Pre-Season Catch Up With Sambridge

So, Danny...you have joined us from the team down the hill - how did the move come about?
DS: I played over 50 games last season for Heybridge and felt this season I needed a fresh challenge, and one that will hopefully result in promotion. I was approached by Mark Levey and Steve Ball regarding the project at Maldon. I then met with Kevin Watson (Ex Manger) and Steve Ball and had a good discussion, within five minutes I knew I wanted to sign!

Some of our supporters may know you, some may not...can you give us a bit of background on your non-league history to date?
DS: My first non-league club was Witham Town where I had some great times and also a lot success. I was released from Dagenham and Redbridge, and a few weeks later Gary Kimble called me and gave me the opportunity to be his number one. In that season we won the league and two cup competitions, keeping a number of clean sheets!

My second season, which was my first at Ryman level, was again successful in the sense we made play-offs, however we lost to Thamesmead in the semi-final! The following season I started really brightly and we were doing well, but it was felt by the club that I should move on. Within two or three days I was approached by Heybridge and I signed for them. After starting well, I broke my hand in the Christmas derby against Maldon! A 50/50 with Brad Hunter, where he trod on my hand (cheers Brad). I continued play in this game, and then played two days later before going to get it properly attended to. This injury would cause me issues throughout the rest of the campaign as I attempted to come back too early. Last season was spent at Heybridge, in where as a club it was a poor season, however personally I developed and gained more experience. And now I'm here, ready to challenge for the league!

You've joined the club at possibly it's most exciting time to date, what is exciting you the most about your new club?
DS: The most exciting thing has to be the opportunity to work with top professional coaches! The knowledge that Wrighty (Dave Wright), Liam Bailey and Mark Levey have will be invaluable and key to me improving. As somebody really keen to kick on and do well in football, having a management staff that can help me progress is pleasing! I think the other thing we have to all be excited about is how we are going to try to dominate every game we play in... meaning I can have a rest!

Last season, we massively underperformed. What are your ambitions for the coming season?
DS: As I've already mentioned, I think we have to challenge for promotion. Granted we have a young squad, but if we play football the right way then there's no reason that the boys we have in the dressing room can't succeed. Everybody is talking about us, especially regarding the link with Colchester, so there is pressure. This said, with the calibre of players here and they're backgrounds I'm sure the lads can step up to the pressure and prove to everyone what this project is about. I know that from speaking to the manager that he is here to win football matches, and I'm sure that mentality is shared within the group, you play football to win!

We have signed a lot of young players, as well as a few "older heads" - how do you think that will work out throughout the season?
DS: I think this is a key factor, I'm sure Locky (Matt Lock) will love having midfielders alongside him to do his running! Joking aside, I think that the experience heads within the camp will help the younger lads settle into the non-league style of football. Anyone who knows non-league knows that it's at a high tempo, physical, and generally quite a direct game. The experienced lads in the side should be able to know how to kill the game when needed, but also know when to increase the tempo to score. I'm sure Gavin Greenfield will be able to show the younger defenders how to look after themselves!

As you have mentioned, we also have a new manager (David Wright) for this season, what have you made of him and his back room team so far?
DS: I think this is possibly the most professional set up outside of the football league and possibly some full time conference sides. Therefore the professionalism is implemented from the top with the manager and his staff. As I've already said the knowledge and belief in the philosophy of play they have, is one that I have bought into and am looking forward to playing in this season. So far I've found them to be approachable guys that know what football is all about!

Lastly, do you have any personal goals which you have set yourself for the coming season?
DS: My first goal would be to play every game this season, providing I'm fit and my form is good then hopefully I can achieve that. Also as a goalkeeper, we obviously have a target number of clean sheets, this has been discussed with Mark, rather than telling you the number let's just say if we achieve the number of clean sheets, then we will be a Ryman Premier side next season!