Name: Marcus Jones
Age: 49
Location: Wrexham
Job: Inventory Control Manager
Can you give us a little history behind AG and why did you start it.
2006 I'd had enough of playing randoms so went about finding a community and ended up on a website called backofthenet. Ended up fully running the site as the owners had zero interest towards the end and because it was so complex in terms of how to was coded I decided to go my own way and see what was possible. Bought the domain name in June 2009 then spent time testing and implementing with the help of a few members from the previous site. It was nothing like what we have today but it was ours and I was determined to build it up. The member base we had stuck with and in 2009 we officially launched. 16 years later we still going.
What drives you to keep going on where others may have given up.
The members and the community aspect. You do not know what impact the site has on peoples lived till you see how much they are invested and how much it means to them. It gives me a sense of responsibility that I have to provide this platform for some great people.
What is it like corralling a bunch of kids?
Love it. Everyone is different and brings their own challenges. I will say that because im not part of the leagues I do see members having short term memory on how they behave, I wont name names but that part and parcel of a competitive gaming site. Take that away and it would be no fun but it should never get personal.
Have you got any special plans for season 50? that's heck of a milestone.
I'm very open minded about this. Not because its season 50 but doing what's best for the league going forward. As I said in my post we need to bring everyone back together. get that community feel again because the game is what it is and we can only hope that it changes. If not I need a Plan B and to have it ready for the community.
Who is your sporting hero?
As a kid growing up it was Mark Hughes. Local player that played for Manchester United. Now would probably be Sir Alex. Huge drive to succeed and everything he does.
Which reality TV show would you do?
Love Island for middle aged fat blokes but right laugh.
Delete all the apps on your phone, which 3 would you save?
AG app, Instagram and Cymru Football app.
Top 3 game titles you’ve purchased?
God of War Ragnorok, Uncharted Series, Gran Turismo 7
5 Bucket places in the world you would love to travel to?
In no particular order. Australia, Las Vegas, Texas (home of the BBQ), Tokyo and Rio de Janeiro
Favourite band/artist?
I don't really have one. I get hammered for my taste in music as it so varied. I do like The Script, Keane, Coldplay, Queen and Take That
Your club's all-time best 5 a Side team?
Schmeichel, Irwin, Robson, Cantona and Ronaldo
A fact about where you live?
The home of Hollywood. Its been crazy since they took over Wrexham Football Club. I refuse to get onboard with it but have some work friends who were there long before it took off and they deserve to be on this journey after what they have been through.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Crap movies and 80's music. I do love a bit of Pretty Woman and you can throw all the 80's music at me you want.
Best sporting venue and sport you’ve seen live?
Old Trafford, im sure other fans get it the same buzz when you walk into the stadium and see the pitch. Its still a buzz now. Best game ive seen live was in 1998 United vs Barcelona at Old Trafford. 3-3 draw.
Favourite tv show growing up?
All 80 cartoons here. Some oldies will remember, He-Man, Transformers etc. Also did love a bit of Blockbusters
Do you have any strange collections?
Got a few Funko Pops around my gaming area as well as some Lego bits and bobs.
What is your pet hate?
Lateness and punctuation.
Proudest moment to date?
Birth of my son.
Top 3 Films in any order?
Top Gun, Star Wars, End Game
What games are you playing at the moment?
Really struggling at the movement to get going on anything. Astra Bot is very good which I need to finish but I have just completed Indiana Jones which was a great play through.
Who's the worst player you've seen play for your club?
Massimo Taibi. I was at the game he spilt it through his legs.
Which old game would you like to see get remade?
Ghost recon by that I mean go back to original format not this open world shit.
Blur amazing racing game we had some of the best community nights on that.
Sensible Soccer. Go back to basics because there is too much fluff in the games now.
First/latest gig you've been to?
Not really a gig going person. Last one was Take That back in 2011.
Who is the most famous person you've met?
The great man himself Sir Alex. Went to watch a reserve game back in 1998. Jesper Blomqvist first game as a United player and it was at Old Trafford. Only one stand open but had my dad with me so we took our time coming out. Turned around and he was behind us in the Munich Tunnel so got to speak to him and get his autograph.
Thanks for your time Marcus, I know it's been hectic at work for you recently.
I'll dedicate this to your wife and her broken foot! Wish her a speedy recovery from us all.
