In the first of this season’s interviews by Pipeman, a natural choice is new club captain and goalkeeper of over 300 senior appearances, and currently our longest serving player.- Paul Taylor aka The Hammer.

So, Tays - just how did you get that nickname, The Hammer?

[slow smile and pause] It came from the Regiment. It was something about my kicking.
[Stuart Strange interrupts with 'Wasn't it referring to that time on the coach back from Tiverton when you stuck your...' Sorry Stangey but we can't print aany more of that]

Well, we have called you all sorts of things when you suddenly decide to play full back, even though you have the goalie’s jersey on. At best we call it the Hammer moment.

OK, I have made the odd error, but all goalkeepers have these moments. As a keeper, you can make brilliant saves all the game, but if you mess up once, everyone seems to remember that.

Fair comment - but it is only because we all have a great rapport with you. True?

Yes- I know all about that text Scottie had, you know, ‘one nil down, Taylor error.’ I gave him a flea in his ear over that and he was lucky it was just a flea. You, in your reports have had a few jokes at my expense.

Yes, but you have your ways of paying me out.

[laughs] You know, I have a good laugh myself at times as you all mean well, and at least I get noticed.

So , what is your memory of the first game for DTFC?

Sorry, that is a bit embarrassing, I can’t remember exactly. But I played brilliantly….[laughs]. No, it was some time in 1998 after I joined from FC Houghton.

And now, as recognition for your loyalty, service and ability, you are now Club Captain.

Yes, and it is a great honour. I mean that, even if I have to remind myself to go up and shake hands with the opposing skipper..

For us, it is great to have a Dunstable man, born and bred as our captain…and I will add that the mercenary element has never been part of your view.

That is true, I play for the love of it - but then again, I am doing fine in my own business.

You have been at Creasey Park for ten years, and yet you were heard saying it was like being at a new club at the start of the season.

That is true. I really appreciate the work put in by the supporters and the new committee. The ground looks the best it has ever been - and we have the development to look forward to.

What is a really memorable moment for you?

It has to be getting to the Bryco Cup Final at Hampton and Richmond. But it was also my most bitter memory as we were shafted at Hornchurch (the venue for the final), when Thurrock really refused to play because of the rain. They went professional and stuffed us 5-1 at Bishops Stortford. We would have won at Hornchurch - definitely.

A recent visiting goalie complained about the banter in one game at Creasey Park, and made a complaint. What is your take on that?

Look - it is a simple as this. If you are a keeper you will routinely get all kinds of abuse and banter. If you cannot take that you should join a choir or something. I have had some rare old insults and laugh them off. I remember a 0-0 draw at Merthyr Tydfil where the crowd behind my goal were so hostile, but after the game they applauded me off the pitch. It is part of the game and I just do not believe people are really hostile.
I also, like many keepers get a good bit of banter going - it adds to the fun. But I can give as good as I get.

Talking of supporters, are you always aware of the Regiment?

Of course I am. Many of us look to see if you are all in attendance. I have been tempted to prise Foggy out of the bar. When you lot get behind us, we really do respond. So, yes - whist they are few in number, they do make a difference, and there are always a lot at away matches as well.

New manager, new committee…any thoughts?

Lee Cowley makes it clear that we can take nothing for granted. I like his approach I think the club is well run now, with lots of people doing jobs rather than the usual few. The pitch is superb and all the players appreciate the work done on it by Will McLaughlan, Gary Levy and Pete Burgoyne. We all want to do well for all of you.

So, tell me about your somewhat short career at Hitchin Town?

[Laughs] All right, I was waiting for that. It was simple. At that time I thought we were going nowhere. I was personally unhappy and felt it was time to move. I admit it was a mistake. I did not want to go and I knew that this club is where I belong.

Jolly repeats often that you are the best keeper in this league and the one above….

After a few Buds he does. I do not like to compare and Gary Levy (goalkeepers’ coach) works me hard enough to show me I have still have a lot to learn. Do not forget we have some up and coming keepers in Nick Gardner and Mark Blower. I simply try to do my best each game.

Reds and yellows…..?

And pink and green, that is a song isn’t it?
Okay, I know what you are saying, and I have had my share of bookings and sendings off.
But you tell me about last season.

One yellow.

Correct, so put that in your pipe and smoke it.
But, seriously, I think I have got over that - but remember I have taken my share of stick from opposing strikers. Remember, it is not just the opposing fans who bait you -players can be much worse.

All right, we are convinced. What professional keepers do you admire?

Schmeichel for his saves and Seaman for his approach.

And Lehmann for his whingeing?

Behave yourself. Do I get a pint for doing this?

We are not finished yet. So come the day when you hang up your boots - is it possible that you might take on a coaching role?

I would like to put something back into the club that has stood by me. So, yes, and before you ask, yes, I will be, as now a Dunstable Town supporter.

Glad to hear it, but no bottles or glasses on the terraces, please. One last question…what of the current team?

One, they have potential. Two, there is a mixture of age and experience, and over the last few games they have developed well. Training is good and the banter is beginning to take effect.

And three?

What I would like to see is this team establish itself and have some more belief. We have had four league games and have looked good - that bit of luck deserted us in the first three but we strived today and will look to build on that.

Thanks, Hammer and congratulations on the 300 games as well as the captaincy. We look forward to some more clean sheets.

You’re welcome.

Monday 25th August 2008

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