We were all disappointed to drop out of the FA Cup. We knew it was a tough draw but we were in it until the end and almost forced the replay. What are your thoughts on how things panned out?
From my perspective the day felt a little flat, and although we weren’t embarrassed I was still slightly disappointed that we didn’t push them a bit harder. In games like this, firstly, you need everybody fit and available and secondly, everyone has to play well to beat a very good side like Oxford City. On the day, missing the four players that we were and having to change the side around definitely seemed to affect the performance. Sometimes with the players that you have available, the bottom line is that it’s just not quite good enough and I think on the day that was the case.
I hear the collective eyes roll as I mention “injuries” but we only talk about it as we try and be as open as possible. We are still missing several key players that would make a difference to every side in the league. What is the current situation with this and are we likely to see any return soon?
When we talk about this subject I think people are sometimes imagining that we’re trying to make excuses it’s absolutely not. What we’re trying to do is point out the facts and they are that at this stage we are still running with three players who would make a huge difference to our side if they were fit. Plus others have been struggling for one reason or another. Josh Sommerton, Marvin Brooks, and Calvin Brooks have, in the main been missing over the last eight months and the difference those three would make to any side is huge. Even recently, Josh Sommerton played in a run of four wins. He gets injured and we lose the next two. This is clearly no coincidence such is the residual effect it has on the balance and system. Calvin was supposed to be back in six weeks we are currently sitting at nearly 16. There is a light at the end of the tunnel now. I’m hoping within the month he’ll be available. Marvin, however, has had to call a halt to proceedings at this stage as he’s been in so much pain that we both agreed that he now needs to have complete rest for the next 4-6 weeks and then we’ll assess the situation. Three of our best players almost permanently injured for the last 8-9 months added to the fact that you will have injuries on top of these three as we did against Bracknell, and I think the start that we’ve had, taking this into consideration has been a fantastic effort from those available.
There has been some frustration at the lack of game time for Goodship. Why is this and is there light at the end of the tunnel?
With regard to Brandon, there is absolutely no problem between us and I fully appreciate the ability that he has. No matter how good you are though you have to be prepared to work hard even when you haven’t got the ball and we’re not a side good enough to carry anyone that is not prepared to do that. So, we’ve had a really good chat and I’ve got to say that this week he has applied himself and his attitude has been exactly the response I was looking for. So it’s now very much a case of bringing that into the games.
I saw a rumour that you and Callum Hart have fallen out. You were sat at the Mac in the sunshine chatting a few days ago, but I still have to ask if there’s any truth in this?
I really have no idea where this comes from. Just another ridiculous rumour that has absolutely no relevance to it. Callum left towards the end of the Oxford City game as he had left a wedding to be at the match and had to get back there.
We’re currently sitting 6th in the league at this early stage of the the season as we prepare for the trip to bottom of the table Plymouth Parkway. They’ll be hungry for 3 points though, so I’m sure you’re not underestimating them?
Plymouth Parkway will not finish in the bottom three this season. The position they’re in is mainly down to having players missing, which is something I know only too well after last season. With those players now back in their side, I expect to see an upturn in their performances. On Saturday they were four-one up against Hartley Whitney at half time which tells you what they are capable of. We never underestimate teams and that certainly will be the case for tonight‘s game. It will be us that are missing players and not them so we really will need to be at our best to get a result.
Our luck with cup draws continues as we get Truro City away in the Isuzu FA Trophy. What are your thoughts on this tricky fixture?
Truro away is probably no more than we expected considering our luck in recent years with regard to cup draws. On paper, it’s the second most difficult side you could’ve picked of all the teams in the competition. Added to the fact that it’s away and they play at Plymouth Parkway so the crowd won’t be that big meaning it’s not a win financially either. They’re an excellent side so it will be a real challenge and we’ll do all we can to prepare for the game and hopefully get a result but I think we all know it’s far from an ideal draw.
