Boro's games are coming thick and fast now, but prior to our 5-1 hammering of QPR at Loftus Road, ComeOnBoro.com's deputy editor Elle Brunton sat down with on loan Preston defender Sean St Ledger to talk about Boro's lack of clean sheets, signing for Southgate and making his deal permanent in January.
EB: I was at the press conference when you signed your loan deal for us and you stated that your main reason for coming to the club was to work under Gareth Southgate. Did you have to think twice about signing a permanent deal in January after Southgate left?
SSL: It was a done deal. That is just the way it works. I don't think anything could have been done even with a new manager coming in.
EB: We have had eleven different defensive line ups since the beginning of the season, do you think that is why we are unable to keep clean sheets?
SSL: I don't think it's helped. But that is the way we've been playing. With a new manager there is always chopping and changing and then injuries within the back four but you just have to deal with it.
EB: Before you joined the club, David Wheater and Robert Huth were keeping clean sheets. Do you feel under extra pressure to perform, to fill Huth's shoes?
SSL: Not really. I don't feel pressured. Players come and go, I'm a footballer they are both good players and obviously they kept clean sheets when I wasn't here but I don't feel pressured.
EB: You've played against both Preston and Peterborough, was it nice to return and see old friends?
SSL: I was looking forward to going back to Preston because obviously it is not long since I left so there are a lot of people I know there. Peterborough is different because there's nobody left I know now really.
I enjoyed both games, going back, but its disappointing that we drew 2-2 in both games.
EB: How have the last few weeks been under Strachan?
SSL: That is a player's life, people coming in and out, usually players, but with a new manager there are a lot of changes.
EB: And it hasn't been a great start to the Strachan era... Are you, as players, worried about slipping out of the promotion places while Newcastle are storming away?
SSL: Well we've still got half the season left. There are a lot of games in the Championship and after Christmas ideally we'll go on a run as well.
EB: So the ultimate goal is still automatic promotion. Who do you think will be in the play-offs?
I think Newcastle will obviously be up there, QPR have good players so I think they will be there or thereabouts, Middlesbrough too, it is never too late. We just have to get a run together.
EB: You mentioned that QPR have good players, even in this division are their teams who you are more worried about playing?
SSL: I think obviously we are a massive club, we don't really have to worry about other players or show too much respect.
EB: You, like many of the defenders we have at the club, like to get forward and you try to score. You have scored a couple of goals for us but do you think that aspect of your game ever detracts from your defensive capabilities?
SSL: I wouldn't say that no, it is part of my game going forward, i've done it everywhere i've played and I think it is an asset. A lot of teams have defenders who play like that, Arsenal do it very well. I think you need to a be footballer now, not just a defender. Obviously the most important thing is to defend but I'll always try to chip in with goals. The game demands quick players and defenders are not just there to defend, they need to be able to play as well.
EB: Is there anyone you are particularly looking forward to facing this season?
SSL: I would have like to have played Newcastle away but my loan will be up by then. I've been in this division a long time so there's nobody really left in this league that I want to play against.
EB: I know you are sick of answering questions about the Henry incident, but I have to ask...
SSL: I am sick of it but it's ok, ask away.
EB: Obviously you are very disapppointed about the qualifer against France, but both teams had chances and the France goal in the first leg took a deflection off you didn't it?
SSL: There was nothing I could do about that though!
EB: No, of course not, but did it add isult to injury?
SSL: It is fantastic for France and obviously it's one of those things that is very hard to take because iof it wasn't for Henry's handball we should be in the world. But we aren't and you have just got to get on with it.
EB: So what is your position on video technology?
SSL: The sooner the better, but of course I'm going to say that.
EB: Ok, and finally who was your footballing hero when you were growing up?
SSL: Paul McGrath. He used to play for Aston Villa and obviously being Irish. I was fortunate enough to meet him after an Ireland match recently which I really enjoyed.
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 13/12/2009
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