“Since rejoining Tadcaster I’ve really enjoyed being back at the club, settling in was never going to be an issue as I’ve got a lot of friends here. I had a frustrating start after picking up an injury during pre-season but I feel like I’ve come back stronger and fitter due to the rehab I was doing. The past six weeks I believe the boys have shown the quality we have and hopefully we can maintain those standards from now until the end of the season.”

The lads are currently on a superb unbeaten run which has seen Taddy rise to 3rd, what do you put the upturn in form down to?

“We’ve recently gone on a good unbeaten run in the league and seen us progress up the table, we had a few additions to the squad in the summer, me included. This was always going to take time to adapt and incorporate the management team’s style of play. During October and November this seems to have clicked, having said that, we are under no illusions that the hard work stars now. We’ve got a difficult month of games during December which could determine where we will be come April. For me, it’s all about how we perform. We’ve got a very strong group of players, togetherness and team spirit.”

The partnership between yourself and Harry Coates seems to be one that comes naturally to you both, would you agree with that?

“Yeah completely, me and Harry have done a lot of training together over the past two years starting at Hyde and now at Tadcaster. We know how each other plays and it always helps being really good mates away from football. People forget Harry is only 22 and has a massive future in the game, for me he’s the best young centre back at this level so this gives us healthy competition to keep pushing each other.”

Today’s game sees Taddy start a run of fixtures against sides in and around them, how important are the upcoming challenges?

“The upcoming games during the December period are massive for us, these are the matches which will determine our season. It’s always important to pick up positive results with the teams challenging for the league. The supporters during our recent unbeaten run have played a massive part, the atmosphere around the club is on a high and the supporters are optimistic for the season. Hopefully we can keep putting in the performances to maintain that buzz.”

The climb up the league has certainly been exciting of recent weeks, how are the players with the current successes, feet on the ground still?

“We’ve have had some really good wins and performances recently, you only have to look at the spirit shown against Spalding for the boys to dig in and take the three points in the last minute. The management team of Si, Killy and Nelly won’t allow the boys to get carried away though, I know it’s a bit of a football cliché but we just have to keep taking one game at a time.”

Just looking back at last Saturday’s win over Spalding, left it very late but how good was that feeling when Howey stroked home in the last minute?

“Getting all three points last week made the long trip worthwhile, we would have been disappointed to come away with a point but Spalding played well and made it difficult for us. The celebrations when Howie scored were very funny, it’s not often you jump into the crowd hugging a spaceman and Jesus just to name a few. If anything the lads were delighted with the win for the fans also, it was a long trip where they dressed for the occasion and cheered the boys on until the end, so we were delighted for them.”

To give fans an insight into training, what role does Nath Kilby possess amongst the group?

“Killer is the assistant manager, he’s UEFA B qualified and his sessions during training are of a very high standard. He challenges us within a fun environment and is a genuinely top guy, all the lads have massive respect for him. He is a huge part of our targets for the season and a big part of our dressing room.”

Finally, another tough game against Brighouse today, how much do you and the players want a big crowd to cheer you on?

“Like I have said previously and in other interviews, the supporters will play a huge part in our season from now until April. We are all in this together from the board, management, players and volunteers at the club. Us players know how much the football club means to the fans and people of Tadcaster and we will do our best to give them something to cheer and be proud of.”

“Thanks to all the supporters for turning out today, I hope you enjoy the game.”

Paddy
#TadAllOver