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WORDS // RHIAN TILLEY

Alex Skidmore is back with Southam United and showing he’s as hungry as ever for the team to be successful. It may be the ‘lonliest position on the pitch’, but this keeper is enjoying his time with a squad where the focus and team spirit is at an all-time high.

To some supporters you are probably a familiar face as this is your second stint with the Southam United. How does it feel to be back with the club?

I’m really enjoying it. It’s a great setup, and a fantastic group to be a part of. Obviously some of the players I knew last time have moved on, but there’s a great energy around the place, and the club is moving in the right direction. I think Rich has done a very good job of assembling a group of players who gel together and are willing to fight for one another on the pitch.

What brought you back to Southam?

In my first stint here Rich had only just brought me through the youth setup, as a backup to Coxy, and due to the lack of cup competitions I wouldn’t have gotten game time, and didn’t feel it was the right place for me to grow. I had a year at Rugby Borough where I got plenty of first team action which allowed me to develop, so it felt like I was ready to come back to Southam. The team is starting to hit their stride and is stringing together some great results. What’s the feeling in the team?

There’s always a really good buzz in the changing room, and everyone always puts in 110% whether its training or game day. It’s a great group to be a part of as everyone

is enjoying their football and want to do whatever they can to help the team.

What was the process of you becoming a goalkeeper? Have you always played that position?

As recently as last year I also played outfield for my local Sunday side as I’ve always enjoyed getting stuck in. However playing in goal became my primary focus around the age of 12, when I was playing for Solihull Moors. I had filled in as goalkeeper a few times and enjoyed it, and felt that it was the right time to make the switch. I had several years of high level coaching from Pete Riches, which really developed me as a keeper. Since then I’ve enjoyed it more and more, and feel really comfortable with my decision to become a keeper. goalkeeper, compared to the outfield players?

One of the best parts of being a goalkeeper is the additional pressure, as you know that everything you do directly influences the game. Although this obviously has its downsides, it also means you can secure your side the 3 points, which is the best feeling ever.

This year the team has two great keepers, yourself and Lewis. This position is unique in that only one can start each match, yet you both train together regularly and support and encourage each other on the pitch.

Obviously as a footballer I want to be playing every game, as it is what I love. However, it makes it a lot easier when the other keeper is your friend as you also want to see them enjoy their football and play as well as they can.

Lewis is a brilliant keeper, and we have a very good relationship, which helps both of us develop as we have different strengths. I know that whoever starts, it is what’s best for the team, and that’s all that matters.

Does it take a certain type of person to be a goalkeeper? One of the most important parts of being a goalkeeper is being able to communicate with your defence, as you have the best view of the pitch. This organisation is far more important than any one save because a well-organised team is far harder to break down. However, it does always feel amazing to make a crucial stop that helps turn the tide of the game.

I’ll let others be the judge of that!

How do you impose your presence on the match? November holds a number of home and cup matches for the team. How do you feel the preparation has been, and have the last few wins given the team some motivation and confidence?

The preparation has been fantastic as always, because the team really buys into what we’re trying to build this season. The Copsewood victory in particular has given the squad a lot of confidence because it was a brilliant performance and showed that we can deliver against a higher level team. The whole squad is really looking forward to this set of fixtures as we know that we can show what we are capable of.

You’ve been carrying a bit of an injury, can you provide an update?

I can’t wait to be back out on the pitch, and want to be there as soon as possible. I’ve had a few sessions with the physio and my shoulder is improving, so I’m hoping to be back before the end of November. •