Taking time from his busy family life, former Atherstone United, Manchester United, Barnsley, Wycombe Wanderers, Bristol Rovers, Forest Green Rovers and Walsall striker Andy Rammell answers our questions;
You began your career at Atherstone United, where after progressing through their system you were sold to Manchester United in 1989. How did the transfer to Manchester United come about?
Scored a lot of goals for Atherstone, had a lot of interest from local clubs, Coventry City, Leicester City, Birmingham City, et cetera. Then Nobby Stiles came and watched me. We had a chat, and the rest was history, Sir Alex came to Atherstone for the signing.
How did you deal with making such a big jump from non-League to professional football?
Easily really, it was just playing football, the training was the hardest thing to come to terms with from Tuesday and Thursday for one hour too everyday for 3 - 5 hours.
Atherstone used the money generated from the sale to build a new stand, which they then named after you, how does it feel to be forever remembered at the club?
Highly honored, to have such a great honour to have the stand named after me.
Sadly after only a few months and with limited opportunity to impress at Manchester United you were sold to Barnsley in for £100,000. How did it feel to be moved on so quickly?
Excited at the move to Barnsley, looked forward to impressing in 1st team football.
You made over 185 league appearances, scoring 44 goals for The Reds. What are your memories from this chapter in your career?
Adored Barnsley Football Club the town and its supporters, fondly remembered. Enjoyed my football and the learning curve of 1st team football.
Your next move was to Southend United in an exchange deal for Dave Regis, you played 69 league games for The Shrimpers, scoring 13 goals. After two seasons with the club you joined Walsall in 1998 and became an immediate fan favorite for your hard working attitude and style of play. Were you surprised at how quickly the supporters took to you?
Loved the move to Walsall, had such a great chemistry with the fans right from the start, thought I was one of them living my dream, connected unbelievably.
You were signed by then manager Ray Graydon. What did you make of 'Sir' Ray?
Sir Ray was a tyrant, very strict, very focused, and well respected.
He was known to be a strict manager, with emphasis on player professionalism, how did you deal with this aspect of Ray’s management?
Embraced his style and professionalism although sometimes went too far. I think because of my age and experience we had a mutual respect which worked for us both.
You played a major part in the side that finished second in Division Two, scoring 18 league goals. What are your memories of the season?
Promotion year was amazing from start to finish, favourites for relegation and then to win promotion, what a great team, what a great year, what an achievement, wow!
You had a successful strike partnership with Jason Brissett, was it easy working with the fast-paced front man?
Nice to play upfront with someone who could do my running for me.
The season was made extra special with the likes of Manchester City, Stoke City, and the rapidly progressing Fulham and Wigan Athletic being in the league. What was it like being involved in such a tough campaign?
As i said the campaign was just one great experience which got better and better.
After securing promotion in 1999, Brett Angell was placed ahead of you in the pecking order. What was it like falling down the order at the club after such a successful opening campaign?
Felt disappointed at being dropped for Brett, but that's football, felt hard done by the club after promotion because the let players go and didn't reward the squad the way they should have (not with money, but with a bit of loyalty and gratitude). This led to the end of my career with Walsall Football Club sadly.
After what must have been a disappointing second season with The Saddlers you joined Wycombe Wanderers for £70,000. You went on to play over 70 games for The Chairboys. Are there any memories of your time at Adams Park you’d like to share?
Had a great time at Wycombe scored a lot of goals, had promotion race, FA Cup Semi Final, and especially remembered was my 1st game against Walsall after i had left when i put two goals past Wacka, (oh the joy). Then on the way off the pitch the Walsall fans applauded and chanted Rambo! as i went off.
Sadly injury curtailed your time at Wycombe and after being released your next move was to Bristol Rovers, where you made 12 league appearances during an injury plagued 2003-2004 season.
You then joined Forest Green Rovers but were forced into retirement in January 2004 after the re-occurrence of a knee injury. Was it difficult to end your career in such a disappointing fashion?
Always knew my knees would be the end of me as a footballer so it came as no surprise had great last season at Bristol Rovers secured their league status with some vital goals.
Do you have any standout memories of your career?
Signing for Manchester United, Promotion with Walsall FC, FA Cup run with Wycombe Wanderers, every goal I've scored
Finally, do you have a message for the Saddlers fans?
Saddlers fans, thank you for taking me into your hearts, you'll all forever be in my mind. I loved every second.
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