EAGER TO PUT ON A SHOW

WORDS // RHIAN TILLEY

Ricky Barby is a familiar name to most Southam supporters, but he hopes we’ll be seeing his name even more this season. The starting XI stalwart discusses having a point to prove against Garsington, aiming to improve his goal tally and the friendly rivalry he and brother, Simon, share on the pitch.

Four matches into the 2021/22 season and its been a mixed bag as far as team performances and results. How are you feeling about where the team is right now?

I’m happy with where we are at the minute. The team is still gelling together and we can only get better. We sit in a good position and hope to compete at the very top.

Last weekend the team showed impressive character in bouncing back from a tough loss to Summertown and in turn inflicting 5 away goals on Garsington. Did it feel a bit like you had a point to prove?

Yeah, definitely. We wanted to get a good result, especially after losing and hopefully start a good run of form and keep the winning mentality going.

You personally scored the first two goals and picked up Player of the Match. How did it feel on the day? Its always good to get on the score-sheet, and of course to get Man of the Match, but for me its more important that the team gets the 3 goals.

Did this match against Garsington feel a bit like a must-win fixture? Something to really get the season started for Southam

and start building some positive momentum?

It was a very important game in terms of putting on a performance and we knew as a team if we play like we know we can then the result will come.

As one of the longer serving squad members you’ve seen some changes in the past, but probably not as many as this past off-season. Do you feel the squad is starting to come together? Or is it still a work-in-progress?

We are still getting to know each other on and off the pitch, but there’s a good feeling within the team morale, and it will only get better with more games to be played.

Rich mentioned that the team is getting stronger and stronger and that from his view things look promising. What areas do you think are improving and what will supporters see from the team over the next handful of matches?

The team is strong in all areas and has depth within all positions. We hop to give the fans an exciting experience with our attacking quality and “neversay-never” attitude.

Another player (Si Barby) got a brace in last weekend’s match at Garsington. How is it sharing the pitch with your brother?

Yeah I would say there is definitely a sort of rivalry there, or bragging rights, when it comes to goal scoring, but we always get the best out of each other on the pitch.

Do you talk about the matches afterwards? Or do you leave that at the pitch?

Yeah I do always like to chat about the game afterwards, and ask the players how they thought we played. Especially if we won.

This Saturday you’re coming up against a team in Bure Park who scored the most goals in the league last year. Where will the focus lie for you and the Southam squad upon returning home to BHP after supporters saw you concede 5 here last match?

First thing is to get off to a good start and give the fans a good game of football. We will have to be good defensively and take our chances when they come.

The way the league table is shaping up after 5 match weeks it looks like there is a great opportunity for Southam in our first year in the OSL. What are the team’s goals, and your goals personally, going into this 2021/22 campaign?

I think our objective is to finish as high as we can and challenge for the title with the squad we have. My personal target is to score as many goals as possible for the team (more than Simon) and keep us performing well and winning games. •