Interview:

Some tough last games - 25/05/2004

Some tough last games
My player of the year and scorer of the best goal of the year

The last couple of games of the season were hard for us as we were up against teams who had a lot to play for, Rochdale fighting off relegation and Torquay chasing automatic promotion.

The Rochdale match was our penultimate game and it ended a 1-1 draw. I came on as a sub in this game. We scored from a contentious 25-yard volley that bounced in front of the goalie, who fumbled it, and the linesman judged it to have crossed the line. Rochdale were awarded a penalty after an alleged handball. Rochdale needed only a point to avoid relegation, so I don’t know if that influenced the referee’s decision!

In our last game against Torquay we started slowly, and they went 2-0 after about 10 minutes. From then on we weren’t really in the game. They needed a win to secure automatic promotion and from when they went 2-0 up there was a party atmosphere going on. We were then denied 2 penalty decisions and had a goal disallowed. It was hard as we had nothing really to play for in the last couple of games To be honest it has been a long season and we were pretty happy to avoid relegation, as at Christmas time it wasn’t looking too good.

My plans for next season are not finalised yet. I’m in talks with a couple of clubs. My agent is handling that side of it for me and he’ll be in contact with my dad while I’m away. I’m not too worried about it at the moment, but obviously once a decision is made there could be a lot to do, like moving home. I’ve said my goodbyes to people at Southend, as I might not be going back there. I’m still in contact with 4 or 5 lads from the club though.

Not long to go to the European Championships and I’ll definitely be watching. I think England have a good chance if everyone is fit. France and Italy could do it too, and the home advantage counts for a lot so I think Portugal could do well too.

Now the season is over and its time to relax. I’ve just come back from a holiday in the Canaries with my family which was really good. We don’t get too long off so you’ve got to make the most of it. So I’m off to Miami tomorrow with some friends for a week. And I hope to get in another week away before next season!

Player of the Season: Thierry Henry

Young Player of the Season: John Terry

Best Game: LDV Vans Trophy Final v Blackpool. If you mean best game I watched it would have to be any Arsenal game, as they’ve had such a fantastic season to go unbeaten in the league.

Best Goal: As I don’t score any, it would be Thierry Henry against Liverpool

Worst Game: Losing 4-0 to Yeovil and having 2 players sent off

Best Ground Visited: It would have to be the Millennium Stadium

Hopes for next season: To be settled and enjoying my football


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