Player In Focus – Billy McKenna

This week we will be publishing a Player in Focus each day of the week where we get the thoughts of 5 players at the club and talk to them about the season, their personal season and aims moving forward. Today we start with vice-skipper Billy McKenna.

You’ve stepped up this season as vice-captain and for a handful of games you’ve been the leader, how has that been?

“Stepping up as vice captain has naturally got me involved at the club more which I’ve enjoyed the extra responsibility. As you get older you start to think is this my last year but this extra responsibility has encouraged me to keep playing. Leading the boys out for a game is always good but it’s always about the three points.”

How have the changes this season been for you and the lads and how does it compare to last season?

“The changes have been positive this year and that’s shown in the season. We’ve had a lot more options when it comes to the 11 and the impact from the bench. The season started really well and petered out a little over the winter but are looking to finish the season strong. What’s important is consistency and we’ve show this in larger parts of the season compared to last year.”

Some great results, what has been the highlight so far for you?

“The two games that stand out for me this year are Haslingden away where we just didn’t put a foot wrong all game and it was a really strong professional performance. The other being Wrens away in the cup which was just a ground at performance with a last minute winner from the main man Billy Dollin.”

Semi-final incoming, what does it mean to win a trophy here?

“Winning any trophy in non league is hard work and with the club having not won anything for a while, it will be a real achievement for everyone involved.”

With still 9 league games to play and a lot of lads returning from injuries and wanting to come back from NWC teams. What does that mean for the standards you have set and what are you saying to the lads are the aims for the rest of the season?

“I’ve not played for a few weeks now so personally I’m looking to finish the season strong but I’ve also voiced as a team we need to win as many games as possible and look to aim for a top 4 finish. This will give us momentum and belief going into next season we can push on further.”