QUICK 10 WITH.....WESSEX MONARCHS

 

Wessex was an Anglo-Saxon kingdom in the south of Great Britain from AD 519 until England was unified under Athelstan.

Wessex was invaded by the Danes in 871, they were paid to leave by Alfred the Great but returned once more in 876. In 927 Great Britain became a once more powerful kingdom under Athelstan. Cnut the Great conquered England in 1016, but in 1066 King Harold II reunited the earldom and Wessex ceased to exist.

In sporting terms, Wessex covers such a wide area that many sports teams can be caught under that umbrella, but the Wessex Football League is a "thing". Founded in 1986 it is the fifth step in the National League System and encompasses football clubs from Wiltshire, Berkshire, Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight.

The Wessex Monarchs were an expansion team in 2020, taking over from the defunct Surrey Lynx. The GM was previously in charge of Plymouth Solars in the BFA and took the offer to step up a league. He spent the rest of the season just trying to rebuild for 2021 and has the second overall pick in the 2021 BFC Draft. They compete in the BFC South Division.

This is Dan, the GM of Wessex Monarchs, and these are his Quick 10 Questions.

1. How did you get involved in the league?

A friend of mine called Neill (Airdrie Kraken), was already a GM and introduced me to the league when it was recruiting for the BFA. I then emailed The Commish.

2. What team do you support and why?

I support both the Washington Football Team and the Buffalo Bills. I have supported Washington since I was 6 and the Bills since the 92 loss to Washington. I liked the uniforms because as a child I was into Western movies and Native Americans.

3. How did you get into NFL?

My parents bought me some NFL Fact Pack cards (like a top trump game). I had Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers. Following this I watched the Channel 4 highlights programme and got hold of the First Down magazine.

4. Who is your favourite player and why?

I don't really have a favourite player. However, I was happy to see John Elway finally pick up a championship in Super Bowl XXXII and also Tom Brady winning the 7th ring. I guess I love a story behind the player.

5. What is your experience with fantasy football?

My life was nice and quiet until Neill (Airdrie Kraken) forced me to play fantasy - only joking. I became an admin on NFL UK fans group where I met Neill who introduced me to the fantasy element and as I love stats, it was a good match. I really enjoy the game and have made a lot more friends on various social media channels. I have been steadily improving year-on-year, with the season gone being my most productive in winning championships.

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

I would love to see London Monarchs again in some form. However, I can't see it getting any traction as people have their teams they support. I know it's always mentioned in the media and by the NFL, but I feel that's just to keep interest in the International Series.

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

I enjoy photography, cycling and most other sports.

8. What's your favourite film?

Has to be Shawshank Redemption. Absolutely love that film. I also love Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.

9. What's your favourite music?

I'm a big fan of Hans Zimmer film scores and I like a bit of Rammstein. My musical tastes are very varied.

10. Who is your Super Bowl tip this year?

As I love a story, I would love a team to win its first, but probably wouldn't surprise me with Tampa being up there again.

We would like to thank Dan for taking the time out from his busy work and family schedule to answer these questions. His first full season in the BFC and he also has the World Cup to aim for with him being the national GM of Vietnam.

The Commish

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