Midfielder Ben Owen talks about the season so far, gives us an insight into the recent team quizzes, and his decision to become a coach at the Bangor 1876 Development Centre.

What made you want to play for Bangor 1876?
From a very young age I played football with Bangor academy all the way through to the under-19s. During my time in the academy I was coached by Mel Jones and Dylan Williams, so knowing both coaches played a part, though growing up, playing and watching Bangor over the years was the prime reason for my return. It is a great opportunity to be a part of something special and to get the club back where it belongs!

What have been your highlights of the season so far?
Many of our lads would answer the Penycae game, but unfortunately since I arrived at the club I think it’s the only game I have missed this season due to work commitments. What a game to miss, I was absolutely gutted but made up for the lads. But for me personally one of my highlights this season would be the Ruthin game in the Welsh Cup, it was a great game with a huge attendance! I really think the performance showed what this squad has to offer, and on another day the result could have definitely gone the other way. Also, Trearddur Bay away, we knew it was going to be more of a battle than a game of football, all of the lads stepped up to the challenge to come away with the three points.

Who would you say are the biggest characters in the dressing room and why?
There’s a fair few characters in the changing room but it’s got to be Johno, he’s always up to something. As soon as you walk through that changing room door on a Saturday, early or late arriving, you know he’s going to be on the other side with something to say. But to be fair he takes it back well from the lads too, I’m sure Daf Thomas has had the better of him a few times... But jokes aside, it’s all banter. All the lads, young and ‘older’, are involved, I think it’s been a big part of how close we are as squad and has been a big factor in the success so far this season.

Which players generally do the best or worst in the regular quizzes you've been having recently, and are there any particularly sore losers?
Right, I’m going to change your question slightly here to players and coaches because I can’t let little Chris (Chris Jones) get away with this one. He is absolutely shocking, he’s either three or four questions behind everyone (we're not sure if he’s still on a dial up connection) and some of his answers can be diabolical. There’s been talk of banning him from the quiz, but the laughs he brings, I don’t think it would be the same without him! There’s a few sore losers, but I’m going with Johno as he's always questioning the quiz master and arguing he was first to answer the questions if he’s not given the point, it does get quite competitive.

As you were with Mynydd Llandygai before joining Bangor 1876, you played at one of the most scenic grounds in this area. Do you have any favourite away grounds out of the ones you've played at this season?
I think out of the away games so far, it’s got to be Menai Bridge. The pitch wasn’t great for playing football on that weekend due to the weather, but with so many familiar faces and the fans turning out in their numbers, crowding around such a small field and so close to the touch line, it created a completely different type of atmosphere

You've decided to become a coach at the development centre. What are looking forward to most about that role?
Ever since Iwan approached me with the idea, I’ve been looking forward to becoming a part of the set up. Personally, coaching is something I’ve always wanted to do but I never knew how and when to start. So, when the opportunity came to be involved, help and become a coach it was a no-brainer. I have learnt an awful lot from Iwan and the senior players about my own game already this season and will do my best, as they have, to pass the knowledge to the next generation of players. Everyone involved has done a great job so far and will agree with me that they’re looking forward to getting the ball rolling after these strange times are over.

Read our other recent player interviews:
Dylan Summers-Jones
Cameron Barry
Jamie Petrie
Jamie Thomas
Leon Jones
Michael Johnston

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