This week our fans get to hear from the man currently between the stick, one of the longest serving members on the team, Andrew Ritchie
SFFC: Tell us a bit about yourself.
AR: I've been in Korea for almost 3 years working as a games programmer and playing for Fever since it's conception in 2011.I hail from the Scotland via England, Holland, America and Ireland. I started playing football as a child in Eindhoven and it's been the one sport that has followed me through every move and I've gotten to play on several continents. Even after sitting out a few seasons in favour of playing on Rugby or Lacrosse teams, I kept coming back to it.
I originally played as a central midfielder and right forward for most of my time. I took up goalkeeping during my high school years and found it was probably the position I excelled most in, even if I'm no where near as physically intimidating as good keeper should be.
SFFC: What's your personal favourite moment in your time at Seoul Fever?
AR: Most of my time with Fever has been great. The early days were fantastic fun as my university and Korean years had left me doing no sports and just getting my fitness from a gym. As we played more and more as a team, I felt the old passion rising again and I was more excited about seeing members stepping up and really wanting to give the team a more competitive vision. We had our ups and downs but over the now 3 season life of the team we are really getting into our stride and it's brilliant.
I guess my favourite moment of playing for Seoul Fever, thus far, was finding out I'd not only landed a consistent position to play that I enjoy and can push myself, but that I'd earned it on a team that has the most passion, skill and drive that the club has ever seen before.
SFFC: What player should we be looking out for at the Fever this season?
AR: While this season is the first season where the stellar performances from individuals are no longer the crutch of the team for making it through a match, I'd be on the look out for what this seasons additions of Emile De Vos and Dan Lappin do when bolstering the existing strong forward and back lines from last season. I'd also watch Matt Silva on his road to full recovery as he's always a welcome member to the starting lineups.
SFFC: What are your hopes for the team this season?
AR: I'd love to see the team take our entire division by storm. There's a lot of talent and great attitudes from everyone on the team, bar none and I think that'll take us where we're looking to go. We've had a lot of "almost" and "should have" matches in the past seasons, this season I want to see us to leave no doubt at each and every match that we were not only there to win but we did it well.
SFFC: What football teams do you follow and who are your footballing idols?
AR: Even though I grew up playing out field positions and enjoying it, for as long as I can remember my footballing idols were mostly goalkeepers. Oliver Kahn, Peter Schmeichel and Andy Goram (regardless of the teams those last two are known for playing with) being top amongst them.As far as teams are concerned, Motherwell and PSV Eindhoven are mine. I've always had a fondness for Arsenal, the Dutch usually have a good showing with them. Internationally as well I'm split between the quality Dutch football and my desire to see Scotland win at anything, Rugby and Football in particular.
SFFC: How do you want to be remembered at Seoul Fever?
AR: I guess if I got to pick how people remembered me, it'd be the same as what I try to do each week. Be a dependable member of the club, push myself each week to play better than I've ever played ( personally and as part of the group) and try to enjoy every moment of it. At the end of the day, as one of the weakest members of the team I hope I've stepped up and pushed myself hard enough to be worth remembering.
SFFC: Tell us a bit about yourself.
AR: I've been in Korea for almost 3 years working as a games programmer and playing for Fever since it's conception in 2011.I hail from the Scotland via England, Holland, America and Ireland. I started playing football as a child in Eindhoven and it's been the one sport that has followed me through every move and I've gotten to play on several continents. Even after sitting out a few seasons in favour of playing on Rugby or Lacrosse teams, I kept coming back to it.
I originally played as a central midfielder and right forward for most of my time. I took up goalkeeping during my high school years and found it was probably the position I excelled most in, even if I'm no where near as physically intimidating as good keeper should be.
SFFC: What's your personal favourite moment in your time at Seoul Fever?
AR: Most of my time with Fever has been great. The early days were fantastic fun as my university and Korean years had left me doing no sports and just getting my fitness from a gym. As we played more and more as a team, I felt the old passion rising again and I was more excited about seeing members stepping up and really wanting to give the team a more competitive vision. We had our ups and downs but over the now 3 season life of the team we are really getting into our stride and it's brilliant.
I guess my favourite moment of playing for Seoul Fever, thus far, was finding out I'd not only landed a consistent position to play that I enjoy and can push myself, but that I'd earned it on a team that has the most passion, skill and drive that the club has ever seen before.
SFFC: What player should we be looking out for at the Fever this season?
AR: While this season is the first season where the stellar performances from individuals are no longer the crutch of the team for making it through a match, I'd be on the look out for what this seasons additions of Emile De Vos and Dan Lappin do when bolstering the existing strong forward and back lines from last season. I'd also watch Matt Silva on his road to full recovery as he's always a welcome member to the starting lineups.
SFFC: What are your hopes for the team this season?
AR: I'd love to see the team take our entire division by storm. There's a lot of talent and great attitudes from everyone on the team, bar none and I think that'll take us where we're looking to go. We've had a lot of "almost" and "should have" matches in the past seasons, this season I want to see us to leave no doubt at each and every match that we were not only there to win but we did it well.
SFFC: What football teams do you follow and who are your footballing idols?
AR: Even though I grew up playing out field positions and enjoying it, for as long as I can remember my footballing idols were mostly goalkeepers. Oliver Kahn, Peter Schmeichel and Andy Goram (regardless of the teams those last two are known for playing with) being top amongst them.As far as teams are concerned, Motherwell and PSV Eindhoven are mine. I've always had a fondness for Arsenal, the Dutch usually have a good showing with them. Internationally as well I'm split between the quality Dutch football and my desire to see Scotland win at anything, Rugby and Football in particular.
SFFC: How do you want to be remembered at Seoul Fever?
AR: I guess if I got to pick how people remembered me, it'd be the same as what I try to do each week. Be a dependable member of the club, push myself each week to play better than I've ever played ( personally and as part of the group) and try to enjoy every moment of it. At the end of the day, as one of the weakest members of the team I hope I've stepped up and pushed myself hard enough to be worth remembering.