skill set and very much a ‘lone soldier’ on the pitch. It takes a lot of physical and mental strength to have balls fired at you with such power and force. You have to be brave and confident in your ability to save each goal. I was born to do this job.

Q: Starting off at Havant and Waterlooville as a young player, Did you find it hard as a younger player as some managers find it hard to put their trust in young players?

A: I was at a team before Havant and Waterlooville, called United Services Portsmouth, at only 16 playing with grown men. The team manager had absolute trust in me and moving to Havant I did find it difficult to not be playing as much as a young keeper but I learnt the football trade. Q: What advice would you give to young goalkeepers who want to make it to the top? A: My advice isn’t just to aspiring goalkeepers but anyone who wants to make it in the sporting industry. I would say hard work, dedication, the right attitude, sacrifice, be willing to learn and always playing with a smile will help you move in the di- rection to become the best you can be and work towards the top. Q:

You then joined Gosport Borough at the age of 22. Did you have a reason for the move or was is a different challenge?

A: The reason for the move was to be able to play regular football as I wasn’t getting enough playing time at Havant. So the club and I decided it would be for my best interest to go out on loan for a season. I dropped two levels but this meant I had the time to play in goal and develop as a young keeper. The loan was then turned into a permanent move.

Q: You reached the semi-finals of the National League play-off's, For any player that must be a special feeling to play in this magnitude of a game?

A: It’s been a great achievement, especially the way we got there with a late season charge and last minute equalizer in a penalty shootout win. The feeling is more heartbreak and disappointment as it’s hard to take knowing we could have won it or done better... but this has spurred me to surpass last season and strive to achieve better this season.

Q: When you played at Wembley, despite the result what was going through you head before and after the game, it is surely the pinnacle of any footballer’s career?

A: Before the Wembley game it was absolute excitement to be able to play at a worldwide national ground. During the game it was surreal and every chance I got I tried to take it all in knowing one day I will play here again. After the match It was disappointing as we lost and I was randomly selected for a drugs test which I passed. I would not like to think that was the pinnacle of my career as I aim to play there again — and win.

Q: Do you feel the players need to respect the fans or is it not a job for the players, it is all about the focusing on other things such as winning?

A: All players have a different approach but I’ve always been one for the fans, to be honest. I have always talked and had a relationship with the fans regardless of what age I have been at and what games have been next.

Q: How would you like to be remembered?

A: I would like to inspire others to aim to achieve what I have so far and what I continue to strive for in the future with my football career!

I would like to say a massive thank you to Nathan Ashmore for doing the interview and good luck in the rest of his career!