AFC Bournemouth
Two-goal hero Junior Stanislas featured in the club's matchday programme for the visit of Nottingham Forest to Vitality Stadium.
His first-half opener and second-half penalty earned the high-flying Cherries a 2-0 win over their Championship rivals.
Ahead of the game, he sat down with MATCHDAY to discuss various subjects in a question and answer, including whether Turf Moor was a happy place, Southend’s fortunes under his good friend Mark Molesley and being a big fan of boxing but not fancying getting punched in the head on a regular basis!
Here is his programme Q&A.
Was Turf Moor a happy place for you?
On occasions it was. I had some good moments there. We got promoted and I played a part in that but didn’t always play as much as I would have liked. I had some great days there but not all great. It was a mixed bag.
Sum up the season so far for the team?
I think it’s been a decent start. I definitely don’t think it’s negative and there are a lot of positives.
We’ve probably had one too many draws but we’re moving in the right direction.
Was the opener against Birmingham the best team goal you’ve ever been involved in?
Ever?!! It was a good goal but ever, I don’t know about that. I think I’ve been involved in a few decent goals over the years. It was definitely a nice goal. The difference is heightened when you’re playing in the Premier League and it’s on a certain stage. But it was definitely a great goal.
What about your assist for the goal?
I was happy with it. I’ve played a few different positions this season but I think that’s one of the first times I’ve played on the left of a three in midfield and be able to link up with Arnie which was nice. I know the sort of movements he makes. I knew he was going in behind so it was nice to link up. When the pass went through, I knew he was going to finish.
Which is your favourite Caribbean island?
Although I’m St Lucian, I think probably Barbados. I’ve only been to St Lucia and Barbados in the Caribbean and think I’d have to go with Barbados, probably because I’ve been there a few more times than St Lucia.
You were once reportedly quoted as saying "I'm half St Lucian so I could play internationals for them if I wanted... but I don't.” Is this true?
No. And whoever wrote that, cut it bluntly. It was never like that at all. I think that was taken when I was about 19. Then, I was playing for England under-21s and had aspirations to play for them. That was my thought process. It wasn’t “I don’t want to play for St Lucia”. I just wanted to represent England. That hasn’t happened so far and I’m getting on a bit now but you never know. It wasn’t a case of not wanting to play for St Lucia but having been born and raised in England, I would have preferred to play for England.
Having spent time on loan at Southend, have you been following their fortunes this season?
A little bit more because Mark Molesley is there and I was delighted to see him get his first win against Walsall. I know they’ve had a few heavy defeats but we support Moles and wish him well there. Our kids used to play together as well so I’ve got quite a close relationship with him and wish him all the best.
Which is your favourite goal?
Probably my debut goal for West Ham. There was nothing really special about it, it was a tap-in but it meant a lot to me, my family and my friends who were there watching. You work hard all the way through the academy, you get your opportunity in the first team and you score on your first start.
Wikipedia lists Old Trafford as your favourite stadium to play in – is this true and why?
That’s correct. I grew up a Liverpool fan and love playing at Anfield as well. Just before kick-off when the scarves are waving and the fans are signing, that’s great. Growing up as a kid, when you see the biggest clubs play, it’s amazing. But when you get to walk out at Old Trafford, the place just looks so big. I always love playing against the big clubs because, growing up, that’s why you played football to start with. For me, there are none bigger than Man Utd.
What are your memories of your childhood in south London?
I was born in Lewisham, lived on an estate in New Cross for the first six years of my life and then moved around a little before settling on the Ferrier Estate in Kidbrooke from seven all the way through until about 19. If you’re from there, it’s a real community. You can leave your door unlocked, friends will come to your house and it’s really close. There are lots of kids in the same situation as you in that they are all born and raised on the estate. I know people say it’s a tough area and it could be but if you weren’t from there.
What would you be if you weren’t a footballer?
No idea. There was never a Plan B for me. Growing up, it was a case of “Junior is always going to be a footballer”. I was always told that and that’s all I ever knew. That was always what I wanted to do and I knew I was going to do it.
Would you want your sons to follow in your footsteps and become footballers?
Yes and no. Yes, because Alex loves football so I would love it for him. Jacob isn’t fussed about football so I would never force it on him. I just want them to do the things that make them happy.
What hobbies do you have?
At the moment, not much. I just stay at home and play Call of Duty. There’s not much you can do in lockdown. You can’t go for dinner after games or anything like that so you have to stay at home.
Trump or Biden?
I don’t know anything about politics but, from what I’m led to believe, neither are great!
Which song did you sing at your AFC Bournemouth initiation?
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. Not only my Bournemouth one but Burnley as well. It’s the go-to song, the easiest one. I got booed both times but I’m not much of a singer so I got it out of the way.
Who’s going to win the Premier League?
Liverpool.
How would you be if you were asked to play in goal?
Not happy. I’m a footballer, not a goalie!
If you could swap with one other sportsperson, who would it be and why?
I don’t have any idols, just people I admire. Roger Federer. I like tennis and love Wimbledon but I love how classy he is with his game. He makes it look effortless and he’s played at the very top for years and years. To win championships once is hard enough but to consistently win them is great. My favourite sport away from football is boxing. I watch all the top fighters when they are on. I’m not sure I would swap football for regularly getting punched in the head though!
