As known from:
sky sportscricketworldTorquay United

The Players’ Bar…with Liam Hardy (Buxton)

Publish Date: 11/10/2019
Fact checked by: James Leeland

Photo: Buxton FC

Play-off participants Buxton ended their barren league spell for the campaign in some style earlier this week, notching their first win at the tenth attempt with a 7-0 demolition of Grantham Town. With all sights for Paul Phillips' side now on quickly climbing the BetVictor Northern Premier League Premier Division, one player you can bank on being central to any progress is Liam Hardy.

The 31-year-old has had the unusual feat of four debuts with the club, and the former Darlington striker is currently the Bucks' second all-time leading scorer, with 135 goals. The top marksman in this division two seasons ago, Hardy is among the leading pack so far this time around (bagging five league goals), so would he be primed and ready to step up for the 'Players' Bar' Q&A here? Course he would...

 

Favourite team and player growing up

Favourite team, Sheff United, and growing up, favourite player I’d say David Beckham. Total different teams, I know, but he was just class weren’t he, Beckham?

Is it Doncaster where you come from, and have you always been based there, even when you've gone and played for Darlington etc.?

Yeah, from Donny; always been based there. I travel in with (Buxton teammates) Brad Grayson and Josh Meade; obviously not at the minute with Josh not being fit, but will be doing again.

Favourite game(s) you’ve played in and why? Would the injury-time winner for Darlington against Salford City be right up there?

Yeah I was just about to say it’s that one. We had a little bit of a rivalry and my first game for Darlington was against Salford. We were 3-1 down, I came off and we ended up winning (4-3)! I was on the bench for the return game and I came on and scored (for 3-2). It was my first goal for Darlo as well, so pretty special.

Funniest teammate/coach/manager in your time as a player (or give more than one example)

(Former Buxton player/assistant/interim manager) Tim Ryan, he’s a character. Very funny and we always keep in contact. I spoke to him at the weekend actually, after the York game, because he’s at York with the academy. We were just talking about the game and he said we’d played well, from everything he’d heard from (York sporting director) Dave Penney.

It's obviously been a really disappointing start results-wise, before the 7-0 this week, but how have you felt personally, in terms of your own form/enjoyment?

I was thinking about it earlier after last night, and Dave (Noble), one of the coaches, said I was looking good, I’m looking sharp. I feel probably the fittest I’ve been. Obviously, apart from the poor start we’ve had, I’ve pitched in with a few goals, so hopefully I can keep it going and we can get a bit of a run together. It’s a bit of a false position where we are and I think we’ll pick up.

What have the lads, Phillo (manager Paul Phillips) etc. been saying this season? 'We’ve been doing the right things, we’ve just been unlucky, it’s just those final bits' and so on?

It’s just seemed like one game we’re scoring a few but conceding a few, then the next game we’re keeping a clean sheet but not scoring. It’s just trying to put them two together and make it work, and last night (against Grantham Town) it just clicked in place. We’ve said it’s been coming for quite a while and someone’s gonna be on the end of a bit of a tonking. We’ve been a bit unlucky - like against South Shields we played well - going 1-0 up and losing 2-1 and stuff like that. It all came together last night and hopefully we can keep it going.

In terms of ambitions for yourself, how do you look at it? Is it 'I can still push up to National League North/National League,' - hopefully with Buxton - or 'I wanna just enjoy playing football and whatever comes alongside that, comes'?

Yeah, I still feel like I can push on. As far as that’s concerned, I’m just enjoying my football and seeing what comes along. As long as I’m scoring and playing well, that’s all that matters.

The club itself you know by now as well as anyone. Compared with previous spells perhaps, does it feel now like there’s more ambition/purpose to get it pushed forward? Is that fair to say?

Yeah, definitely. There’s a lot of ambition. (Chairman David Hopkins) Dave’s behind everyone and he’s the motor behind it all really, turning the cog. We’re hopefully gonna do him proud, kickstart the results and get to where we want to be. That’s the aim this season, to obviously go one step better than last season. There’s a lot of ambition; the ground, the pitch, everything’s in place really.

What about your chances of catching Mark Reed’s (club) goal record (251) – maybe in a few years?!

Yeah I’ll be trying – get a cabin named after me!

There was the 46-goal season you had at Armthorpe Welfare, and you've scored goals for plenty of other teams, where has been your happiest spell in football so far?

I’d say Buxton. We’ve always had a good set of lads. When I first came with Macca (Martin McIntosh) and Tim (Ryan), they were spot on, and like I say, I still talk to them. We had a good car school from Donny going. Even now, off the pitch, there’s some characters in there, like Shents (Grant Shenton), and then (Martin) Pilkington...as you probably know from Twitter! Probably the funniest guy I’ve ever met in my life! So definitely Buxton where I’ve been happiest.

What about the toughest spell? The leg break and cruciate injury you had at Harrogate?

Yeah, when I broke my leg, the manager (Simon Weaver) showed some faith in me and knew what I could do, so he kept me on and paid me and everything. Then I came back and did my cruciate. It was just feeling a bit like I couldn’t do it and I wanted to give up. Obviously I didn’t, you just keep going, and it’s paid off alright, but yeah it was tough times when I did my leg and my knee. It’s a bit like a black hole and it’s hard to get out, but nobody knows that. With Meadey (Josh Meade), he’s just done his cruciate, so you just keep trying to talk to him and let him know what my experience was like.

For managers you've played for previously, who’s understood you most and how to get the best from you?

Martin McIntosh. I’d come from Harrogate, on loan first of all, and I scored seven in seven. He understood me well and knew how I played, and I think that’s where I got most of my joy.

What sort of approach is it you need - arm around the shoulder, or harsher at times?

Probably just to leave me alone really. I think Phillo knows that now; he used to shout at me quite a lot but I think he’s learned to leave me alone and let me do my thing! Obviously no one wants to miss a chance, and he does tell me those sorts of things, like ‘you should be scoring them,’ but yeah, probably to leave me alone.

A player you’ve played with whose ability alone deserved/deserves to be at a higher level

There was a lad for Harrogate, I’ve forgot his name, he was unbelievable in training, but just couldn’t do it in a game. The other one, Michael Woods, who was at Chelsea and Harrogate – he’s at Dover now – he was absolutely unbelievable in training. He’s gone higher and stuff, but he’s one I thought should be in the League. Him and Adam Bolder in training, if they were on the same team they were untouchable sometimes.

Have there been any initiations you've had to do when joining a new club, and if so, which song(s) have you performed?!

At Darlington it wasn’t too bad, we’d just won the league, and last game of the season we’re on our way back to Newcastle for the night out. Drinks are flowing and I’m thinking ‘what song could I sing?’ I went for One Direction ‘History’! I was hoping all the players would help me out on the chorus, so it went alright.

Thanks to everyone @Official_Darlo some great memories and wish you all the best 🙌🏽. Looking forward to my 4th debut tonight 😂 I'm back! pic.twitter.com/jkJkuvwv3Y

— Liam Hardy (@Liam_Hardy) March 7, 2017

What is a typical week like for you, in terms of routine?

Monday, I just more or less chill and go to the gym. Tuesday, training or a game. Wednesday, I play snooker for my local club. Thursday, training or a game, or if not, just do my own thing; gym again or for a little trot. Fridays, again, just chill before Saturday and the game.

Any myths/misconceptions, or a rumour you’ve heard about yourself that wasn’t true?

I think everyone’s had a fair impression of me really. Fairly easy-going lad and get on well with everyone.

One singer/band/song you’d sneak on to the team playlist? Assuming that you don’t run it already…

I’m DJ! We put a bit of Killers on for (physio) Derek (Turner)! I just put a bit of everything on, and if they think it’s crap, just skip it. Jude (Oyibo) sometimes goes on as well, but he’s terrible, to be honest.

Finally, as someone who comes from Buxton, no better place to end than with a mention for nights out in my home town...
Have you had many experiences of the Market Place and all the rest of it?!

We’ve been out more or less every year; we do the end-of-season do and then go to The Vault, and Level 2. They’ve been some great nights, to be honest. If you’re from Buxton then maybe not, but everyone seems to say it’s a good night! Probably just because it’s once a year that we go out. It’s a really good end-of-season do, we have a few beers there, and then go into town.

Interview by @chris_brookes

Read Also
Vanarama National League fixtures - 26/03/2022
It might be the international break, but fans of club football need ...
National League | North clubs travel 53 miles per match more than South
National League North clubs travel on average 53 miles more per match ...
Betfred Promo
One-on-one with Giancarlo Gallifuoco - National League to Kuala Lumpur
The beautiful game is the world's game. It would admittedly take a ...
'My mission is to provide a voice for the misfits' - In depth with Braintree's Nathan Smith
He is most closely connected with his time at Yeovil Town, and ...
The Bosses’ Lounge (Vol. 30) – Alun Armstrong (Darlington)
Transitioning to some of non-league’s scarcities has brought its challenges for marksman ...
Bookmaker of the Month
BetMGM UK - Get Your Bonus! Get Your Bonus!
Top Betting Sites
Top Betting Bonuses
BetMGM UK
BetMGM UK
BetMGM UK Review
4.7/5
Bwin
4.7/5
Betano
4.6/5
kwiff
4.6/5
Betfred
4.5/5
BetMGM UK
BetMGM UK Bonus
Bet £10 Get £40
18+. T&Cs apply.
4.7/5
New customers only. 7 days to place qualifying bet of £10 at 1/1 (2.0) to receive 4 x £10 Free Bets: 1 x £10 football, 1 x £10 horse racing & 2 x £10 Bet Builders. Free Bets cannot be used on e-sports and non-UK/IE horse racing. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs Apply.
Bwin
Bwin Bonus
£20 Back-Up Bet as Free Bet
18+. T&Cs apply.
4.7/5
18+ | New UK players only | Min deposit req. £10 | Certain deposit methods excluded | Place 1 sport bet (3+ selections) | Excl Horse Racing | Min stake £10 | Max stake £20 | Min Odds 2/1 (3.0) | Max FreeBet £20 for football only | FreeBet valid for 7 days | FreeBet stake not returned | T&Cs apply.
Betano
Betano Bonus
Bet £10 Get £30
T&Cs apply
4.6/5
18+ Opt in, bet £10 on any football (odds 1/1+) within 3 days of sign up. Get 2x£10 and 1x£5 Free Bets for set football markets + £5 Slots Bonus on Big Bass Splash, 30x wagering, max redeem £125. Bonuses expire in 14 days. Click for T&Cs. GambleAware.org
kwiff
kwiff Bonus
Bet £10 Get £30 Surprise Bet
T&Cs apply
4.6/5
New customers & 18+ only. Min. deposit of £10. Qualifying real money bet of £10. Min odds greater than or equal to 1.5 required. E/W bets excluded. Offer awarded immediately but could be issued the next working day in exceptional circumstances such as technical fault. Additional T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly.
Betfred
Betfred Bonus
Bet £10 Get £50 in Free Bets
T&Cs apply, 18+
4.5/5
New customers only. Register (excl 05/04/25), deposit with Debit Card, and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility exclusions & T&Cs Apply.
Latest News
RacingGav - Betting Tips - Saturday 22 March 2025
In this article I’ll be discussing my NAP ...
National League Results - Tuesday 18th March 2025
The Topsy Turvy nature of the National League ...
Betting Tips - Friday 21 March 2025
We are heading to Newbury today, where I ...
Betting Tips - Tuesday 19 March 2025
Today’s article is all about the racing action ...
Bookmaker of the Month
BetMGM UK - Get Your Bonus! Get Your Bonus!
Betting Tips
16/03/2025 - 7:00 pm
King Power Stadium
Tip:
Mazraoui foul, Onana 2 saves
1.95
Bet365
16/03/2025 - 1:30 pm
Emirates Stadium
Tip:
Rice, Neto 1+ shot each
1.94
BetMGM UK
15/03/2025 - 5:30 pm
Vitality Stadium
Tip:
Brentford double chance
2.10
Bet365
Bookmaker of the Month
BetMGM UK - Get Your Bonus! Get Your Bonus!
Bookmaker of the Month
BetMGM UK - Get Your Bonus! Get Your Bonus!
Get the Best Deals via Mail
By providing my e-mail address, I declare that I agree that Betting.co.uk will regularly send me information by e-mail: I can revoke my consent at any time.

Users must be 18+. If you are having trouble with gambling then help and advice can be found at begambleaware.org. Please Play Responsibly.

Trading financial products carries a high risk to your capital, especially trading leverage products such as CFDs. CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 74-89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

This site is using Cloudflare and adheres to the Google Safe Browsing Program. We adapted Google's Privacy Guidelines to keep your data safe at all times.
18+GambleAwareeCOGRAGamblers AnonymousGamCareGamStopGambling TherapyCloudflareSSLco² neutral
Close
Place Your Bets! Discover Premium Bonuses at Our Trusted Partners.
BetMGM UK
BetMGM UK Bonus
Bet £10 Get £40
18+. T&Cs apply.
New customers only. 7 days to place qualifying bet of £10 at 1/1 (2.0) to receive 4 x £10 Free Bets: 1 x £10 football, 1 x £10 horse racing & 2 x £10 Bet Builders. Free Bets cannot be used on e-sports and non-UK/IE horse racing. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs Apply.
Bonus Code:
Go to BetMGM UK
Get Bonus
Bwin
Bwin Bonus
£20 Back-Up Bet as Free Bet
18+. T&Cs apply.
18+ | New UK players only | Min deposit req. £10 | Certain deposit methods excluded | Place 1 sport bet (3+ selections) | Excl Horse Racing | Min stake £10 | Max stake £20 | Min Odds 2/1 (3.0) | Max FreeBet £20 for football only | FreeBet valid for 7 days | FreeBet stake not returned | T&Cs apply.
Bonus Code:
Go to Bwin
Get Bonus
Betano
Betano Bonus
Bet £10 Get £30
T&Cs apply, 21+
18+ Opt in, bet £10 on any football (odds 1/1+) within 3 days of sign up. Get 2x£10 and 1x£5 Free Bets for set football markets + £5 Slots Bonus on Big Bass Splash, 30x wagering, max redeem £125. Bonuses expire in 14 days. Click for T&Cs. GambleAware.org
Bonus Code:
Go to Betano
Get Bonus
×
Your Bonus Code:
The bonus offer of was already opened in an additional window. If not, you can open it also by clicking the following link:
Visit Site