Interview: Q&A with the Captain

When the whistle blows battle commences and tackles go flying in. On the sacred ground of Hackney there's only one voice that can settle the nerves of Stratford Athletic's players and fans. One voice that strikes fear into the opposition's heart, one voice that drowns out the rest, one voice that carries his team for 90 minutes. That's the captain's voice, and our captain is Josh Jones...

How disappointed are you to be out of the Dickie Davies Cup?

On a personal note I'm very disappointed, and I know the team are. We were really up for it before the game and for the most part more then matched them. Defensively we were good, and we did create a few chances. I think we needed to keep the ball a bit better, which granted I didn't, but every performance has been a better one then the last.

What about this weekend, what are you expecting from the Jack Walpole Cup against Premier League opposition?

We can expect them to be a good side, but really nothing more then that, we know we have got to be at our best if we are to get anything. Obviously we've never played them before so we've no previous! We'll have to take our performance up a level or two for sure.

Will you be looking to lead by example?

I always try to do so from whatever position on the pitch. I realise on a personal note my individual performances need to improve, but I'm confident that'll happen.

You always seem to be highly critical of your own performances, has this always been the case?

Sometimes I am. I always want to play as well as I can and when I don't, especially in defeat, that frustrates me.

What have you made of this year's league form?

I was expecting us to improve as the season went on, so the fact that we are in the top half, albeit at an early stage, means we have a platform to build on. I've got a lot of time for the way the gaffer manages the team. We all seem to be playing for him and the shirt at the moment. Obviously big'un has shown a lot of faith in me, i.e with the captaincy, and I just want to repay that faith with some better performances.

What does playing for Stratford Athletic mean to you?

It means alot, as soon as the topic was brought up, a year ago I think it was, I was very keen to get on board with it. I've changed my working hours, which has resulted in me getting paid less, to play for the team.

Is there anything you'd like to add before we depart?

I can't think of anything at the moment fella.

Thanks Josh.