The Big Interview: Jonathan Ditcher

The NFA has had a good season, ranking as the number 1 Football Association, having 4 teams in the top 10 rankings at one point and managing to get three places in UFFA competition finals.

Jonathan Ditcher steered his team Dynamo Dragons to the UFFA Silver Cup final winning in extra time in a thrilling match against Relleu Gooners of the Xtreme Football Association.

Tony McDermot of the NFA Gazette caught up with him to see what the pride of the NFA had to say about changed plans, success and his favourite players!

Tony McDermot: First of all Jonathan, congratulations on winning the UFFA Silver Cup. How does it feel to be a World champion?
Jonathan Ditcher: It feels great, especially proud of the Dragons and the improvment they have made this season, and proud to bring a trophy home to the NFA .

Tony McDermot: Traditionally, you've struggled to progress in official cup competitions. What was the difference in the Silver Cup this season?
Jonathan Ditcher: To be honest I think there's been a general improvement in the team this season. We managed to plug some gaps in the team during the close season, the youngsters started coming through, combined with quality experience from the big name players, and a bit of luck on the way...

Tony McDermot: You're a manager who has managed to reach a high level at both senior and youth levels. Do you think that one is more important than the other?
Jonathan Ditcher: I think that youth is an essential part of club management, though there are probably many who would disagree. A good youth policy should prove dividends, either financially or in progression of quality young players to senior level.

Tony McDermot: On that note, what youngster of yours should the world watch out for in the seasons to come?
Jonathan Ditcher: lol, at the moment the young Dragons have a couple of good prospects, no-one outstanding but some good solid players with good potential, the youth is more of a team effort than individuals.

Tony McDermot: So you're keeping your cards close to your chest then?
Jonathan Ditcher: lol, yes and no, we will see by the start of next season, hopefully there will be a couple more youth teams in the NFA to compete with .

Tony McDermot: Who has been your favourite player in your time at Dynamo Dragons?
Jonathan Ditcher: It has to be Mr Carlos 'three times South American footballer of the year' Tevez. I was lucky to pick him up in the early days and have never looked back. The man is a legend; skill, hard working, quality all round, the major contributor to any Dragons succes without a shadow of a doubt...

Tony McDermot: After nearly four seasons in the UFFA, what has been your favourite moment?
Jonathan Ditcher: Winning the Silver Cup for the NFA of course!! After losing my 1st choice goalkeeper and having to play my 18 year old youth keeper through the quarters, the semi finals, and the the final....

Tony McDermot: Every manager has a bogey team, or a nemesis, some club they just can't get the better of no matter what. Who has been yours?
Jonathan Ditcher: There are a few e.g. Camembert Harriers , I think anyone can beat anyone on their day with a bit of luck, that's what makes this game great ....

Tony McDermot: Did you have a plan in mind when you joined the UFFA, and have things gone as expected up til now?
Jonathan Ditcher: I did have a plan, but like the majority of managers still around have seen their plan change possibly a number of times through the seasons with updates, so have I. Things have gone reasonably well, season upon season has brought gradual success.

Tony McDermot: With that in mind, and with one trophy already in the bag, what are your team's ambitions for the rest of the season?
Jonathan Ditcher: Not too sure what the rest of the season will bring. Our league form has taken its usual drop and a mini league seems to have opened for 6th position in the Premiership, so I guess that will be my target for the end of season .

Tony McDermot: Finally, have you any advice for bosses new to the UFFA and new to the NFA?
Jonathan Ditcher: lol, for the new managers entering the UFFA there has never been a better time, there are so many players available you can really build a decent team from scratch with minimal cash, and as for NFA members-to-be: the NFA is a great association to be part of, we have some great teams with great competition!

Tony McDermot: Jonathan Ditcher, UFFA Silver Cup Champion, thanks very much .
Jonathan Ditcher: Cheers Tony, mate.