A Hassocks stalwart of over 250 appearances for the Robins, Spencer Slaughter is the first player to take on the 22 questions challenge of the 2018-19 season.
What’s your nickname?
Gypsy, and that’s thanks to Faithy, Pat and Joel Harding and Hibby. When I first arrived at 17 I was right little Del Boy. I guess not much has changed over the last 13 years!
What team do your support?
Manchester United. My Grandad used to know George Best and he got my first ever football kit.
Who was your footballing idol growing up?
Paul Scholes. The bloke was an absolute magician.
What is the most valuable medal or award in your trophy collection?
The year I won Player’s Player, Manager’s Player and Supporters Player of the Season for Hassocks was pretty amazing, but it would have to be my league winners medal for Burgess Hill when we won the Ryman South to take them into the Premier for the first ever time.
Best moment in your career?
I’ve been lucky enough to play at some great grounds and with and against some great players. Winning away at Aldershot in the FA Trophy with Burgess Hill when they were in the Conference and we were four divisions lower in Ryman South was unreal.
Most embarrassing moment of your career?
There’s been a few! To name a couple, missing a penalty in the derby against St Francis Rangers and losing my head for Worthing, getting sent off and then barking with team mate Jamie Brotherton.
Funniest thing you’ve seen in football?
Spinksy’s air kick in pre-season is up there! When I was at Worthing we were on a night out and one of the boys – not me for once – called up the gaffer giving him a load of grief while he was absolutely steaming. It was so funny at the time but come the next training session we all paid for it.
Best player you’ve ever played with?
Both at Burgess Hill – Greg Luer or Darren Budd.
Best ground you’ve ever played at?
I loved playing at the Broadfield Stadium when I was at Crawley and I’ve also played at Colchester which was good. I was recently lucky enough to get to play in a charity game at the Amex though and that was unreal.
Favourite opposition team to play against?
Haywards Heath Town were my favourite rival to play against. I always tended to score against Redhill when they were in our league.
Who is the best trainer at Hassocks?
Me. I’m a busy old git.
Worst dressed player?
Sherriff (Harry Mills). If you ever need a belt, ask him for one. He has plenty.
What’s the best thing about playing for Hassocks?
To me, whenever anyone says Hassocks I just think “Johnsy”. I was ready to quit football when I left Crawley but he helped me out, bought me into the youth team here and helped me at a time I really needed it. Ever since then, I’ve been in love with the club which is why I keep coming back. It’s always a great set of boys, great staff and fantastic facilities.
What’s the best piece of footballing advice you’ve been given?
Johnsy told me when I was 17 to stop stressing about football and enjoy it while it lasts.
If you could introduce one rule to football, what would it be?
Nothing. If anything, I’d start taking rules out. I used to love the way the game was played in the old days with proper tackles. I’m very old school myself.
Messi, Ronaldo or another? Who is the greatest of all time?
For born talent, it is Messi. For pure hard work and motivation, Ronaldo. You really can’t choose between the two.
Which player do you dislike in football the most and why?
Any player that simulates or waves their hand in the air for a booking. It’s an absolute joke. Based on that, maybe Neymar, although he is still class.
What do you do with your life away from the Beacon?
I live with my Mrs, Megan. I work as a floor layer and I love to travel and see different countries. I’m also a massive family man.
Which three famous people would you invite for dinner?
Elton John, David Beckham and Joe Wilkinson.
If you could attend one sporting event from any moment in history, which would you pick?
I’m cheating and picking two. Either the 1966 World Cup Final or the 2003 Rugby World Cup Final.
If someone was playing you in a movie about your life, who would it be?
Joe Wilkinson
Give us one interesting fact about you?
I’ve visited 27 different countries across five continents. I’ve also got “Faith Dog”, “Wozza” and “Bozza” tattooed on me in honour of Hassocks legends Stuart Faith, Joel Harding and Pat Harding.
