Longtime Spartans fan and Spartans Juniors Secretary joins us for the latest Fan Q&A ahead of the new season!
How are you feeling about the changes on and off the pitch at the club in the last 12 months or so?
It feels like the ship has steadied doesn’t it? Everyone can see the work that’s gone on behind the scenes to make the changes that needed to made. I think the regular Q&A sessions with fans have been key in making fans aware of what challenges the club were facing. As always, communication is key. It sounds like the new Board were uncovering new, unknown, challenges throughout the early days and they clearly had huge budget implications. This then has an impact on what the Club are able to do on the pitch so fans understanding that is very important.
I know a lot of fans were a bit scarred over how things have went here for a long time and the default position becomes one of mistrust. Building that relationship back through being as open as you can will put that close bond in place. I also want to give a shout out to all the media team for the hard work they are putting in and the material they are putting out there. That really makes a difference and their work Is never taken for granted.
How would summarise the impact that Nashy and Woody have had on the club?
It’s beyond huge…. I think people could see the work the Board were doing off the pitch but at a football club it has to go hand in hand with what happens on the pitch. It must have been so difficult to change the culture in the dressing room. The lads needed a huge lift and help. They have been great in the transfer market, making the best of what they could do in the situation we were in.
I remember one of the Q&A’s when Nashy was being quizzed about letting Benji go (who was our one bit of excitement in a pretty naff pre season) but you look at the squad they were then able to put out and you know he was right. Bringing Rio back for a bit of quality and adding Dudger for goals from midfield…. You could highlight so many players who shone thanks to the way Nashy and Woody were able to get them playing. Finding a way of winning matches from that position is unbelievably hard at any level of football but they did it. I think we are all just excited to see what comes next. They have got us looking up instead off down, which we haven’t done for a long time now and they deserve huge credit for that. The togetherness between them all is clear to see.
In terms of away days, where does that last day of the season at Bishop Auckland rank for you?
One of the best. Everything came together. Sun was shining, spirits were high and the lads did it on the pitch. You don’t get days like that very often and it was just great to feel that positivity and togetherness between players, fans and staff. What more do you want from being part of a football club? I was so sick last season of logging into the NPL app and working out the various permeations of what we needed to stay up. Week after week it was getting the calculator out. We had a few chances to make ourselves safe and it kept eluding us so to finish with rip-roaring win like that with a party atmosphere was pure bliss.
Who would you say your current favourite player is and why?
Tricky to pick this as so many come to mind for different reasons but I’ll go for Jack Vaulks. He has been the centre half we have needed for a long time and I know Callum Dobson quite rightly got a lot of plaudits alongside Paul Van and Foalle for keeping us up, but I think Jack went under the radar a bit but was a vital part of that spine of the team that didn’t concede many.
It already looks like he is forming a good partnership with Walker at the back and they both sound like organisers on the pitch. Sure it will prove to the base of another strong defensive unit for us to build success on this season.
Who do you think has been the best signing of the summer so far and why?
I could only pick one…. Rhys Evans coming back was the highlight of the summer (better than the World Cup!) for me. Everyone who gets to know Rhys as a person will know why having someone like that in your squad is vital. I know firsthand how much he cares about the club and its fans. Proper team player, high standards and a quality player. On the pitch he gives that drive forward from full back that we have on the left side already. Its going to be dead exciting this season seeing full backs bombing on and creating chances. Sure Lanning will be rubbing his hands thinking about the chances hes going to get.
Who do you think is going to have a breakout season and why?
There are so many players im excited to see this season… some experienced players and some new or young players but the two that have really caught my eye in pre season that I would say im genuinely excited to see how they do is Lucas Taylor and Ewen McGowan. Lucas looks quicker, taller and I love players wearing brightly coloured boots on although im not sure about Paul Vans silver numbers like! Lucas’s goal against Stockton looked to be a great example of what he can do. I think it was the second half against Berwick when Ewen came on and he just zapped about the place, traveling with the ball, committing defenders, probing to create chances. He really caught the eye. Two players who look like they could get fans on their feet this season and its great to have players who can get you actually excited to be at a football match.
What are your expectations for this season?
Mid-table! I know most are looking higher but after the last however many years of general depression Id still take midtable now. So much has happened off and on the pitch in a short space of time I just want us stable off the pitch and on it. Retaining so many of last seasons squad shows stability is there now. So many players have come and gone recently but it really feels like those days are gone. Id be very happy with a steady league season when I don’t need a flippin calculator to work out if we are safe, watch some good football from a structured team who know what they are doing and, if I’m being greedy, a little cup run would be champion thanks.
Finally, what’s the current favourite go to wine at the moment?
ALL wine tastes better when Nashy and Woody are here.
