Just a few weeks ago, Thackley AFC Player/Manager Pat McGuire celebrated one year in his post as manager. We caught up with Pat about his footballing journey and his exploits with Yorkshire International Football, his feelings about Thackley AFC and gives the inside track on who is best value on a night out from the current squad!

Pat is sponsored this year by Bantams Banter - thank you for your continued support.

1. How long have you been at Thackley AFC?

I joined Thackley from Ossett Albion just after Christmas when Lee Clapham was in charge. The following year I was made captain by new manager Andy Patterson; a role I took great pride in for the next four years before relinquishing myself of the duty to take over the big job with Mike Garrod when Chris Reape stepped down. I ¬think this is my sixth year at the club.

2. Which previous clubs have you played for?

Too many to mention to be honest. Alarmingly, quite a few clubs that don’t exist anymore: Woodley Sports, Glapwell, Ossett Town and Ossett Albion, the original Farsley Celtic and Wakefield have all folded for one reason or another. I started out as a professional at Bradford City and have experience in most leagues from League1 down to the NCEL.

3. What is your earliest football memory?

My first ever game. It was Bradford City against Man. United in a pre season friendly at Valley Parade. United won 1-0 through a Roy Keane goal I think.

4. What is your favourite thing about Thackley AFC?

The people who work there. From the players, to my coaching staff, to the committee of volunteers to the chairman – nobody is here for any financial benefit. They all do it for the love of the club. I’ve never been at a football club where everyone is pulling in the same direction without personal agendas, making Thackley a special place. I have always said the club has great potential and things are really moving off the pitch now. It’s our job to get the results on it and hopefully we can put Dennyfield on the pedestal it deserves.

5. What is your best football moment?

Making my debut for Bradford City was a special occasion. Not just for doing what I’d wanted to do my whole life, but to be out there with two lads I’d come through the age groups with from the u’11s in Joe Brown and Simon Ainge was a nice touch. Since then the two things I’m most proud of have been captaining Thackley to the highest points total in the club’s history, and being named as the first ever captain of the Yorkshire International Football Association. Being offered the manager’s job is also very special to me and comes with great responsibility at a young age, but it is one I thrive off and I’m thoroughly enjoying the experience so far.

6. What is your worst football moment?

Probably being released by Bradford and what came after – or didn’t! I’d signed at Farsley as they’d just been promoted to the Conference but got injured in pre season against Sheffield United and things never worked out from there. I was sold down the river a bit and eventually managed to land a trial at York, but was told whilst warming up on the pitch before a reserve game for them that Farsley had decided they wouldn’t let me play. York told me to come back pre season but when the time came they’d just signed a centre mid from Man. United so told me to look elsewhere and things snowballed into me just completely falling out of love with the game for many years. If it wasn’t for Patty making me captain here and providing me with a purpose I’d probably have been done with the game years ago.

7. Who is your football icon?

Eric Cantona. Unbelievable player and far from a dull character!

8. What are your aims in football for the future?

I’d like to play in a major tournament with Yorkshire. Unfortunately the CONIFA European championships this summer are being held in a part of Europe where we can’t gain insurance for the players, so we aren’t being allowed to enter. It’s disappointing, but YIFA obviously have player safety as paramount. I had had a few thoughts about perhaps hanging my boots up after the tournament if we had have gone, but maybe now I’ll try hang on until the CONIFA World Cup in 2020! I have also enjoyed management a lot more than I thought. It’s extremely time consuming and really could be a full time job, but as long as my better half is still supportive than I’d like to manage Thackley for many years and achieve success with them.

9. Who is your favourite team mate at Thackley?

I don’t have any mates any more now I’m manager! Obviously I’m close with Jerry White and Loz Hunter but from my point of view all the lads are great and I’m proud to be their manager. I’d have to say my best pal is Joe Brown. We’ve known each other and been room mates on football tours since we were 10 years old, so to now be running this football club together is great and it’s important to have loyal people by your side in such a cut throat industry. Joe is a great coach and someone who will never be shy of arguing the toss with me and you need people around who will keep you grounded and provide alternative suggestions.

10. And finally, who is the best value for entertainment on a Thackley night out?

They really are all a top bunch here, but we do have our fair share of wild cards! The one who undoubtedly stands out at the top of the list of people you need to keep an eye on is James Rothel. However, as he is a fellow Primary school teacher I will leave it at that . . . !