By Rob Bird
Hamworthy’s massive 3-2 victory at the weekend symbolised a huge step forwards for Tim Sills’ side, who have struggled domestically of late. To explore this further, I caught up with Tom Cooper, to discuss all things Hamworthy.
“The recent performances have definitely been encouraging to say the least, we know that we need to work on our defensive solidity and cutting out the silly mistakes and we’ve started to do that. I’ll always back us to get a goal up the other end.
“The first half of the season has been mixed in my opinion, since my personal move we’ve struggled to achieve consistency, but with a strong start going into the latter stages of the season we can really push for a high league position”.
Of course, when a team is struggling or needs that ‘bit of magic’ to help pull the through, it pays to have players on the field who are capable of such brilliance. Copper was quick to highlight one individual.
“Gleese going back into midfield has hugely helped the team, it’s great to have someone always in a position to receive and use the ball well, he’s brilliant”.
Being not so bad himself, Cooper is another player who you’d back to produce some wonder, but I was intrigued to find out whether he has set himself any ‘new year’s resolutions’ to further sharpen his footballing ability:
“My resolution is to keep getting fitter and continually improve in both defending and attacking. I want to help the team as much as possible, getting forward to supply balls in the box, and also getting back to make sure we don’t concede. To do that I need to be of peak fitness”.
“In terms of pre-game superstitions, I don’t have anything too concrete, but I always tend to have a sneak peek at the previous line-ups and results of our opposition on gameday. Aside from that just focus and give 100% on the pitch.”
Imagine if you decided to have a sneak peek at the oppositions line-up, to see that Messi is playing up top… well that’s what would happen if you faced Cooper’s ‘dream 5 a side team’, and you have to say it’s pretty strong.
“GK: Buffon, DEF/MID: Van Dijk and Myself, ATT: Messi and Ronaldo – Solid at the back, with quality in attack”.
‘Solid at the back with quality in attack’ may be the motto Tim Sills takes into the second half of the campaign, with a revitalised Hamworthy looking to climb the table rapidly, helped through players like Cooper, but equally so by the loyal fans who turn out in their numbers every week to support the team.
To you, Cooper had a few words:
“Let’s enjoy the ride together, stick with us through the good and bad, because we have the ability throughout the ranks to really go places. Thank you for all your support. Up the Hammers”!