Defender Jody Craddock has starred in the Premier League for Sunderland and Wolves, and discusses exclusively with Ransacker’s Chris Galea what it is about football boots that makes him tick.
Q. What football boots are you wearing at the moment?
This season I’m wearing Umbro SX Valors. I have worn a few boots over the years, and most recently had experimented with Lotto boots, but I was struggling to find a pair which fitted my foot shape. I was wearing an old brand of boot before which they stopped making so it was a case of finding a new one. Umbro obviously come very well recommended so I gave them a go, and they were good.
Q. Is there really much difference between boots?
Yes, there is a big difference. My feet are very temperamental when it comes to football boots, and I find it a task to get hold of a pair which fit me perfectly. So there can be a huge difference in the choice of boots you select. It’s all part of playing football and looking after yourself, so it’s important no matter what level you play at.
Q. How many pairs do you get through in a season?
If I’m playing Saturday and wearing them every day in training then usually I’d get through two or three sets of mouldies and then maybe four pairs of studs in a season. It doesn’t sound very much and I’m sure there are a lot of other players who go through more than that, but that’s what I tend to need.
Q. Who cleans your boots?
We’ve got a couple of very good kit men at the club and they keep our boots nice and clean. We’re not arrrogant about it and it’s very much appreciated by all of the players.
Other Recommended Reading
- Boot Room Banter: Matt Jarvis of Wolves
- Boot Room Banter: Scotland defender Andy Webster
- Boot Room Banter: Watford’s Lee Williamson..
- Boot Room Banter: Sheffield United man Greg Halford..
- Boot Room Banter: Blades man Danny Webber
About the author
James is an experienced football journalist who edits two leading Premier League club mags. He has worked for Sky Sports and is endlessly complaining about shin splints. And Mark Lawrenson. His favourite boot is the Adidas Predator Powerswerve. Although it's rumored that he once owned a pair of Nicks boots!
Read more from James Evans and subscribe with RSS .
