CAPTAIN CIAREN – CATCHING UP AFTER PROMOTION

I have been having regular interviews with Ciaren Jones throughout the season and he has given a great insight in to what goes on behind the scenes at Top Field. There could not have been a better time to have the final interview this season as I spoke to Ciaren on Wednesday just two days after the play-off victory and one day ahead of the players setting off for Tenerife for their celebrations.

It was interesting to look back at Ciaren’s earlier interviews. In the first one in August he said he felt positive about the changes to the squad and felt there was more experience in the new set up and the team were stronger. But he warned supporters that it would take a number of games before the players got to know each other’s games. He called for patience and said the title would not be won in August. He mentioned a rethink in the thinking and a stronger mentality and training proved positive. Ciaren also mentioned how the team had a targeted points total each month and only once did we fail to reach that total. He also explained that at times the players had been too safe with their football but were working hard to go forward more quickly. He felt the away game at Marlow was a turning point as we totally controlled the game.

It transpired that Ciaren was proved right. The players did gel after a number of games and the football got better as the season progressed. The strong mentality showed in our defensive performances as the whole team worked so hard.  Ciaren accepted Leighton were worthy champions but explained how the players while disappointed made sure we achieved the runners-up spot to guarantee home advantage for the play-offs where he assured us the players would give everything.

So Ciaren gave an accurate picture of where we were throughout the season and now I wanted him to talk through the play-offs. I firstly asked how nervous he was and he said he felt more nervous at home than when at the game. In the final the size of the crowd really hit him as so many people were there watching the warm-up. Once the game started Ciaren said he was concentrating so much he never noticed the crowd. As captain he really felt that he had to step up to the mark and lead from the front—and boy did he succeed in this aspiration. He said he enjoyed the extra responsibility and was pleased he could help and guide Blue Joy who was new to senior football. He felt he showed great maturity and listened to the advice he was given.

Ciaren felt Biggleswade started well in the first ten minutes but then we started to keep the ball well and took the lead. We then sat back after the goal but adjusted again in the second half. He felt we defended well and Tyler McGregor had few saves to make. He praised our game management. Ciaren praised Callum Nicolson for the great delivery that he headed home with such conviction for the second goal—they have been a lethal partnership all season.

Ciaren had no complaints about the penalty decision  and the successful conversion did lead to some nervy moments but there was no panic. The subs worked really hard and the time went quicker than Ciaren expected. He felt really proud at the final whistle and said the atmosphere had been brilliant. He heaped praise on the supporters who he felt helped get us over the line. He loves the fact we are a true community club and reckoned he had 100 selfies on the pitch and enjoyed celebrating with the younger fans.

In conclusion Ciaren considered it job done. The target was promotion and that was achieved in the most exciting way possible. The players now have a deserved break but will be anxious to make a better impact in the premier division next season  than in recent seasons.

Many thanks to Ciaren who has been an excellent spokesman for the club all season.

Roy Izzard