By Jon Harries
Christmas is a time of hope and miracles and to be fair when you’re not feeling well its hard to keep going particularly if you hit a brick wall. Well Jon just doesnt give up …i give you an interview we’d given up on. For weeks Jon has trawled the internet and he pulled this one out of thin air….he is approaching a status level we will need to invent just for him…
Jon interviewed a Nailsworth personality we give you Mr Josh Evans
Are you content with FGR start to the season?
Realistically it was always going to be a tough challenge in League One, survival is the priority, and with an injury crisis just about passing us, we can hope for more in the second half of the season. Some positive results in December have taken us close to the dotted line so we’re positive in looking forward to what’s around the corner.
Are you happy with what you have seen so far under your new manager?
I think Ian Burchnall has taken some criticism at times, and that comes with the pressure of being a football manager. It’s his first time managing in League One and having to adapt to the quality was tough to start but we’re becoming a little more streetwise from games that’ve been very tight, and that’s a positive sign. I like him as a person, but his managerial credentials are being tested, I hope he comes through because the injuries have made it an even tougher job than it was initially.
Which players do you expect to cause problems for the Dons on Monday?
Myles Peart-Harris has a new lease of life at the moment so he will be a danger. Connor Wickham up against his former side always offers a little bit of extra incentive after not seeing the best of him in a Dons shirt but he’s battling a bit of illness.
Are you happy with FGR transfer activity from the summer and which signings have impressed you the most so far?
Albeit not a summer signing, Dylan McGeouch has been excellent since coming in not too long ago, he looks like a real gem of a signing for free. Among the two I’ve already spoken about; Olly Casey deserves a mention. He’s fought hard at centre-half in the absence of Jordan Moore-Taylor but is also one of the most consistent players this season playing as a right centre-back too.
What was your pathway to becoming a reporter for FGR and what advice would you recommend for any aspiring journalists?
I’m currently at university studying Sports Journalism and this role became an opportunity I couldn’t turn down. Having covered lots of non-league last season, this was a natural progression which I’m delighted to have. Being a willing individual and accepting any offer that comes your way is big advice for me. People notice that little extra drive.
What style of play can we expect to see from FGR on Monday?
I would expect a patient opening, we’re aware that MK Dons like to play some open, attractive football so I would expect to see Forest Green play on the counter. Likely to see a 3-4-1-2 formation with everybody fit.
If you could have any Dons player, who would it be?.
Bradley Johnson has a wealth of experience that would be so useful in our Forest Green side. With not many League One appearances or higher amongst this Rovers side, it’s one side of the game that still leaves a couple of question marks.
Which of the former Dons Jordan Moore Taylor, Bailey Cargill, and Connor Wickham have impressed you the most ?
You can really tell Jordan Moore-Taylor has a lot of quality, the defence functions a little better with JMT with his defensive and leadership traits. Connor Wickham has impressed, his all-round game sometimes needs a little sharpening but with the injury that have gone before him, Forest Green have so far got a lot out of him.
Which Forest Green game are you most looking forward to this season?
Derby was a highlight ground-wise, but the result not so much. Cheltenham home and away is also a spectacle worth getting excited for, and having already beaten them at The New Lawn, the away tie really will get the fans involved.
What are your thoughts on MK Dons this season?
There’s no secret that MK Dons have lost a couple of big players that’ve hurt them and have decided to twist with the sacking of Liam Manning. Realistically if both sides want to survive this season, they will have to target all three points on Boxing Day. The Portsmouth result took many by surprise and I’m sure they’ll want to build on that.
Are there any weaknesses in the squad you would like addressed in January?
It’s more strength in depth than quality being added. The squad is thin when there are injuries but with everybody fit it’s not a bad squad whatsoever. Burchnall has said that they will be active in the market, likely to see a centre-back to cover Moore-Taylor who will be side-lined – probably until March. We’re yet to hear the update on Connor Wickham who only signed a contract until January, so whether a forward will be needed, we’re yet to find out.
Thank you for participating, it really helps us get a stronger understanding of the opposition! Finally, what do you think the score will be? I’m hoping for a Forest Green victory, 2-1 away win would be guess.
Thank You Josh, we hope you had a great Christmas and a safe journey to Milton Keynes.
