Blues Athlete of the Week takes the form this week of an exclusive interview with Blues’ superstar striker Alex Toogood.Does your high profile in Oxford ever lead to strangers stopping you on the street?
Haha no! As if anybody would do that! When I was playing college football in first year I sometimes got recognised, but that was mainly by guys who played for other colleges, when they were smashed in Park End. It’s usually just embarrassing because I’m awful with names and faces so I have to have entire conversations whilst not having the slightest idea who I’m talking to.What's it like working with Martin Keown?
Martin’s awesome. He really knows what he’s doing and he’s got us playing some nice football. He expects a lot from us. For example, if anyone lifts or bobbles a pass in training, the whole drill is stopped and restarted. It is hard work, but it instills the right attitude in the players. I think the fact that Martin Keown is prowling the touchline during matches makes everyone give a bit more. The fact that we are in contention to win our BUSA league having been promoted last season shows how well we’re doing under his guidance.Who's got the best banter on your team?
I think I have. Nobody else seems to agree.Does the predominance of Worcester players on Blues help?
There isn’t a predominance of Worcester players on the Blues. If you don’t include my fellow striker Niko De Walden, who we’ve actually poached from St. Bennet’s because they don’t have a team, I’m the only person from Worcester who’s starting for the Blues at the moment.Who do you support?
No one to be honest. I get a lot of stick from the team for knowing absolutely nothing about football. I watch Match of the Day sometimes but only to see the goals, and I don’t see what all the fuss is about. The only team I really care about is England, but they just break my heart every two years. I’d much rather play football than watch it.Which footballer do you model yourself on?
I only know the names of about 5 players so I couldn’t really say.What are your main strengths/weaknesses as a player?
I guess being quite fast is my main advantage, and my fitness pays off towards the end of matches. I am overly competitive and I hate losing more than anything, which can be a strength during matches. Guys often become centre-backs because they are the biggest, thuggiest players. This means that they are usually bigger and stonger than me, so that’s a weakness to my game, and I get battered around quite a bit in most matches.Do you see yourself playing football to a high standard after graduation? To which level?
Not to a high standard. If all goes to plan I will be joining the RAF, so hopefully I will have time to play for their team.Would you rather win Varsity or Cuppers this year?
I get asked that a lot, mainly by the Worcester boys. Winning Cuppers this year is extremely important to me. But I would have to say Varsity, no question. What are your thoughts about Varsity? Have you ever played anywhere like Craven Cottage before?
I want to win so badly. It was horrible losing on penalties last year. Loftus Road is the only other stadium I’ve played in, so I’m really looking forward to running out at Craven Cottage. What's your sporting highlight in Oxford?
I am extremely proud of getting my Blue. But obviously the shine was taken off it by losing. Winning the league with Worcester in my first year also stands out.Do you play anything apart from football?
I don’t really have time at the moment, and I don’t think my body could cope, particularly with my intensive Pub Golf training schedule. I do triathlon in the summer, which is very different because it’s a completely solo effort. I don’t like the fact that your equipment can make such a difference, especially on the bike leg, so people can use money to improve their performance. That aspect doesn’t exist in football – everyone is on an equal footing and the result is completely controlled by human skill, effort, and attitude.
Blues athlete of the week: Alex Toogood
