He lifted an historic treble as Hassocks Under 18’s captain last season when Dave John’s side won the Southern Combination League Under 18 Central Division, the overall Championship and the League Cup.
Those three medals are understandably the most valuable in Ben O’Leary’s collection – but what else do you know about the Robins’ young left back? In the latest 22 questions, you can find out more.
Whats your nickname?
O’Leary.
What team do your support?
Chelsea. My grandparents grew up in that area so it is our family’s team.
Who was your footballing idol growing up?
Frank Lampard.
What is the most valuable medal or award in your trophy collection?
Under 18s Central Division winners medal, Under 18s overall winners medal and Under 18s League Cup winners medal – all three trophies we picked up with the youth team last season.
Best moment in your career?
Did someone say the treble?
Most embarrassing moment of your career?
The amount of goals we concede that are accountable to a combination of Ben John and me.
Funniest thing you’ve seen in football?
I accidentally injured Matt Berridge when we were meant to be on the same team. Sorry, Matt.
Best player you’ve ever played with?
Dan Turner.
Best ground you’ve ever played at?
The Beacon.
Favourite opposition team to play against?
Broadbridge Heath.
Who is the best trainer at Hassocks?
Dave John.
Worst dressed player?
Charlie Tyzack.
What’s the best thing about playing for Hassocks?
Dave John.
What’s the best piece of footballing advice you’ve been given?
I probably shouldn’t repeat the exact language that Dave John used so I’ll change it slightly, “Do the simple things right”.
If you could introduce one rule to football, what would it be?
Bring in a straight red card for diving.
Messi, Ronaldo or another? Who is the greatest of all time?
Messi.
Which player do you dislike in football the most and why?
Paul Scholes for two reasons. One, he was overrated. Two, he played for Manchester United.
What do you do with your life away from the Beacon?
I’ve just started a new job up in London.
Which three famous people would you invite for dinner?
Mickey Flanagan, Frank Lampard and Gordon Ramsay.
If you could attend one sporting event from any moment in history, which would you pick?
The 2012 Champions League final to see Chelsea lift the trophy.
If someone was playing you in a movie about your life, who would it be?
Danny Dyer.
Give us one interesting fact about you?
When I was younger, I refused to be called Ben. I instead wanted to be called Alan.
