THE SHAMIR ALAM INTERVIEW, FOLLOWING THE 5-0 WIN v BOLDMERE S&S FALCONS...

AFTER THE GAME...

No Dhaliwal, Cook or Compton, Stoute was on the bench and so how pleased were you by the performances of those who slotted in?

"New signings Adam Knight and James Wardle were also missing so I’m very pleased with the lads that came  in and performed. Some tough decisions lie ahead for this weekend's games but the players can trust that the best team will be selected for both matches with the theme behind our tactics being how can we exploit the opposition." 

Bryson again looked comfortable at the back but Rai made important interceptions, so how pleased are you with your defenders in general? 


"Each week, whatever formation I challenge them with, whichever partnership I go with, the lads are performing. Seven league clean sheets in a row has never been done before, so it  shows how good these boys are."

Perhaps the finishing was careless v Boldmere but still you netted 5. Are u still more concerned with winning than style?


"100%! Nobody remembers a team that plays good football but doesn’t win. Our playing style is to be effective and at the moment we are just that!"  

Hammond and Phillips were superb on the left flank v Boldmere. Would you like to comment on that area of GNP's play? 

PHILLIPS: DANGEROUS ON THE LEFT...

"Thanks for giving my tactics away! I don’t think it’s any secret that we have one of the best players in the Division in Leigh Phillips at our disposable alongside one of the best young players I have come across, in Scotty Hammond. The scary thing is that both Leigh & Hammond still have things they can be better at each week which we are constantly talking about to them." 

HAMMOND: A TALENT...

Lindley was calm but Brookes was a real steamroller in midfield. Would you agree with that and also that he deserved his goal? 


"Yeah, he’s been getting some stick from the players for not scoring yet, so I’m pleased he got his goal... Some work needs to be done with his celebration however and if I’m being critical he should have had two, if he could have got a header on target." 

BROOKES: NEEDS TO CELEBRATE WITH MORE STYLE...

It was impressive that Cook turned up to see some of the game. What does that say about your squad?


"Charlie Cook and Joss Holford have both been fantastic with supporting the players, especially Joss and whilst both are the most (how can I put this) 'playful characters', you couldn't wish for better loyalty and their commitment is second to none. They both could have done other things with their Saturday but I think it says a lot about our team spirit and togetherness that players who are not involved are still willing to support their team mates and turn up to watch!" 

How would you assess Boldmere's performance on the day?


"I know the scoreline doesn’t reflect it but they played better football third time round and looked more dangerous but unfortunately they caught us on a day where we were really up for it. I wish them and their gaffer the best of success for the remainder of the season." 

Thoughts about the FC Stratford match next week?  


"They have to turn up at our place and win and whilst me, my coaching staff and the players know that the semi-final result was never going to be in question, there is still a question mark outside the club that we only won so convincingly due to their two sendings-off, so we will use that as our motivation and look to show everyone what we are all about this Saturday." 
O'Grady's influence on yesterday's match? 


"I don’t remember a single instance where he gave the ball away whilst dribbling or passing, he was a constant threat and was unlucky not to get his goal. The more games he plays the more effective he will be as his team mates will start to be on the same wavelength as him. If we can feed him the ball higher up the pitch in dangerous areas he can be a match-winner on his own, so let’s hope that day arrives this weekend!" 

O'GRADY: SELF-CRITICAL...

And O'Grady's shooting?


"He’s one of the most self-critical players I have worked with, for before I can give him feedback he’s already processed what he needs to do to improve for the next game, so he will get it right!" 
'Yours in football...'

Shamir Alam, Manager, GNP Sports...

SHAM THE MAN...