Mike was inducted into the Wrexham Fc Hall of Fame on Friday the 3rd November 2006.
Seeing as though Mike lets Buckley Reds hold our meetings at his Pub I decided to go along with Tony and have a chat with Mike to find out all about his footballing career.
Mike is currently the landlord of the Hope & Anchor pub next to the trap in Buckley and has been here for nearly four years.
I was looking forward to having a chat with Mike. I had asked Tony our club secretary to come along as I am a relative newcomer when it comes to supporting Wrexham compared to Tony, so although I came armed with some general questions I also had ripped out the Q&A section from Saturdays Guardian magazine so that at least I could ask him some proper interviewers questions.
Over a pint of Brains, Tony and I quizzed Mike for a couple of hours when I realised as a 16 year old I had watched Mike play in one of Wrexham's finest matches the 1-0 win over Porto and on my return home I checked the back of the match program and alongside Barry Horne's and a couple of others was Mikes autograph! well at least I don't have to ask him to forge it all these years later.
I asked Mike about the time he nearly signed for Chelsea in the 80's , it was supposed to be his last match playing for Chester against Hartlepool on the Saturday and then he was to sign on the Monday commuting with two ex Reds Mickey Thomas and Joey Jones but unfortunately by the Saturday evening he was in Hospital suffering with a knee injury.
Unfortunately for Mike after recovering from his injury he was released by Chester and was snapped up by Bobby Roberts for Wrexham in 1984.
Mike was described as a "Fast and Skilful defender", who should have played football at a "higher level", but it was not to be as his last 3 years with Wrexham saw him dogged by a persistent knee injury that failed to respond to surgery.(Five operations as a player)
He was forced to retire in the summer of 1991, but was awarded a testimonial match in April 1992, when Wrexham played against his former club Chester. A crowd of almost 2000 turned up to pay tribute to Mike.
After retiring from the game Mike did some scouting for Brian Flynn and said that it was something that he would love to do again.
Q&A
Your favourite team? Leeds Utd
The best player you played alongside whilst at Wrexham? Jimmy Harvey
The player you most admire today? Thierry Henry/Arsenal
Your most Memorable match? The European matches and in particular the draw against Real Zaragoza was my best defensive performance.
Have you ever considered football Management? No!
Best Grounds you played in? Roma,Porto,Old Trafford and Goodison
What's your greatest fear? Not Drinking
Best Player/Most admired? Billy Bremmer
What is your most treasured possession? My Wales Cap
What has been your biggest disappointment? Finishing Football
To whom would you like to say sorry and why? Frankie Jones for getting sent off instead of me.
How do you Relax? Golf or watching Movies
What single thing would improve the quality of your life? A new knee
What do you consider your greatest achievement? Making it as a Professional footballer
Thanks to Mike for allowing us to the time to interview him and congratulations on your induction into the Hall Of Fame.
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