Simon Leeson has recently become our club doctor here at Bangor 1876. He is a recently retired consultant, who has worked in the NHS here in North Wales for about 25 years. During that time, he has become a highly respected figure and helped to develop clinical services across North Wales. We recently talked to him about his new role with our club, and his views on football.

Could you tell us about your role with the club?
As I see it, my role is to develop an ideal health environment for all team members with Bangor 1876. I think there are exciting opportunities for a rapidly progressing first team and of course for the women’s and junior boys’ teams. That means optimal support of injuries and well as supporting general health to encourage the best performances for each and every game. I have been with the club for only a few weeks but I am impressed with the level of local support for Bangor 1876 to succeed.

You've been at several matches recently, what have your initial impressions been?
Great fun. So many goals! But it is a serious business and I am fascinated by Dylan and the rest of the management team constantly ensuring each tackle, pass and position is thought through. The overall fitness of players is impressive. Hopefully that doesn’t mean too many injuries.

There's been an increased focus on issues to do with sport and health in recent years, in particular this summer following Christian Eriksen's collapse while playing for Denmark. As a sport, what do you think are the key issues that football needs to address when it comes to the health and welfare of players?
Firstly, avoiding reckless challenges leading to avoidable and sometimes serious injuries. Match officials are keen to protect against needless bad fouls. Secondly, there are unexpected and thankfully rare catastrophic events seen in high performance sports which may be avoidable in some circumstances, but if not then managed expertly. Regular health checks for the senior team members as well as first aider training for pitch side officials is not mandatory for us but I think would be wise. Of course we are all CPR enthusiasts now after the recent events in Copenhagen. Remember this should be performed only by those who have had CPR training which I believe is given to all school children in Denmark. This is such an excellent idea. Such sudden collapses occur in a variety of high intensity sports and we must remember that some simple measures such as hydration status and overall fitness are important too.

What football team did you follow growing up and what is the most memorable match you have been to?
My father was born in Gorton in Central Manchester and so there was only one team I was allowed to follow and that was of the sky blue variety led by the likes of Tony Book, Franny Lee and Mike Buzzer Summerbee. But I cannot forget my hero of all time, Nijinsky himself, the King, Colin Bell who sadly passed away this year. Best game I had the honour of seeing had to be the 4-1 drubbing we handed out to United at the Etihad in 2004. I never sat down and I was even given the signed team sheets! Well good.

If you could change one thing about modern football, what would it be and why?
Penalty shoot outs, as my Monday would have been so much better.