In retail, and football, the countdown to the festive period has begun. At the MFC official store in Captain Cook's square yesterday Marvin Emnes, Didier digard and Rhys Williams were on hand to promote the sale of MFC' brand spanking new calendar and annual for the current season.
New fixtures and fittings courtesy of this season's shirt sponsors adidas have updated the look of the store. And the massive queue of fans hoping to get items signed or just meet the players reflects a good start for the Strachan era.
After the last few fans had made their purchases and wished the players good luck for Saturday, Deputy Editor of ComeOnBoro.com, Elle Brunton sat down with one of Boro's brightest young talents, Rhys Williams, to talk new managers, old friends and the problems of having a prolific pre-season.
EB: So Rhys, its early days but how is the new regime going under Strachan?
RW: It's good, all the lads are really enjoying it. We are all knackered! but we are just looking forward to Saturday now.
EB: There are lots of rumours going around, particularly regarding double training sessions...
RW: Yes we had double training, but we did that before in pre season and few times last season so its nothing different really. It can only help our fitness. I'm not saying we are unfit, but better fitness can only be a positive.
EB: Did you come up against Plymouth last season while on loan to Burnley?
RW: Yes, I think we beat them 2-1 which was a good result away from home. They are a tough team.
One of my best friends is playing for them at the moment, Shane Lowry, he's on loan from Aston Villa.
EB: Ah so they'll be a bit of friendly rivalry on Saturday then?
RW: Well yeah, I've just been away with him with the Australia squad so it's not too long since i've seen him but it'll still be good to line- up against him if I get to start.
EB: Yes, you had a long trip to Australia 'just' to sit on the bench but it must be worth it for you?
RW: Definitely, I love going away with my country and obviously with the World Cup coming up soon I've got to keep playing, make sure the gaffer gets to see enough of me and hopefully look forward to World Cup selection.
EB: A lot has been of you supposedly playing 'out of position' but you started your career as a midfielder, do you find that frustrating?
RW: I don't know what the big deal is! I think I've held my own there this season and hopefully it continues, but never know what the gaffer is thinking and its up to him.
EB: So, if Strachan did see you more as a defender you would be happy to make the switch?
RW: Definitely, as long as I can play I'm happy with that. Whatever he sees as my best position.
He's been around the block, he knows what he's doing, so wherever he wants me to play I'm happy.
EB: You scored a lot of goals in pre-season but you've only scored once, away from home, this season, you must really want to get back on the scoresheet?
RW: Yes, at Coventry. I don't know what happened! I kept scoring and now I've only managed one in 14 games, I don't know why!
EB: And you seem to get booked whether you put in a good tackle or not...
RW: I'm not going to say they are picking on me but yes it feels like every Monday morning there's a nice little fine from the FA for getting booked. Some I deserved and some I didn't but that's just football.
I'm on four so I need to be good for a while so I don't get suspended.
For a young man with four nationalities and at least three playing positions, Rhys Williams seems to be very secure in who he is and where he is going. The ambitious 21 year-old clearly has confidence in his own abilities and rightly so. Emerging as a goal scoring midfield sensation in pre-season, he has made the centre mid position his own and I don't think it will be too long before we see his name on the scoresheet again.
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 30/10/2009
No comments:
Post a Comment