It's been well documented in the press cuttings in recent months that our longstanding manager, James French decided to step down at the end of the first teams second Hellenic Premier League season.

As his testimonial game looms on Saturday 10th June, 1pm at Longlevens AFC, Pavilion Ground, Longford Lane.

We had a chance to speak with him and ask him a few questions about his tenure at the helm of Longlevens AFC.

What was your best moment in charge of Longlevens FC?

"I'm lucky to have had quite a few during my time as manager, two that stand out though - firstly a few years back when we won 2-1 at Tuffley which pretty much guaranteed us winning Hellenic Division 1 West at the first time of asking. It was a typical local derby, well contested with tackles flying in and was gonna take one bit of quality to win it. Ryan Hughes provided that in the dying moments of the match and the touchline celebrations were as good as they've ever been during my time in charge, so much so that I even managed to pull my calf celebrating and had to have treatment after the game from physio Dunny, it was worth it though"

"The other one was in the final game of the season against Frampton when we won the County league for the first time. Being able to bring on Mark Moore for the final 6 minutes after his near fatal cardiac arrest earlier that season was special. Then to them watch him lift the trophy with captain spider (Craig Martin) after the match was a memory that will live long with me"

In contrast, what was your worst moment in charge?

"Definitely at Southmead when Mark suffered his cardiac arrest, it was an awful night. We'd actually played really well and were 2-0 up after around 25 minutes when he suddenly collapsed, time stood still, we were all helpless and feared the worst. Thankfully we all know the outcome but on the night I just remember how scared we all were, it certainly puts things into perspective when you witness something like that during a game of football"

During your tenure, what would you say was the toughest away ground to visit?

"I would have to say Lydney Town FC (The Recreation Ground). We've always struggled there, to be fair a lot of teams would probably say the same. At home they are a very good side, physical, direct and have real quality from set pieces. I enjoyed many battles against Lydney during my time as manager, but I wasn't on the winning side as much as I'd have liked and that's all credit to them"

Similarly to the last question who were the toughest teams that you came up against?

"Lots of toughest teams for a whole host of reasons, back in the Northern senior days the likes of Brockworth and Ramblers were always tough games, physical teams who tried to upset our style of play. Since we've been in the Hellenic Premier league there has been lots of really good teams and tough challenges. For me the Kidlington side that won the league two seasons ago was probably the best we faced, strong in defence, playmakers in midfield and quick direct strikers made them a really tough team to play against"

And how about your toughest opposite number in the dugout?

"A few opposing managers that stand out are definitely Mark Temple from Brockworth and Warren Evans from Tuffley, both very animated on the touch line which is the total opposite to me. I try not to get involved but I must say there was the odd occasion even I couldn't help myself and ended up getting into arguments, which I still regret to this day, but we live and learn"[/i]

Finally...What would you say was the best away trip you had with Longlevens FC?

"Best away trips are any that involve the famous 'fun bus' - one of the greatest things about Longlevens AFC is the unbelievable team spirit and togetherness both on and off the pitch, win or lose, every time we get together on the fun bus the atmosphere is something else. Exactly the way it should be"