How much exercise do you take?
I was in rehab until the end of February and started training at the beginning of March. I was a sub in the first four of the remaining six games of the season and played in the last two games, using anti inflammatory drugs to control pain in my knee caused by torn cartilage. I only exercise because I'm paid to. I've trained virtually daily for 14 years now so when I get four weeks off I go like a lazy slob. If I have to go to the village for a newspaper, I drive.
Are you an early morning person?
Definitely not. If we have a game on a Saturday, I stay in bed as long as possible, then, at 12.30 p.m. or 12.45 p.m., I jump up, get on my suit and, go out to the game.
Are you careful about what you eat?
I'm very old fashioned. I have to have a steak, roast beef or roast chicken dinner with veg and potatoes six nights a week. They say pasta gives you energy but I'm hungry an hour later.
Do you drink or smoke too much?
I never smoked. I'm not in a position to go for a couple of pints in the evenings during the week, so I tend to drink my entire week's quota on a Saturday night.
Are there any foods you hate?
Raisins and currants. If I get even one in a bun or scone I pass out.
Have you ever been in hospital?
Loads of times. I had my knee rebuilt in midNovember, 1996 after I snapped my anterior cruciat ligament, which connects your upper leg to your lower leg. Without it, your thigh bone goes in one direction and your shin goes in another. I had surgery on my other leg three or four years ago and the progress medical technology has gone through since then is incredible. The first time, my leg was dead stiff for two weeks after I left hospital. This time, I was five days in hospital and during that five days I did exercises with a passive movement machine. Even while I was asleep the machine was bending my leg. Leaving hospital, I was able to walk to the car.
Last Tuesday I had surgery on torn cartilage in my knee. I had been suffering a persistent pain in the knee and when, it was scanned it was discovered that the cruciat was perfect but that I had torn artilage which was being made worse by rehabilitation exercises. Now I'll try and have a break before preseason training which starts in July.
Does your work make you stressed?
If we play a mid week game and we lose, I stay awake staring at the ceiling all night replaying the game in my head thinking of every challenge. I find that a horrible feeling and no matter what I do I can't get away from it.