Everything month Asian Image Sport puts a seasoned campaigner on the spot

Name: Mohammed Arshad

Age: 37

Place of Birth? Jaurah, near Lala Musa in Pakistan

Nickname? 'Ashy'

When did you start playing football?

1977

What club do you play for now?

Paak AFC

Any other clubs you have played for?

Nelson Jnrs, Pendle Schoolboys, Nelson & Colne College, Jinnah F.C., Stoneyholme F.C. , Barrowford Redskins, Decorpart F.C.

Are you still involved in football in any other way?

Member of the Pendle Sunday League Executive Committee, Member of Paak AFC Management Committee, Coach and organise kids at Nelson Youth Centre.

Tell us the difference between league set-ups now and when you were younger? Lots more teams and higher standard in early days. Not as many 'kick-offs' between Asian and White teams nowadays. Cost of running a team today is astronomical.

Most embarrassing moment

A) Ref would not let me play in an under 15,s match, he thought I was over 18 because of my hairy chest. I was only 14!

B) 25 yard scorcher....past my own goalie!

Best goal you have seen in amateur/professional football

Nasir 'twinkle-toes' Iqbal dancing around 7 players - all in the keepers area, then waltzing around a bemused goalkeeper, stopping the ball on the goal line, had a look around before toe- poking the ball into the net. This guy was a genius, I can honestly he is the most naturally gifted player I have ever seen, he is the closest thing you could get to George Best in terms of natural talent. Makes Ryan Giggs look 'agricultural', and that's coming from a Man Utd. Fan.

Best footballing moment

As a player-manager, winning the historic treble in 1992, especially when most referres and league officials of the day did their utmost to stop this unprecedented event from happening. ie, stopping a cup final in the 85th minute as the opposition goalie got injured as we scored the equaliser - they had no reserve keeper and extra time was looming. Other notables include the league forcing us to play 2 semi-finals in 20 hours. First one Friday night 6pm kick off, second one day after (Saturday) 2pm kick off.

If you had the chance to play in any game or for any team in history which one would it be and why?

Would have loved to officiate in the 1966 World Cup Final at Wembley ......instead of that dodgy Russian linesman, who bottled it !

Which opponent/team did you, or do you still hate playing against?

Bridge Inn F.C. from Burnley in the mid 80,s. They were a good team and had alarge following... shall we say that there was more off-the-pitch action too!

All time footballing/sporting hero and why?

Eric Cantona, for being born in 1966, and we know that 1966 was a good year for English football! And Mohammed Ali, not for the usual 'he was a Muslim' syndrome, but for saying no to 'Uncle Sam' and Vietnam and for epitomising self belief in his chosen profession.

What is the strangest incident you have seen during a footballing match?

Played against a Sikh team in Bradford in the late 80,s, who refused to take of their Kirpans. It wouldn't normally bother me but some of them had 6" blades and I did not want to upset one of them boys!

Who was, or is the motivator/joker in your team?

Plenty of jokers, not many motivators!, I suppose the managers fit the bill.

Best excuse for not turning up to a match?

One of the lads once told me he got up to get ready for the match. His dad also got up and told him to get ready for his marriage! Believe it or not, he did get married too.

What changes would you like to see at local level?

More financial and administrative support for local teams and better sporting facilities

What advice would you give to any young footballers?

Enjoy it whilst you can. There is no substitute for playing!

Qualities you rate highly in a footballer?

Commitment, energy, enthusiasm, discipline, willingness to learn, teamwork.

Favourite food?

Indian/ Pakistani/Gujarati....in large portions too!

Do you play any other sports besides football?

Cricket, Table-tennis, tried rugby once, but found it too painful !

Any other comments?

Message to all young people involved in any sports,- Always respect your opponents, but never be afraid of them, play hard but be fair, be humble in victory and gracious in defeat and you won't be far of the mark.