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Erkan is more than Okay

Erkan is more than Okay

Terry Bullen31 Mar 2013 - 14:10
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https://www.lowestofttownfc.co

This week I managed to grab some time with Erkan Okay and asked him a few questions about himself, the team and his team mates.


Since joining Lowestoft you've had to stick at it and battle from being a bit-part player to get where you are now, in being one the first names on the team sheet. Did you always have confidence that you would succeed and reach the point you're at today or did you have doubts along the way?
"Never had doubts to be fair because I'm always a positive person and always know that in football things do change all the time with injury's, suspensions etc. Last year I had a bad injury, was suspended a few times, never got settled in a set position and didn't have a consistent run of games compared to this year.
This year I started off with a bad injury but I have looked after myself more and always believed that I will get my chance".

It's clear to see that you're on top of your game at the moment and loving every minute playing in midfield but how do you rate some of the players around you, as this has to be one of the best Lowestoft sides we've ever had?
"I just enjoy playing but I like playing in midfield, as I think I can influence the game more in someway or another defensively or by going forward. If I'm being honest though, there are a few players in this squad who I believe could play league football. We have a good mix of everything in the side and a good balance to it, which has been proved over the last few months. Long may it continue!".

We've all read the articles about your struggles as a young footballer and how you've turned your life around. As a result you've gained a lot of respect and reward for those changes, so what advice would you give any young and aspiring footballers out there?
"I didn't have a care in the world what other people thought and had a massive lack of respect for everyone else, even if I was young and through that people will not respect you no matter how good you are.
So my advice would be to respect others like you would want to be respected and to look after themselves off the pitch in all aspects; nutrition, keeping fit and looking after your body"

So, Operation Lean....tell us a bit more about it and how it came about?
"Well Craney and myself over the last few months have been trying to sort our physiques out and through this we have been updating each other with how we have been working out on a daily basis through Twitter and it is working. More people are joining in aswell, so that is good and Craney has a proper frame now, Proper Lean!! He is my inspiration not going to lie. :)".

And finally......it's those questions that allow you to expose a few of your team mates:-

Best Trainer?
"Eags or Mitch".
Worst Trainer?
"Hendo, easily (Headloss)".
Most Skilful?
"Eags".
Most Intelligent?
"No one....not having this question one bit".
Least Intelligent?
"Franny".
Best Dressed?
"Some awful clobber going about but tight between Saker or Lee Smith (both having themselves)".
Worst Dressed?
"Franny".
Who's got the worst taste in music?
"Gleese".
Who's got the best banter?
"Gleese + Craney and I'm putting myself in there (Funny guy me)".
Who's got the worst banter?
"Saker or Gaughs".
And finally, Who's the longest in the shower?
"Gaughs!!!!".

Terry Bullen

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