30th September 2011

Weekender Sport puts Farway United’s ERNIE STOBBS under the spotlight

Q How long have you been involved in local football? Who have you played for?

A This is my second season in the Perry Street League Premier Division, prior to this I was playing for Newcastle B.T. in the Northern Alliance League in Newcastle for 10 years.

Q Name the best three players you played alongside and why?

A My brother Anthony Stobbs - A ball winner who is also capable of spraying pin-point 60-yard passes and has an eye for goal - he'd tackle a bear if it had a ball! Steven Skivington - I played junior football with him, he was a ‘northern David Ginola’. David Thompson - A centre-forward for B.T, only 5ft 8” tall but could jump to 7ft, a goal machine.

Q What was the best away ground you’ve played on?

A Northumbria University's ground, it was modelled on Newcastle United’s St James’ Park. It was better than a bowling green. I played on St James Park but not as an away fixture.

Q Do any games stick out in your memory?

A My debut in senior football. I scored the winner against Blyth Spartans, a huge game as it was my first outside junior football and Blyth were a top team.

Q How would you improve things at Farway United?

A There isn't much I'd improve. It’s well run team, the manager Andy Baily and coach King are great, and I play with a great bunch of lads.

Q Finally how does the Perry Street League compare to the local leagues you played in back home?

A The Northern league football is a better standard but the willingness and desire to win is exactly the same