Player In Focus – Billy Joyce

Each day this week we will be catching up with some of our players to hear their thoughts on everything Poulton so far, in our new PLAYER IN FOCUS.
 
First up is our midfield rock and club skipper, Billy Joyce…

So, Billy, how would you assess the team’s performance so far this season compared to your expectations at the start?

“I didn’t know what to expect this year. The start of every season is the same. Other clubs sniffing about for some of our players. This year was particularly uncertain with Adam hanging up his gloves. However, we managed to keep a solid group of players and brought in some new lads. I always set high expectations because I know the capability of every single player in the team. Last few years have left us frustrated because we’ve underachieved with the squads we’ve had. However, this season we are showing more consistency in our performance which has been missing in previous years”

What do you think has been the biggest strength of the team up to this point?

“The depth we have in the squad. I can’t remember a week when we have had everyone available. Whether that be through holidays or suspension, we are always a few players short. That hasn’t shown on the pitch this year, unlike previous years where we would have struggled. We have an incredible squad. It has created a healthy competition for places, not just in the starting 11 but for the 16 man squad. Every position has players competing which is good, constantly driving us forward”

A lot of youngsters this season, how have they integrated into the team and what’s the influence of the senior lads been like?

“The youngsters have been a breath of fresh air. We still maintain a healthy balance of youth and experience. A few of the lads in the squad were playing their first year of senior saturday football last season. They have learnt a lot from that season and it’s showing this year. I’d like to think they are learning from the senior lads. They do have the ability already it’s just having the confidence to show it and knowing when to just keep it simple”

What’s the mood like in the changing room right now, and with some big ones coming up how confident are you heading into the next few matches?

“There is a buzz about the club at the minute. A good indicator for me the numbers at training. We are regularly getting 30+ lads each week and sometimes 40+ available for Saturday .The unity between the two squads is a credit to the management team”

What are your predictions for the rest of the season?

“Predictions are always hard but I know that if we continue to show the consistency we have shown so far, we can push for one of the top 3 spots. I have a feeling we will go on a good cup run this year. I would love the club to win a trophy, we have the squad to do it”