Interview Rian Bray

RIAN BRAY

Interview

Hallo Rian – tell us a bit about yourself!

My name is Rian bray and I’m a footballer for Tonbridge Angels FC in the Conference South.

Who is your biggest inspiration? And why ?

My biggest inspiration is my dad, he has been a huge part of my football career from when I was little to this day. Driving me up and down the country to do what I love doing. he has helped me grow and develop in football and also my personal life. He’s definitely a massive inspiration to me.

You started your football career by Millwall FC. How did you experienced the youth competitions?

I loved my time at Millwall, I was able to learn off some great players and coaches, and they gave me the opportunity to play full time football which i will always be grateful for. Also I made some friends for life during my time there.

During your time at Millwall you were competing for the defender position. How did you feel about the likelihood of yourself being given a chance?

The time where I was trying to break through at Millwall probably wasn’t the best timing as the club were pushing for promotion from League 1 to the Championship. So it would always be tough for a young player to break through during this time.

By Millwall FC, you was loaned out to Welling United FC and Bishops Stortford FC. How did you experience these periods?

My loan spells at Welling and bishops Stortford were massive learning curves for me, I gained valuable experience at first team football where you learn what it’s like playing with 3 points on the line. I think it’s important that young players in the academy systems get out on loan and play men’s football.

In July 2018, you moved from Millwall FC to Hampton & Richmond Borough FC. And you stay there for one season. How was your time there ?

I went from Millwall to Hendon under Gary McCann. That was such a great year, we had such a togetherness as a team, we made the play off final and unfortunately lost on penalties. Again I gained valuable experience at Hendon at a young age and learnt so much. I will never forget my time at Hendon.

Since July 2019 you played for Tonbridge Angels FC. Rian why did you chose for Tonbridge ?

Steve Mckimm made contact with me and told me his plans and how he wanted me to be a part of what he was doing. I haven’t looked back since again playing with some great players on and off the pitch and a great management team.

You have played at several football clubs. At which club did you learned the most?

I don’t think I could pick one club that I’ve learnt the most at. I’ve played a lot of games over the last 3 years and had so many ups and downs during that, and I’ve always had something to fight for come the end of each season weather that be play offs or trying to stay away from the relegation zone which has its challenges and lessons in itself. Gary and Steve are both great managers and great people too. I’ve taken a lot from both of them which will hopefully put me in good stead as my career goes on.

Rian, what is your best game you’ve ever been involved in?

When I saw this question, 3 come to mind. Play off final at Hendon, FA cup first round proper vs Oldham at Hampton and Maidstone away for Tonbridge. I would have to choose the FA cup vs Oldham, to play on live TV is one of any footballers dreams so that was huge for me and that buzz of a huge crowd under the lights was a great experience and one I will never forget. Just a shame we were moments from a replay and couldn’t hold on.

What is your ambition in your football career?

My ambition in football is to play the highest level I possibly can for as long as I possibly can. Having had a taste of full time football at a young age I would love to get that opportunity again of training every day to better myself. People that know me know I’m the type that won’t ever give up, and hopefully that opportunity does come around again.

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