On Monday afternoon, the man in the middle of our goal himself, Ben Hinchliffe took over our Twitter account to answer questions put to him by you, County fans (and one from his wife)!
In case you missed it, here’s the questions given to Ben and the answers he gave.
Q: If you could swap any trait than Ian Ormson has when it comes to goalkeeping with yours, which would you want?
A: His handling is unreal so I’d take that!
Q: When did the superstations start #toomanytomention. Any dressing room superstitions?
A: Not really got any 😂 more bad habits.
Q: Which opposition fans give you most stick. And what’s it like playing in front of the Cheadle end?
A: Boston away last season was fun! 🤦♂️
Q: How do you find the balance of PT football and a driving job? Would you consider FT with County next season?
A: Hard work! And yes 100%
Q: Hi Ben, straight in with a toughly…..if we move forward to full time football next season, will you be staying put? (Please) 👍👍
A: If and when the new season starts you will be seeing me in between the sticks in a County shirt
Q: #AskBen what’s your best game performance wise for County?
A: Too many to remember.
Q: #AskBen what are your best tips for anyone who is a young keeper
A: Be mentally strong, 100% committed and take every session seriously!
Q: #AskBen you’re a lorry driver but absolutely ripped. What’s going on there?
A: Good diet and lots of graft in the gym.
Q: Were there moments during the run up to winning the NLN where you thought we wouldn’t finish top? #AskBen
A: No, confident from day 1 with the squad and staff we had.
Q: #AskBen! Who was the goalkeeper you always looked up to while growing up?? On a side note thanks for another great season, stay safe and see you next season
A: Peter Schmeichel 👍
Q: #AskBen hi Ben whist in lockdown I’ve been playing a lot of football manager. Obviously county. You are my director of football. Just wondering any plans after playing ??
A: Hopefully a long time off yet but would love to coach
Q: #AskBen what are your best tips for anyone who is a young keeper?
A: Hard work and have a good attitude to learn.
Q: #AskBen who’s the best in net out of all the outfielders at county.
A: Not sure on this one but I think Liam Hogan fancies himself as a keeper.
Q: #AskBen who did you support when you were younger?
A: Preston North End (free tickets) 👍👍
Q: #AskBen Have you ever took a penalty in a match ?
A: Not in the 90mins but taken loads in shootouts.
Q: #askben There seems to have always been a thought that if we went fulltime it wouldn’t suit you, yet I saw the other week that you said if you were offered the chance to stay then you would. Will you be here if you were offered a full time deal?
A: Not sure where the rumour came from 😃 it’s not true.
Q: #AskBen 2 questions from me – 1) My son Jacob is keeper for the county under 9s team. What training have you been doing during lockdown and what would you suggest to help him keep on top of training ? 2) What’s the post touching superstition all about??!
A: 1) just general fitness work, running and cycling, weight training! At that age just tell him to enjoy his football and keep practicing. 2) not a clue just a bad habit
Q: #askben Does it annoy you that after four years at County people still think your surname is Hinchcliffe?
A: It’s been 32 years of it so half the time I don’t even notice.
Q: #askben would you like to go full time with the club?
A: Who wouldn’t 👍
Q: #AskBen May be a bit late here, but is there any specific keeper(s) you model your game on? Your distribution is PL-style (obviously doesn’t always come off) so just wondering if there’s anyone you observe closely and try to replicate.
A: Not really just hit and hope 😂
Q: Do you ever mistake minihans head for the ball whne coming to catch on a corner? #askben
A: 🤦♂️😂
Q: Out of all of County’s outfield players,who is the one you think you could replace in his position? #AskBen
A: Play as a striker obviously! It’s easy 😂
Q: How easy or not is it to detract from being harrased by away team supporters behind the goal, do you want to fire back? #AskBen
A: I enjoy the banter, just laugh it off really
Q: #AskBen what is the most important save you have made and which is your favourite? Or too many to choose from?
A: Telford at home last season comes to mind
Q: #askben Fancy popping down to the @SCLadiesFC for a session with me and the keepers?
A: Once everything gets back to normal count me in 👍
Q: What are you preferring if you had to choose, the save vs Blyth Spartans (A) or Telford (H) in the last minute?
A: Tough one, say Telford because we went on to lift the title
Q: #askben how many fairways did you find at the weekend?
A: 1 🤦♂️😂
Q: #AskBen – describe your emotions after the Harrogate game and that infamous own goal… Blame Gary? 😂
A: Just remember thinking that was some finish from Gary, I had no chance 😂
Q: Ben gannon screams about your kicking most games do you actually listen on just in one ear out the other haha
A: Of course I listen 😉
Q: I’ve heard your wife is always right, is this correct?
A: No.
Q: #AskBen do you like your Madness – Our House inspired chant?
A: Love it 👊
Q: Asked Faith if she wanted to #AskBen a question. She said “no, but please tell him he’s the best keeper I’ve ever seen!” High praise from a 6 year old! 👍
A: I’ll take that 😃 hope she’s well.
Q: #AskBen keeper kits: is it a case of the louder the better, or do you prefer something more subtle?
A: Really don’t mind as long as it fits
Q: Do you look at the data from your performances with Karl, or watch matches back? Does this get integrated into future sessions?
A: Yes all the time, always room for improvement and learning
Q: #askben What music are you into? We’ve asked a few players – we always thought you’d be an indie kid.
A: I’m easy really I listen to anything.
