Frustrating times - 10/10/2003

We started the season with high hopes and although we did enjoy a bit of a run, it’s probably fair to say that we should be higher up the table. Personally I’ve had quite a frustrating time, and after starting a number of the early games, I’ve found myself on the bench during the last month and a half. It’s just a case of doing what I can in training and trying to take advantage when I’ve come off the bench. It’s not easy when trying to make an impression as a sub, you have to pick up the pace of the game and then try to play your normal game – not bust a gut trying to do something special. The gaffer has spoken to me; asked me not to get frustrated and wait for my opportunity. I do understand his position, but all I want to do is play football.

The reserves are only playing once every two weeks and I’m the type of player who needs games to keep match sharp. You can train, and run, and play five a side, but nothing beats actually playing competitive matches. I’ve done ok in the reserve games, I scored against Grimsby and Darlington – but it’s the first team games that really count and that’s where I want to be.

To be honest Steve McClean’s come in and done very well, he’s a striker and, as with all strikers, is generally judged on his goals – well you can’t argue with his tally! However I’d like to think that given a few first team starts it wouldn’t be long before I’d also start banging them in.

I’ve got my good mate Jason Shackell coming down from Norwich this weekend. He’ll be at the match and then we’ll be watching the England game – let’s hope it’s two wins for us all tomorrow!

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