Hassocks captain Jordan Badger now has over 100 appearances for the Robins since arriving at the Beacon from Lewes a few weeks into the 2016-17 season.
He talks about his time as an emergency striker with the Rooks, the funniest thing he has ever seen in football which isn’t a story for the faint hearted and the time he had a kick about with former Chelsea and England captain John Terry.
Whats your nickname?
It’s an inventive one. Take the “R” off my surname and what have you got?
What team do your support?
Manchester United, because I was born into a strong breed of Haywards Heath based Manchester United supporters.
Who was your footballing idol growing up?
Roberto Carlos, purely for the way that he could strike a football.
What is the most valuable medal or award in your trophy collection?
I was named Player of the Seasons when playing Under 18s football for Lewes.
Best moment in your career?
We were playing away against Kingstonian for Lewes and we were 3-1 down. I was sent on up front for the final five minutes with the instruction “Be a nuisance”. The whole bench of our bench were laughing at me, but I only ended up scoring two and would’ve had a hat-trick but for a brilliant top onto the bar from the goalkeeper. Badge had the last laugh that day!
Most embarrassing moment of your career?
Probably being part of a Lewes side that lost 12-0 to Bromley in the Conference Youth League
Funniest thing you’ve seen in football?
A player – I’m not naming names – making a slide tackle but leaving a trail of **** behind him. He then immediately runs off to the changing rooms in the middle of the game, only to find them locked, resulting in him taking a crap in a bush. The best part about all of this was that the team were wearing a white kit.
Best player you’ve ever played with?
I’ve had a kick about with John Terry if that can count!
Best ground you’ve ever played at?
The Amex.
Favourite opposition team to play against?
My under-seven’s team when we’re training. Nutmegs for days!
Who is the best trainer at Hassocks?
Will Broomfield. So dedicated, he makes tackles with his face.
Worst dressed player?
It’s a tough one as we have some real rascal clothing floating around these days. On a matchday, it’s James Littlejohn for his footwear. General every day wear has to be Alex Harris and on a night out it’s Harry Mills for his moody belt collection.
What’s the best thing about playing for Hassocks?
The underfloor heating in the changing room is absolutely brilliant when winter is here.
What’s the best piece of footballing advice you’ve been given?
“Pull your socks up higher so you look taller to the opposition.” That was from Gary Croydon in 2015.
If you could introduce one rule to football, what would it be?
With cup teams, I’d have both teams take part in a penalty shoot out before kick off. That way, you’d reduce the chances of teams setting out for a draw and it would make games more exciting.
Messi, Ronaldo or another? Who is the greatest of all time?
Ronaldo. He does the business wherever he goes.
Which player do you dislike in football the most and why?
Jordan Henderson. He has absolutely robbed a career.
What do you do with your life away from the Beacon?
Work hard and organise all of our wonderful Hassocks socials.
Which three famous people would you invite for dinner?
Drake, Steve Harvey and Richard Branson. You’ve got great music, a laugh and then some serious stuff with those three.
If you could attend one sporting event from any moment in history, which would you pick?
I’d go back to my Year Three Sports Day when I was disqualifed for throwing a bean bag too far into an unsuspecting crowd.
If someone was playing you in a movie about your life, who would it be?
I’d play myself because I think I am my closest resemblance.
Give us one interesting fact about you?
I’ve never been employed by someone.
