Cowes Sports and Isle of Wight goalkeeper Ed Hatt made his 500th appearance in Cowes Sports 2-2 draw against Christchurch on Saturday (12th October).
Before Saturday’s game, Cowes Sports announced:
“Today, marks a special day for one particular Yachtsman.
Article continues below this advertisement “Our Number 1 Ed Hatt makes his 500th appearance for the club.
“To hit that milestone is unheard of in today’s footballing world, which just shows how committed Ed has been to Cowes Sports FC.”
Ed spoke exclusively with Island Echo about his goalkeeping career to date.
How old are you? 30.
What is your day job? I own a recruitment agency.
What do you do outside work and football? I’ve got a young family, and I spend it with them.
Which professional team do you support? Southampton.
Do you model yourself on any professional keeper? No one in particular if I’m honest. I just love goalkeeping.
Why are you a goalkeeper and not an outfield player? Because I love catching the ball, and I was useless at running.
Have you only ever played for Cowes? I played for Brading for a season – both the ‘A’ team and Reserves. I did start a pre season with Newport but left after the 1st game – my first season in men’s football. I was young and started on the bench for the reserves and got an opportunity to play for the Cowes first team.
What’s the best and worst game you’ve played in? I’ve had a few ‘worst’ games over the years as you can imagine, where we’ve lost 7/8-0, but probably losing to Portchester 12-2 was the worst. The best game I’ve ever played in was for the Isle of Wight at the Island games last year when we beat Guernsey 2-1.
Have you ever scored a goal (other than in a penalty shoot out)? Never. I always said that if I scored a goal I would retire. I’ve had a few assist in my time, and I’ve hit the post once and had a header cleared off the line but never a goal. When we played Portland at home a few years ago ago, I headed the ball onto the line, and we bundled it in.
Who’s the best player you’ve played with and come up against? As you can imagine, playing that many games, I’ve played with some great players at Cowes and for the Island – too many to name just one. I’ve also come up against some top players – Southampton last year had some great young ones. Brett Pitman is one of the best finishers I’ve ever played against. He doesn’t do much, just scores goals, if that makes sense.
What was the worst abuse you’ve ever put up with at a game? Bracknell away a few years ago in the FA Cup. I must have had 50 people behind my goal with a drum and flares. At Fleet Town a few years ago, I was terrorised all game. But Guernsey last year, I had hundreds behind my goal abusing me all game, reading out my social media posts, googling me and taking the mick out of my business and website and then to finish it off when we won, throwing bottles at me and threw my water bottle away. It was relentless from the warm up to final whistle. But I always have a good crack with Fareham away – the best fans in the league.
Do you think you’ll end up making 1,000 appearances? I think the records is 800 and something, but I can’t see anyone hitting 1,000. Like I keep telling my Missus, one season at a time. When the love of the game dies, I’ll know when to stop.
