One-Two Magazine September 2014 | Page 23

PROFILE

Name: Luke Joyce

Club: Accrington Stanley F.C.

Place of Birth: Bolton

Born: 9th July 1987

Height: 5' 9" / 1.75m

Position: Midfield

One-Two would like to thank Luke and Accrington Stanley for their time

Who was your biggest inspiration outside football when you were growing up?

My biggest inspirations outside of football would have been my mum and dad. My dad spent a lot of his time taking me to football training and never missing my matches also giving me advice and helping me in anyway he could. My mum for all the support and love she gave me, it helped that she didn't show a great interest in my football as it was nice not to be surrounded by it all the time and have a break.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Highlights of my career so far have been making my professional debut for Wigan aged 18 live on Sky and being captain of Accrington Stanley.

Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?

I don't really have any pre-match rituals or superstitions. Only one I can think of is making sure I don't eat too much food the day of a game.

What is your favourite film?

My favourite film is Gladiator

What are the biggest hurdles you had to overcome to get where you are?

One of my biggest hurdles was being released form Wigan Athletic, after making my debut a few weeks earlier I was confident I would get a professional contract so when I was released it was a real shock and one I took hard. I then had to go on trial to earn a contract somewhere else and after failing to earn a contract with Burnley I signed for Carlisle after a week's trial and never looked back

What is your favourite meal?

My favourite meal would probably be a good roast dinner

What is the one football moment you will never forget?

Would be making my debut for Wigan, with the game being on Sky I occasionally watch it back on tv to relive the moment. I never get bored of watching it back.

There’s always at least one player at the club who like a prank, who is it at yours?

To be honest we have a great squad at Accrington and we all like to have a laugh and a joke at the right time so it would be hard to single anybody out.

Do you play any other sports?

I enjoy playing table tennis and badminton. It's my aim one day to have a table tennis table at my house one day.

Who is the hardest tackler you have played against?

I played against Lee Cattermole who is a tough tackler, I remember coming on as a sub at half time for Wigan reserves against Middlesbrough and after a tackle from Lee Cattermole I had to go back off after only playing 20 mins

Do you have a ritual that any new signings have to go through when joining the club?

All new signings have to formally introduce themselves and sing a song on there first away journey with the club.