WHEN it comes to having a safe pair of hands in a Wessex League football team, you don't need to look much further than Cowes Sports stopper, Ed Hatt.

Ed, now aged 30, but a goalkeeper who has remained one of the Wessex Premier League's most consistent performers, recently notched up his 500th appearance for the Yachtsmen — and his 100th clean sheet for the club.

This season is his tenth in a row in the Wessex Premier — his most recent shut-out at the weekend, in a 3-0 win at United Services Portsmouth.

Ed, who attended Gurnard Primary, Solent Middle and Cowes High schools, worked his up through the Island's youth ranks, before earning his first team chance.

Ed Hatt when he received his award for reaching 400 games for Cowes in 2022. (Image: Cowes Sports FC)

Ed Hatt pulling off a miraculous save. (Image: County Press) He has experienced tough times at Cowes, in helping to stave off the spectre of relegation from the Wessex Premier, but he has also tasted glory, with a clutch of Isle of Wight Gold Cup successes and a Wessex League One promotion.

Ed, who runs a recruitment firm, began his career at Newport, but was quickly wooed away to join Cowes Sports by promotion-winning boss at that time, Richie Woodburn.

His first game for the club was in a 2-0 loss against Longwell Green Sports in the FA Vase, in Bristol.

"I've still got the same buzz today," said Ed, who won a bronze medal representing the Isle of Wight at last year's Island Games in Guernsey.

"Some games and days are tougher than others, when you’re training in the freezing cold, or heavy rain.

"But when you get a weekend off, you soon realise why you play football. You simply can't beat that Saturday morning feeling."

(Image: County Press)We asked Ed a series of questions to find out a little more about what makes this extraordinary Island footballer tick:

When did you first start playing and what attracted you to it? A: I started playing football when I was aged six or seven, but my mum has always told me I was kicking a ball before I could even walk. I guess I just followed my brother and dad’s footsteps, as both played in goal, and played football from an early age.

What do you enjoy most about playing for your current club? A: The boys at Cowes are at another level. We've got such a tight-knit group and every year it just gets better and better.

What’s been the highlight of your sporting days so far? A: This has got to be playing for the Isle of Wight at the Island Games and winning a bronze medal.

Who has had the most influence on you in your sport and in what way? A: Probably Richie Woodburn, for giving me the opportunity and having the faith in me to play for Cowes first team from an early age. Also, Steve Lawton (ex-Brading FC boss), has had a really big influence on my career. He brought me into men’s football at just 16. He was perfect for me at the start of my career.

(Image: County Press)

Ed Hatt and his Cowes Sports team-mates celebrate winning the IW Gold Cup in 2022. (Image: County Press)What are your aims in your sport? A: Just to play for as long as I can. I love winning silverware.

What’s the funniest thing you’ve seen in your sport? A: I've seen some funny things during my time — one of them has got to be me giving a corner away from a goal kick against Farnborough. Don’t even ask how it happened!

What do you find to be the most difficult aspect of participating in your sport? A: Playing in goal is a tough position. You make one error and nine times out of ten, it’s a goal.

Which team do you support and what’s been your favourite moment watching them? A: Southampton. Probably watching them at Wembley winning the Johnson's Paint Trophy, or getting promoted last year.

What are your best qualities in your sport? A: Probably my commitment. I’m also a great leader for the 'fines committee'!

Ed Hatt pulls off a penalty save in an FA Vase tie in 2022. (Image: County Press)What other sports have you played? A: Cricket, golf, tennis and, recently, I found a new love for darts.

If you could change one rule in your sport what would it be and why? A: In the professional game, I would take away VAR.

What’s been the most memorable event or match you have participated in and why? A: The Island Games, beating Guernsey, at their place, in front of thousands of fans. By far, the best game I've ever played in. The atmosphere was unbelievable.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? A: You’re only as good as your last game.

What’s the worst part of training for you? A: Pre-season — an awful time of the year. Who likes running, let alone running in the heat?

What would you say is the easiest part of playing your sport? A: Being a keeper, I would say the physical side of the game.

How much of your life does your sport take up? A: Ask my missus! People underestimate the amount of time it takes to commit to playing in the Wessex League for an Island club. I would say its like having a part-time job.

Do you have a motto that you follow in your sport? A: 'We go again'.

What lessons for life have you learned through your sport? A: Discipline, commitment and resilience (especially playing for Cowes over the years).

When the time comes to retire from playing your sport, do you think you would like to take up a different role in it? A: Yes, absolutely. I recently started goalkeeper coaching and I absolutely love it.

Tell us about any other family members who are involved in sport? A: Dad apparently played in goal, but not sure I'm having it! My brother played cricket and now fancies himself in golf.

Ed Hatt pulls off a great save. (Image: Graham Brown)What would you say to somebody to recommend them to your sport and your club? A: You have to try it. You won't ever find more like-minded people than in a football changing room. It’s a special place.

What have been the benefits to you by doing your sport? A: The friends you meet. I’ve met and played with some top, top blokes.

What’s the worst injury you have had and what was the rehab like? A: Touch wood, I’ve never ever had a bad injury. I don’t think I’ve missed more than one game through injury.

What advice would you offer to a youngster starting out in your sport? A: Keep turning up,. You will have good days and bad days, but enjoy the journey.