Steven Drench The Interview
Steven Drench was born in Manchester on the 11th September 1985; he began his career at Blackburn Rovers coming through the youth team before progressing into the first team in 2005. He then went on loan to conference side Morecambe were he stayed until the end of February 2016. That summer following his release from Blackburn Rovers, Drench joined Morecambe on a permanent contract and became first choice goalkeeper when Robinson left to join Forest Green Rovers.
Despite finishing the season with 47 appearances and being named Morecambe’s Player of the year, the season ended badly for Drench when dislocated his elbow in a challenge with Clayton Donaldson of York City in the play-off semi-final second leg, which forced him to miss the successful play-off Final against Exeter City.
Following this injury, he struggled to regain his first team place following the signing of Joe Lewis on loan and Drench joined Conference North side Southport on a month’s loan in January 2008. He stayed at Haig Avenue until the end of the season and he made 26 appearances for the club.
After being released by Morecambe in June 2008, he joined Southport on a permanently contract in July. A few weeks into the season on the 21st August he followed manager Gary Brabin to Cambridge United on a six-month loan deal as cover for Danny Porter. He subsequently left the club following the expiration of the loan in January 2009 and was later released by Southport on the 26th March 2009.
After a short spell at Leigh Genesis were he made 52 appearances in the summer of 2010 he had a trial with Conference team AFC Barrow and played one pre-season friendly against Oldham Athletic before joining York City on trial featuring in two pre-season friendlies against Hull City and Barnsley however he was not offered a contract.
Drench the moved to Nethermoor Park in August and played a large part in Guiseley’s debut season in the Conference North. Drench was voted supporter’s player of the year in 2014 after the Conference North Play Off Final loss to Altrincham, he was also selected as goalkeeper in the Conference North team of the year. Drench won promotion with Guiseley in 2015 against Chorley, in the play-Off Final coming from 2–0 down to win 3–2.
After making 231 appearances for Guiseley he helped the club to stay in the Vanarama Conference League the following season, before a move to FC Halifax Town for one season in the summer of 2016. Then at the start of this season he linked up with his former manager Mark Bower at Bradford Park Avenue at the start of this season.
INTERVIEW
Biggest influence on your career in football?
First influence was undoubtedly my dad, he watched every game both home and away and always gave me advice and guidance whether I’d played well or not. We didn’t always agree but he always had my best interests at heart.
What is your best football highlight?
The best highlight of my career so far has to be promotion to the Vanarama National League with Guiseley AFC and also the promotion to Sky Bet League 2 with Morecambe.
What is your football lowlight?
The low light in my career would have to be the last-minute defeat in the Vanarama Conference North Play-Off Final for Guiseley against Altrincham and the defeat to Telford United in the Play Off Finals.
Tell us about your League Debut?
My league debut was a 1-1 draw at home to Rochdale.
Toughest Opponent You faced and Why?
The toughest opponent faced would have to be Cristiano Ronaldo for Portugal when I was playing for England schoolboy’s. I think the fact that he has gone on to win his fifth Ballon D’ Or this season just shows that he is a world-class player.
Best save you have made and why?
Away to Dover finished 0-0. Made a save from a deflected free kick and ball dropped on the 6 yard box. Ricky miller smashed the ball on the half volley and I killed the ball dead with my left hand on the goal line.
Best manager you have played for and why?
Current manager Mark Bower, because he let’s me get on with my own game, gives me plenty of confidence, but also gives me a push when I need it. Trusts and backs me which are the two biggest compliments you can give any goalkeeper.
Best player you played with and why?
The best player i have played with would be Wayne Rooney, Say no more.
Best player you played against and why?
Again this would have to be Cristiano Ronaldo his all round game, skill, shooting, positioning and knowledge is second to none, definitely the best player in the world.
If you could change one rule in football what would it be?
The one rule I would change is the current offside rule, if you’re offside then you’re offside, none of this not interfering with play. It causes so much confusion and unnecessary incidents with flags going up late etc.
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