First Team Goalkeeper, James Bransgrove has recently caught up with the SeedGrowers media team to discuss all things Chicken, team mates, the FA Cup and more!
Q1. James, we have had a mixed start to the season. What have you made of our opening two games and what do you think went wrong on Saturday against Dereham?
A1: We’ve had two very tough games to start with against well-established sides at this level. The opening day draw was a huge result considering Bowers are the early contenders for the title, a great start. The Dereham game was a bump back to reality unfortunately. Leading at half-time the game could have gone either way but our inexperience at this level cost us. Moving forward we have to make West Street a fortress and take what we can from away games to stay above the drop zone!
Q2. It’s been widely noted that we are aiming to avoid relegation this season. Do you think own opening two games have showed just how tough it is going to be?
A2: Absolutely. We gave everything we had against Bowers as we knew they are a strong side. We probably took our foot off the gas at Dereham thinking it would be a much easier game. Unfortunately, when fighting against relegation you have to play every game as if it’s a cup final. Something we have to take into the Bank holiday fixture against Witham.
Q3. On Friday evening, we welcome Witham to West Street for our FA Cup debut. Are you looking forward to the game?
A3: I can’t wait. Firstly, to make amends for last week’s trip to Dereham! Away from that we can take our minds off of the league for 90 minutes and enjoy the whole experience. Friday night, local derby and an FA Cup tie. Priceless. I’m sure it will be a fascinating game. Hopefully we can pull together and pull off a major upset considering it is our first ever game in the competition! All the pressure will be on Witham, especially with Beardwell watching!
Q4. We play Witham twice in a matter of days, they’re only a few miles from us. What are you expecting from the game?
A4: Local derbies are always a different type of game. Generally they’ll attract big crowds and truthfully, form goes out the window. Anyone can turn up for a derby so it’s really all about who shows up on the day and wants to win the most! I expect a physical contest in both games. We’ll be up for it. Hopefully we can put a dampener on Witham’s bank holiday weekend and pull off two surprise victories.
Q5. Last season was a brilliant one for the club. You have lots of experience including within the professional game. How does life compare at West Street compared to your time as a professional?
A5: Firstly you have the part-time aspect which for me is great. It’s nice to dip in and out of football mode throughout the week rather than living it 24/7. Life at West Street is great. We have a fantastic facility and are very fortunate we are looked after well with proper training kit, good coaching and not to forget Suzy’s lovely dinner that she puts on! My first 10 months has been great! From a personal perspective I’d like to
build on the performances I put in last season and do my best to help contribute to the team in achieving our main goal for the season and secure more Bostik league football for another season!
Q6. You’ve previously appeared for Scotland. If they came calling again, at some stage in the future, would you be interested in playing for them again?
A6: Kind of… I made the Scotland U21 squad. I didn’t actually get on the pitch! Honestly, I think I have more chance in winning the lottery than getting another call up in the future! When I was younger I always joked who ever came calling first I would play for, Scotland came first so that was that (Basically I wasn’t good enough for England). But international recognition is a fantastic honour and I’m proud to say I achieved that merit.
Q7. Recently, the FA Cup appeared at West Street. How was that experience for you?
Q7: A great experience. It’s nice to see that a small club like us is being recognised by the FA. The players really enjoyed getting photos with and holding the trophy. I’m sure the management enjoyed it just as much. Topped off we got a nice double page spread in the Sun this week. A nice bit of publicity for the club too. Hopefully we can celebrate Friday night!
Q8. Last week, we caught up with Daniel Cunningham. He mentioned you are often one of the front runners in the group. In your opinion, who has the worst taste in music inside the dressing room? Who is the joker of the group? And who is the biggest moaner?
Q8: Dev was spot on! I’m a chicken powered running machine. Probably, the fittest goalkeeper in non-league! Not too sure on the music. Last year we had DJ Willo and there were no complaints, DJ Tev has stepped up a few times so far so it’s between those two as it’s the only two I’ve heard! The joker is 100% Del Boy Cunningham; never let your guard down when he is around… Or never put your bag down…Or basically never put anything down when he is around! Biggest moaners… Willo and Wally like an old married couple!
Q9. Lastly James, we understand you eat a whole chicken before every game. Is this a bit of a superstition for you and ultimately, why do you eat it before a game?
A9: On Saturdays I start the day with a nice gym session. I go home have some food but come 1pm I’m starving again! I go to Morrison’s in Loughton where I live; pick up my whole chicken fresh off the rotisserie and munch away at that fresh protein (No Skin!) fills me up for the match….Yum!
