QUICK 10 WITH.....BEDFORDSHIRE GLADIATORS

 

Bedfordshire, a county in the East of England. The first recorded name for the county was "Bedanfordscir", meaning shire or county of Bedford.

The Angle invaders, a Germanic people, were attracted to Bedfordshire by its abundant water supply and settled in the county. In 1638 ship money was levied to Bedfordshire and in the English Civil War which followed Bedfordshire opposed the king. Bedfordshire is also the home of Woburn Abbey.

In sporting terms it can be said the two most relevant teams are Luton Town F.C. and Bedford Blues RFC, although the county does boast a number of non-league football clubs.

It was in 2020 that Bedfordshire was really put on the sporting map with the Bedfordshire Gladiators. They won the BFC South Division with a 10-3 record and in the playoffs they managed to defeat Redditch and Walsall (both strong teams) and then a very difficult Cardiff in the BFC Bowl to be crowned 2020 BFC Bowl champions.

They hope to defend their title this season and earn promotion to the top level.

This is Kev, the GM of Bedfordshire Gladiators and these are his Quick 10 Questions.

1. How did you get involved with the league?

I think it was a tweet asking if anybody was interested in a new type of fantasy league.

2. What team do you support and why?

Jacksonville Jaguars - I used to watch football years ago on Channel 4 but didn't really have a team back then and then after a 10 year hiatus of just checking score, occasionally watching/listening to Super Bowls a friend invited me to Wembley back in 2014. It was the Jags versus the Bills. A really exciting game, great atmosphere and it refuelled my passion for the game. I bought a couple of season tickets and never looked back. Had some great times over the next few years, taking my kids and mates, so to be honest as the Jags were always playing (usually badly) and doing promotional stuff, I guess they became like my local team. As a Luton Town F.C. fan you learn to support your team through thick and thin and I've took the same mantra with them.

3. How did you get into the NFL?

I remember watching games on Sunday evenings in the 80's with my dad. He was a long distance lorry driver and only home a couple of nights and we used to watch together.

4. Who is your favourite player and why?

I remember liking Dan Marino when I was young and pretending to be him in the garden playing with my brothers. I would probably say Calais Campbell as a recent player because we met him and he seemed a top bloke. The best thing about the Jags over the last few years was 'Sacksonville' and he was the mayor!

5. What is your experience with fantasy football?

I have been playing fantasy football for about 5 or 6 years. Originally just on NFL's app, but then last year mostly through this league and having more time due to the coronavirus my interest has grown. I enjoy listening to podcasts like 5 Yard Rush and the NFL ones and I am on a couple of Sleeper leagues too.

6. What are your views on a potential London franchise?

I don't think I'm sold on a London franchise to be honest, although would be great to have guaranteed games here. I'm not sure it would be sustainable and some players would be happy, but I get the impression some teams not happy having to travel over every now and then for international games.

7. What other hobbies/sports do you enjoy apart from NFL?

I used to play soccer at a good level, county at school then Saturdays and Sundays for my local team, but too old now so I have took up golf the last few years. I am enjoying it for the social side rather than being any good though.

8. What's your favourite film?

Really hard to pick a favourite film as I've got so many I've watched. The 'Rocky' films over loads so probably one or two of them.

9. What's your favourite music?

Another one that is really hard to answer. I listen to everything really, too many to list.

10. Who is your Super Bowl tip this year?

I think the Chiefs will be there or thereabouts again. They looked in control of everything all season and I think injuries played a big part in losing to the Bucs this year.

We would like to thank Kev from taking the time out to answer these questions. The BFC Defending Champion, nothing like putting a target on your back going into the following season.

The Commish

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