NCM EXCLUSIVE: Matt Somner and Stephen Hunt interview Part 1

Last updated : 10 July 2007 By Paul Smith
NCM: Stephen, how did it feel to be signed then immediately sent out on loan to Lincoln City?
Hunty happy to be a battling Magpie


Hunt: Obviously it wasn't great especially as I was in the process of moving up to Notts and getting settled and I was unsure about my future, but I am happy about the way things have turned out.

NCM: Do you think it made it tougher for you to establish yourself in the team as you wasn't a (Steve) Thompson signing?

Hunt: Yes of course, but I'm really happy that I had the chance to prove myself and was obviously delighted to get a regular first team spot towards the end of the season.

NCM: What sold Notts County to you over other clubs or was this the only offer you had?

Hunt: It's a big club with lots of history and I wanted to help Notts climb the leagues to be back where they belong.

Somner: It's a massive club and the oldest! And I already knew the gaffer from Cambridge (United).

NCM: Stephen, why did you get rid of your hair?

Hunt: Because I didn't want to be nicknamed Mophead! To be honest it was too hot and it needed too much maintenance!

Somner... In familiar combative mood for the cause
NCM:
What is your reaction to Pipey's departure?

Hunt: I'm sad to see him go and wish him well at his new club.

Somner: He's a great player and a good man and I wish him all the best at his new club.

NCM: Who is the joker in the team?

Hunt: It's a new season so there are a few contenders but probably Pipes last year.

Somner: Yeah it was Pipey last season so we will have to see who steps up this season!

NCM: Have any of the Notts boys played any practical jokes on you?

Somner: I was in town one day and a lady and her kid came up to me and she asked if she can have an autograph to which I obliged only for (Mike) Edwards to pop out from nowhere and laugh at me! It was his wife!

Hunt: I had my gold Nike trainers hung up once before because the rest of the team just aint ready for them yet.

Somner: The trainers were so bad.

Hunt: He's not ready for them either!

NCM: What was the best match last season?

Hunt: The (Carling) Cup run was probably the most exciting time, but to beat Southampton was pretty special considering it's my old club.

Somner: I'd have to say Middlesborough in the (Carling) Cup.

NCM: What other ten players would you have in your Dream Team?
Kaka... Dream midfield partnership with Somner


Hunt: This is my all-time Dream Team:
Schmeichel
G Neville Hunt Maldini Carlos
Beckham Zidane Somner! Giggs
C Ronaldo Henry

Somner:
Buffon
G Neville Terry Hunty! A Cole
Gerrard Somner Kaka C Ronaldo
Henry Rooney

Be sure to check back to NCM for the second part over the next two days as the boys talk about next season's aspirations, training and the new boys aswell as Somner's take on his girlfriend's appearance in FHM.

Plus that all important question: ...who is the longest in the shower?

Special thanks to 'surreynotts' with this interview without him it wouldn't have happened.