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WHY 'TJ' IS PLAYING FOR CRAY
Full Back 'TJ' Moncur Speaks With Forever Amber
Prior To His Wands Debut On Tuesday 2 March
by Trevor Mulligan, Wednesday 3 March 2010

His full name is Thomas James Moncur, but everyone knows him as 'TJ'. Right now, he is fighting for a place to call his own in the Wands' Ryman League team, for the foreseeable future at least.

TJ supplied me with a list of Football League teams that he has played for at first team level. These include Bradford City, Wycombe Wanderers and Chesterfield Town.

TJ doing his bit for charity
whilst at Wycombe Wanderers

"I was also in the Arsenal and Fulham Youth set ups," TJ said, "and I've played for England at Under 16s, 17s and 18s levels".

So, what has brought him back South from Chesterfield to join Cray Wanderers?

"I have had offers to play up North in the Football League but, for domestic reasons, I need to be in London for a few months." He continued: "I was asked by Mark Hanscombe to come and play for Cray.

"He told me I would enjoy it. To be honest with you, that's exactly what I need at the moment. I have not come for a laugh, though. I will stay professional in my attitude and, besides, I'm a terrible loser!" he added.

"Don't get me wrong, I'm not going to take this level of football for granted," TJ said, after I'd asked him what he expects to get from his move to our old-established Club, adding, "but I am hoping to get back to full match fitness and enjoy my time here at the same time.

"I just love playing football. I am hoping that this experience will be good for me. It certainly makes me appreciate how fortunate I have been previously and makes me even more determined to succeed in the summer."

TJ said that he is capable of playing in most positions on the field. "I have played attacking right full back, defensive full back, centre half and in central midfield. And, like most footballers, I think I would make a great forward!" TJ even thinks that he would describe himself as a prolific goalscorer if he played up front.

I asked him what attributes he feels he can provide to our Club and he replied: "I have good experience for my age (he's only 22!) and I always give my all, which the fans always seem to like."

As so many footballers say, TJ told me that the biggest influence on his career so far is "my dad Tommy." It's good when a player recognises and acknowledges his own parental guidance at the time when it's needed most.

TJ doesn't like the idea of keeping the bench warm on matchdays, waiting for his chance to come along. "No, I hate being on the bench!" he was quick to mention.

Although Wands manager Ian Jenkins seems to have the services of this latest in a series of professional players past and present, TJ is strong in his opinion that he is destined for greater things once more. "I will be back in the pro game within six months' time," he said confidently.

In the meantime, TJ is now with Cray Wanderers, playing under Jenko's rules in a league that's unforgiving at times and several steps away from what he's used to. Let's hope that he does enjoy the experience along the way and that our Club benefits from his expertise.