We wanted to find out a little bit more about Matty Dolan so we despatched our intrepid young reporter Noah Betts to grill the midfield ace with a varied list of questions…

Favourite goal that you’ve scored?
“I’d say I’ve got a few. I managed to score from my own half against Walsall, which was pretty special, but my favourite was probably the goal I scored in the semi-final of the play-offs. I hit that one well and it’s one that sort of sticks out in my mind, so yeah probably one of those two.”

The ground you’ve enjoyed playing at the most?
“I’ve been fortunate enough to play at Wembley quite a few times so obviously that stands out for me. I think Elland Road too when it’s bouncing, we caught them in a cup game which was brilliant. Also, Valley Parade when it’s bouncing, the atmosphere there is pretty special. There’s been a few but those three definitely stick out for me.”

Go-to takeaway order?
“Spice Hut in Hartlepool, very nice smash burgers from there and it’s not bad on a Saturday after a win! Might have to do a bit of advertising and see if I get a freebie!”

Best thing to do in your free time?
“I’ve got a young family so obviously I spend a lot of time with them, but the time I do get to myself I like to spend the majority of it coaching now. It’s something I’m quite passionate about, I think it’s fascinating as it’s always evolving and developing so I put a bit of time into that. I’m due to finish my UEFA A Licence and I’m also doing a physio degree. I would say free time, but I don’t really have that much!”

Favourite moment whilst playing for Moors?
“Most recently, I’d probably say that free kick against Alfreton Town stands out for me. Also, the run that we went on when I first signed was great! As far as a football club goes, when you sign for a new team, you want to feel welcomed and I think the results that we put together, the way that the Club was bouncing was really good and it was really special to be a part of that time.”

Favourite film?
“I went to the cinema the other day and watched Gladiator 2 which I thought was pretty good. Not as good as the first one unfortunately, but will it ever be?! We have a chill on an evening to wind down and will watch whatever we fancy.”

Best footballing memory?
“I was very fortunate and got promoted very early on in my career from League One to the Championship with Yeovil Town. When I look back at that squad it was a fantastic time, so that would be a standout moment for me. More recently would be my time spent at Newport County, especially the second play-off season. The football we played and the group we had, it was probably my most enjoyable season. I’m hoping to make plenty more memories here with Spennymoor.”

Favourite teammate?
“Tough question, you’ve put me on the spot! Naturally you’ll gravitate to lads who are of a similar age, so I get along with Glen and Ramma. I think maybe Nathan McGinley and Junior – I probably wouldn’t put all three of us together, but we have a good bit of craic, and I think they’re great lads. We probably have similar interests, and Junior is the life and soul of the dressing room, that’s always good to have in a team. It’s good to be on the right side of his jokes!”

Best player that you’ve played with?
“Wow! Like I say, I’ve been fortunate to have come across some really talented individuals. I’ve had Ben White, Antoine Semenyo, a lad called Liam Walsh who’s at Luton now and Josh Sheehan who’s playing for Wales at full international level. But the standout ones (as in names) would be Ben White and Antoine Semenyo when we were at Newport. You could see from there the talent that they had, more so Ben, he knew how to read the game, and we saw then what we see now, a very rounded individual.”

Favourite Band/Musician?
“That’s very tough, but I’ll go with Maroon 5. I’ve always loved Maroon 5, and I think they’re just brilliant. As far as they go, Adam Levine is pretty cool. I know he’s made a few headlines recently but as far as his music goes it’s right up there. Singer-wise, if I listen to a full album, I like a fella named James TW – he’s a good singer. I’ve got a varied taste in music, but he’s sort of a chill artist.”