Page 11 - RPVFC vs Alton FC

Player File been 3-1), but having quality in
the wider squad paid dividends
on Saturday as the changes
James Smith made all the difference.
It’s been a while since we to, those are the games where Do you keep track of football
caught up - how’s life treating you benchmark yourselves. back in SA?
you at RPV? Fortunately we’ve come out the I’m a big fan of South African RPV STAR
Things are going well. This other side with flying colours. football, following Mamelodi
period of the season can It’s always lovely to play Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs &
often be lacklustre for fans or infront of a crowd, and even Orlando Pirates quite closely.
players at other teams, but we better when you silence the I’ve always wondered what a
fortunately have it all to play unscrupulous fans behind the pre-season RPV tour to South
for, both in the league & the goal by winning at full time! Africa might look like. Two
Surrey Senior Cup. The buzz completely different styles of JAMES
around the club is awesome Peter Crouch said that football, but I think we could
and I’m seeing new faces every ‘keepers weren’t like ‘normal’ teach them a thing or two!
week. It’s a great time to be a footballers. Is that true??!! How
part of the club as we continue closely do you work with Billy It feels like there’s a real SMITH
to make history. - do you two spend much time camaraderie in the squad now
working on training together? with players really playing for
Reserve keeper is never going There’s a large deal of truth in each other - what’s happening
to be an easy role with fewer that comment. No other player there?
chances for appearances on the pitch enjoys taking We’re all united by one goal,
than most outfield players but regular footballs to the face, and that is success. Whilst
recent games have shown that but it gives me a bit of a buzz. some personalities can be
you’re still on good ‘keeping Around 60% of our training difficult to manage, and have
form - how do you keep sharp sessions are dedicated to let us down in the past, I think
when appearances are rarer? goalkeeper sessions. It’s great we have grown and matured 21
A lot of it comes down to because we get to work on over the last 20 months to
the training and the lads in position specific drills, but we realise the best teams have a
the group. Training sessions also get to speak through some greater value as a unit rather
are always competitive. of the mental aspects of the than the sum of the individual
Management and the lads game which cannot be ignored. parts.
hold very high standards and It’s a pleasure training with
you’ll be made aware if your Bish because his standards You looked pretty happy in
training performance isn’t are so high and there’s a your post match interview with
good enough! Otherwise, if I’m fascinating robotic rhythm Dom - how did you feel about
not involved in the matchday to him. Same gloves, same your performance?
squad, you’ll often see me in warmup, same changing room Elated! Although there are
the warmup & on the sidelines routine, and this is replicated aspects I would like to improve
doing my extra bit to keep in training- miss a step/catch, upon, I’ve managed to have
sharp. best you start again! a good game in the 9 games
I’ve played this season. When
You were part of Tuesday’s The second half at Colliers you aren’t playing as often
brilliant win over Leatherhead Wood saw a huge change in the as you’re used to, it’s crucial
- how did it feel to be part of team - what did the gaffer say to show your value. Fans/
that? to get everyone back on track? management/players often
It was one of my favourite Unfortunately I missed the say how important I am in and
games in my 5 seasons at the change room chat, as I was around the club, but I also want
club! Make no mistake about out on the pitch with the subs. to show how important I am on
it, the opposition were a real We were fortunate to come in the pitch! I think I’ve done that,
test for us, and if we are to trailing but won’t rest until we lift the
reach the heights we aspire 2-1 in all honesty (could’ve Cup!

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