Striker interviewed in Hartlepool programme
It might be the most wonderful time of the year.
But if you are a professional footballer then Christmas simply means a lot of matches in a short space of time.
A Boxing Day visit to Newport starts a hectic run of four League Two fixtures in the space of just 10 days.
Noel Hunt is not bitter about missing out on the festivities, however, and is looking forward to being involved in all the action.
“I haven’t had a Christmas off in 14 years, but I wouldn’t want it any other way,” he says in the official matchday magazine for Saturday’s clash with Hartlepool. “We do this job because we love it and I would find it strange now if I wasn’t working at this time of year.
“Coming in to see the boys on Christmas Day is something I look forward to and if you don’t enjoy it then you’re probably in the wrong profession.
“Some people might see it a sacrifice, but I certainly think it’s a small one for the chance to be a footballer. There’s plenty of time to relax once the season is over.
“It’s an important period because there are a lot of games in a short space of time and so you need to be properly prepared. But we still only focus on one match at a time.”
To read the full interview – where Hunt talks about sharing his vast experience in the game with team-mates – pick up a copy of the magazine from programme sellers around the ground.
Also in issue 13, Calvin Davies takes the 20 Questions challenge, while several players recall their favourite ever Christmas presents.
There’s an in-depth look at Hartlepool, plus exclusive columns from Iain McInnes, Paul Cook and Michael Doyle.
All this and much, much more in a packed 84 pages is available for just £3.