There aren’t many better ways to start life at a new club than with the captain’s armband, three points and a clean sheet.

Callum Hope arrived at KPR this summer having built up plenty of experience in non-league football, with spells at Chipstead, Raynes Park Vale and Ashford Town before joining the new-look squad at Woking Park.

A central midfielder who isn’t afraid to make his voice heard, Callum has quickly taken on a leadership role within the group. His KPR debut came on a big night for the club against Parkside, helping the Rangers to a 1–0 win in front of a brilliant crowd at our new home.

We caught up with our new skipper to find out a bit more about his footballing background, his first impressions of KPR, what supporters can expect from him on the pitch and, perhaps just as importantly, where you’re likely to find him once the football is finished… 🕺

We’re back under the lights at Woking Park on Tuesday 8th September, with another big crowd expected. Keep an eye on our socials for full match details and come down and get behind the boys.

Q&A

 

Q: Give us a bit of your football background – where have you played before KPR?

‘I started my senior career at Chipstead FC, where I spent two seasons. From there I moved to Raynes Park Vale for four years, before a short spell at Ashford Town. I then returned to Raynes Park Vale for a second stint prior to joining KPR.’

Q: Tuesday was your KPR debut and a big night for the club – how did you find it?

‘It was a great night all round. Three points and a clean sheet to get us off the mark was a great start, and hopefully a sign of things to come. Seeing so much support behind the club on Tuesday night tells you everything about what this club is continuing to build towards — our aim is to keep assisting that by delivering results on the pitch’

Q: You were very vocal out there and looked a real leader. Has that always been part of your game?

‘Talking has always been a big part of my game – possibly a bit too much at times! For me it’s all about making things as easy as possible for us as a team to get through a game, and good information and communication is key to that. As long as I stay out of the sin bin I’d call it a success, because I don’t fancy paying out any more fines!’

Q: What can the KPR fans expect from you as a player?

‘The KPR Ultras can expect a player with a Roy Keane attitude mixed with the finesse of Lee Cattermole. They should also expect someone who doesn’t know a sensible time to leave the Kings Head…’

Q: What do you get up to when you’re not on the pitch?

‘When im not on the pitch you’ll find me doing 1-2-1’s working on my technical ability, rewatching games to analyse decision making, rest and recovery to make sure my body is in the best shape for the next game… that’s what I’d have loved to say. I’m actually a life long season ticket holder to the swan dance floor so that’s where you would probably find me, if not there I’ll be in the city pretending to know what I do for a job.’