QUICK 10 WITH.....SOLIHULL SPARTANS

 

Solihull is a large town in the West Midlands, historically part of Warwickshire but is now a Metropolitan borough.

Noted for its historic architecture there are surviving examples of original timber framed Tudor buildings. Until the 20th century, Solihull remained a market town. It was bypassed by the industrial revolution but grew after housing developments, the building of the Rover car plant and expansion of Birmingham airpot.

A T1 Tornado touched down in the area in 1981, causing damage to the town centre.

In sporting terms, the Spartans are hoping to become the best sporting franchise in the district. The town is home to both Solihull Moors and and Solihull Borough who play in non-league. It is also home to Solihull Barons, the ice hockey team of the town and the Mohawks, an ice racing club.

The Spartans are a re-brand for 2021. The GM took over at Wolverhampton Stages last season and nursed the team through the first season. They finished on a 3-10 record in the BFC West and have the 3rd overall pick in the 2021 BFC Draft.

We sat down with Joey, the GM of Solihull Spartans, and these are his Quick 10 Questions.

1. How did you get involved in the league?

I got involved in the league after Spavo (James, GM of Redditch Raptors) let me know of a spot opening up. He sold me on the dream of a basing a franchise in Solihull and building up a roster to compete with other franchises. Loved the idea of a weekly pod and Twitter accounts, got me very excited. Needless to say, I am thankful to Spavo for introducing me to the league.

2. What team do you support and why?

I'm a Chiefs fan. It took me a while to find a team. When I first got into NFL about 5 years ago, I bounced around a few teams before landing with the Chiefs in late 2017. The reason - one man, Patrick Mahomes II.

3. How did you get into NFL?

Coincidence and through fantasy football. My elder brother used to work with James, he joined a league with James and their work colleagues. My brother invited me to join and my love and obsession exploded from there.

4. Who is your favourite player and why?

See above (Question 2) - But outside of the Chiefs I have a recent soft spot for Jessie Bates III and Josh Allen. This is entirely based on their fantasy performances in my home league last season.

5. What is your experience with fantasy football?

Going into my 6th season of fantasy football, which for the most part has been just one home league. More recently I have joined some dynasty leagues. Most have been below-average (There's probably a joke in there, but I'll leave that to the readers to make).

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

On the fence. Would be great for the UK fans, but I fear the quality of that franchise would slip. It would also take away the excitement of the UK based games.

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

Like most lads my age, I'm a keen gamer. If I'm not working or looking at fantasy, I'm on my Xbox. I've also found some recent enjoyment in video editing, but I wouldn't call it a hobby. I used to play football and Gaelic football. The latter I played at county level, representing Warwickshire at many cups and international tournaments. I was a fairly well decorated player, but hung it up after the injuries piled up.

8. What's your favourite film?

This is tough and I could break it down intro genres, but to keep it simple I'll name a few of my favourites: Jurassic Park, Back To The Future, Cool Runnings and The Breakfast Club.

9. What's your favourite music?

I'm an indie kid at heart, which started with The Killers. However, my current go-to album is the soundtrack to the musical Hamilton. My all-time favourite song has to be Johnny B. Goode.

10. Who is your Super Bowl tip this year?

Chiefs are the obvious choice. However, outside of them I could see the Bills challenging for the top spot in the AFC.

We would like to thank Joey from taking the time out from "trading everywhere!!" to answer these questions.

Joey is also creating draft cards for the various league drafts this year and is happy to talk to any teams about keeper promo-videos or season trailers if you wish to approach him.

The Commish

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