Ahead of this afternoon’s FA-Trophy trip to Weston-super-Mare, we sat down with the gaffer, who told us about the recent “strides” made by our players, and many more…
Here’s what he had to say on the following subjects…
On last Saturday’s game:
We’ll be the first to admit we weren’t at our best that day, and that was a big disappointment for us because we wanted to put on a show at home after two very good games on the road. Our away fans have probably seen us play at a level closer to where we want to be than our home fans. But, it was the third game in the week and, although we don’t search for excuses, the travel before last Saturday may have taken a little bit out of us.
On how we coped versus St Albans City:
We knew this would be a tough game. As I’ve said before, they’re in a false position. They’re a very strong squad who haven’t had the start to this season that they would have wanted, but if you look at their statistics they should be higher up the table.
We didn’t reach the levels that we could have done on Saturday, but when you have a day like that it’s important to still get something out of the game, and we dug in deep to create something and get a point. There were certainly good moments from us, although that probably made it a little more frustrating because it wasn’t enough.
On our strength from corner-kicks:
We have physically strong players who are very good in the air, and it’s just about getting the right delivery into the box. We have the right players to do that, none more so than Jordan Maguire-Drew, whose left foot is a beauty. Besides him, we also have Brandon Goodship coming back, who is a very technical striker of the ball. The main thing is having those players strike a good dead ball for someone to reach. We’re certainly very capable of doing that.
On Jake McCarthy:
Jake’s a massive signing for us. He was a vital part for us previously, and he’s only got more experience since. He’s been around me, he knows me, and I know what a good player he is. He scores goals, he can strike with both feet, and he ticks all boxes. He captained us for a large period during his first spell at the club, don’t forget.
Any player who played for me in my first spell here bled Weymouth, with the demands I placed on them and the work that they showed, and Jake is no exception. He knows what it means to play for this club. You don’t pass up the opportunity to sign players like him.
On Tuesday’s win at Wimborne:
It was a professional performance, a win and a clean sheet. We continued to work on things and build up players’ fitness. Brandon started and played the whole of the first half, which is massive for him.
Wimborne were a good side and tough opposition. Credit to them, they gave us a tough game and we got a lot out of it. Like any other game, this is one where we wanted to win, and we’re now through to the semi-final of the Dorset Senior Cup.
On the chance to win a trophy:
You play to win, and this competition isn’t only another chance for us to get on the pitch and improve, but also win some silverware. We’re trying to build bonds here.
I really feel that our season started a month ago. I feel that the group has come back together and that we’ve brought in players we really needed. The start of the campaign was brutal on us for many reasons, but now we’re making strides, both off and on the pitch. Though, make no mistake, we still have a lot of work to do.
On the introduction of 17-year-old Haydn Payne:
It’s the fairytale we all want, isn’t it?
We all want to see one of our own rise through the ranks. I did it myself as a player at Hayes, and there’s nothing better. But, football is getting more competitive and it’s now harder than ever to bring players from youth level into the first team. So, well done to Haydn for doing well enough to not only get the opportunity, but to then get on the pitch, too.
On facing Weston-super-Mare (again):
They’re top of the league for a reason. They play great football, they have experienced players, and it’s no surprise to see them where they are. They’re setting the bar for everyone else, including us.
But, I feel we’re on the right path and playing games like this will only help us in terms of our journey. It’s another cup competition, one where we will look to go as far as possible, and we will do everything we can to win. We faced them recently at their place, we fought hard for a point, and we look forward to battling them again.
On our confidence before tomorrow’s game:
We gave them a very good game last time round, and we’re looking to do the same again. We’re certainly not looking to hide from any challenge, but rather face it head-on. If we want to improve, we have to face the best teams and Weston are the best team in the league right now.
