One major
difference between professional football and the non-league game is the
connection between the fans and players. Sure, you’ll see plenty of footballers
on upwards of fifty grand a week kissing the badge, and many do a lot of unsung
work in the community, there’s no denying that. But the links between the squad and fans are much stronger at a Grassroots level.
Rothbury’s
midfield playmaker James Jackson was keen to thank the Red’s faithful by asking
them all back to the Newcastle House after the Coquetdaler’s fixture against
Cramlington United last Saturday. That game, however, was postponed as United's visit to Gosforth Bohemians in the NFA Minor Cup took precidence over the League game.
Rothbury’s players have been cheered on by crowds heading up
to the three figure mark at Armstrong Park this season – a figure that many
Northern League sides are pleased to get through the gate – as well as a vocal
travelling support, and the players were keen to have a catch up with them in the
bar.
With the Red’s first season in the Northern Football
Alliance now at the half-way mark, The
Northern caught up with former Alnwick Town ace Jackson for his view on how
things have progressed since the club moved up in the summer.
How do you feel the season is going so far?
Looking at
the run we have been on, one defeat in the league and one in the cup, I’d say
that pretty much speaks for itself. But to everyone that’s seen us play this
season I think we deserve to be where we are. We just need to make sure we are
staying in contention and sticking to what we are doing and where we want to go
as recently, especially against Ellington at home, we were far from our best. We
looked slow and sluggish. However, we popped up with a last minute leveller and
that could prove vital come the end of the season
What has been your highlight?
My
highlight? I think it’s still ongoing haha. Just this whole half has been one
big high, however we can’t for one second feel like we have achieved anything
yet - there’s still the main part of the season to compete for. But the hunger
from the young lads has been great, Lawsy, who hasn’t had much time on the
pitch is at training every week - I think he has spat the dummy out a couple
times but he dries his eyes and returns haha. Will has stepped up too in pre-season; I thought he was Action Man, the absolute unit. I am led to believe he
also doesn’t drive anywhere, he just runs. Whitburn away should be fun for him.
Max, Ben P, Jak and now Chris Coe have signed, so plenty youth still to put
their stamp on the squad. Having said that, our result and performance against Chemfica
in the cup was a fantastic performance and epitomised what Dan and Tom are
trying to do here. We really played some great stuff that day and worked our
b*****ks off - we should of won it in
normal time.
Biggest disappointment?
Our
performances against Jesmond were disappointing, apart from the first game
which was eventually expunged. The other two, especially the cup game, we got
caught up in the whole game being a must-win game when in reality we have no
problem or history with Jesmond. I don’t mind losing either as we beat them 1-0
last time out, it just wasn’t a very enjoyable atmosphere and ultimately I
think that’s what made the games frustrating
Funniest moment?
Haha where
do I start with this lot? Well, to start with there is some funny looking
people in this squad - we have Mr. Pickles from the Rugrats (Joel) Hey Arnold
(Max Wilson) and the heed from Art Attack in young Will. There is some proper
characters in this team, though I don’t know where to start. I still catch Matty
Travis wondering what the f*** sometimes when he hears the stories and the plight
of the lads at times haha Should have some corkers for end of season though,
especially after John Angus’ annual party bus Xmas party.
Are you enjoying your football?
I’m loving
my football at the minute - as one of our ex-team mates from Alnwick, who we
played against a few weeks ago, said: “It’s nice to see the lads with the
shackles off enjoying their football again,” and he’s right, we have a relaxed
but competitive squad that, while we want to compete and win every game,
remember what level we are playing at and don’t get caught up in the hype.
Who is the main motivator in the dressing room?
Our
motivation has to come from within at this level. If you don’t want to be there
it shows straight away, so you can keep your hashtags. But also we have a
relatively inexperienced squad for this level, so we need to have plenty
guidance in the ranks. Dan has a lot on his plate picking the squads, deciding
who’s playing where (making sure people turn up) and planning training, so I
think he appreciates the help he gets from Tom who instills that bit of fear in
the younger players when he does one of his rallying calls and offers his
tactical input. Kyle is seen as a bit of the mob leader for the younger lads as
well - you could say a type of pimp, they step out of line, prepare for a slap.
Neither of them mess with me though, because Tom tried it once and I belted him
all over and smashed his head through the window of a parked Vauxhall Tigra,
them sh***y hairdresser cars haha believe that if you want!
Worst dresser?
Haha here’s
one, there’s a few kicking about; Maxi, wow. Mr Bean mixed with Noel Edmunds
rascal pants belted mid rib cage with awful patterned shirts. I also seen a pic
of Greg Woodburn recently on a night out, dunno what the combo was checkered
trousers and a silk animal print shirt?? Tom Mac sets the stall with a Lurpak
on tiger bread outfit every night out though, white shirt tucked into jeans
with the hush puppy shoes keeps it nice and old school. Oh, and Kyle is up there
with the best dressed too, although he ruins it a bit with some pre-match
outfits where he comes looking like a Eastern European refugee. I’m sure he had
a fluffy women’s puffer coat on the other week. I dunno, he is a pimp isn’t he!
Any personal goals for the rest of the season?
To keep winning and having a positive influence on the team,
both on the pitch and off it. Never really cared about scoring goals, but
everyone says that when they don’t score every week. Would have to say winning
the league would be fantastic but it’s a long term project here and I wish to
stay part of it for a very long time. Bread and butter stuff football, and when
people learn to pass the ball quickly and sharply and easily you don’t even
have to cut your bread anymore, Hovis toastie will be sitting in the bread bin.
I know we have it in us to play this way and we are heading in the right
direction.
Just how important are the fans for the team?
One thing
that has been amazing, and a huge surprise, is the support we have attracted
both home and away. Mainly how positive it’s been - they get behind us and it
helps massively, suddenly you’re not just playing for yourself and your team
mates, you’re playing for the fans, the people who come watch us every week, in
all weathers. We need to use this to our advantage.
Comments
Post a Comment