IF you are on one of Leiston’s away day matchday coaches, you can often find Eddie Jackson, not with his phone out, or earphones in… but reading a book.

Eddie, 23, who has had a terrific season so far for the Blues, admits he likes nothing more than a good read. In today’s social media frenzy world and phone obsession, it’s a refreshing attitude.

Last season’s player-of-the-year is again having a consistent campaign. And he admits looking after himself and relaxing away from the game, is important to him.

“I first fell in love with reading because it just felt like a productive thing to do,” Eddie said.

“It means I’m not on my phone so often, and I’m learning things as well.

“I like books on war, especially World War II. But I’m still learning what I do and don’t like. I try and read one or two books a month. I often take a book on away games and just have a read. The lovely thing about Leiston and why I love this club so much is, that among some teams, me reading a book on the coach would be a bit of a laughing stock, but I’m proud of who I am, what I read. And my team-mates respect that which I like a lot.”

Reading isn’t Eddie’s only passion. Apart from crunching tackles, he enjoys a glass or three of milk, a drink he rates highly. “Milk is a big love of mine,” he says. “My job is physical and playing football is physical and milk is good in that respect. It’s super nutritious, especially when it’s raw. And it has good gut bacteria.

“I’m pretty teetotal to be honest. I had a drink last year at the team Christmas do, but I know alcohol isn’t great for your body and I want to be the best athlete I can.”

A firm fans’ favourite, Eddie’s performances on the pitch have been solid throughout this season’s campaign. Something he acknowledges. “I think this has been one of my best seasons so far,” he said.

“I feel I’ve had about one game that’s been under say a six out of ten. I often go to work before a home fixture on a Saturday morning, which I think helps me get ready for games. I’m getting more experienced as well now, so I’m feeling good.”

And what about Leiston’s run-in? There’s still much to play for.

“Our season is far from finished and the last few games are always where we’re paid to do what we do,” Eddie added.

“I think it has been a positive season, but also quite frustrating at times. When you reflect on the number of draws, many against teams in the bottom 10, if we had just turned three of those draws into wins, we would clearly be in an even better position.”

And he knows the Blues home form hasn’t been as good as their results on the road.

“It was very disappointing to lose to Needham in the Premier Cup. Our home form hasn’t been as good as our away form. I can’t put my finger on why.

“I do know when we go to say Halesowen in front of 1,000 fans, we’re a small club, up against big dogs. I always fancy myself in that situation. I love it.

“And I’m not sure if clubs take us so seriously as they should. I might be wrong, but I kind of like being the underdog on our travels. Maybe that helps.

“At home, much more is expected of us. Hopefully we will finish the season strong at Victory Road.”

EDDIE JACKSON is sponsored by Mr Paul Andrews.