McKimm: Let's just say we'll be doing our homework on them
This week I caught up with Tonbridge Angels boss Steve McKimm ahead of the visit of Bradford City this coming weekend in the FA Cup:
TK: A bit of a mixed bag of results so far this season, are you reasonably satisfied with how things have gone so far?
SM: Yes I think so, 1st Round of the FA Cup and more points out of our first three league games than last season so it’s an improvement for sure.
TK: How have you and the players found not having fun inside to watch games?
SM: Different. I’m pleased to be playing obviously but you always love the banter, grief, and support you get from the terraces, so it does seem very strange at times. #LetFansIn
TK: I managed to get to watch you and the team in action at Chichester in one of the earlier rounds where there were fans, was that a bit surreal in a way?
SM: Most definitely it was a bit, it’s what we all love though, watching a game and we want fans back close to the action ASAP as it’s not the same without them there.
TK: How pleased were you to get the club through to the 1st Round for the first time since 1972, a long time to wait?
SM: Very proud! It’s something that myself and other managers/players have tried to do in the past and it’s finally happened. I’m so pleased for everyone involved in the club from the chairman to the board members, supporters, volunteers, absolutely everyone.
TK: And now selected for the BBC live game as well announced as we chat, do you hope the players rise to the occasion and show the watching public what Tonbridge Angels are all about?
SM: I do, but it’s all on the day. I hope and believe the players will not freeze on the occasion but we will be right up for it.
TK: Has there been a ban on any FA Cup talk until league games are out of the way?
SM: The game is actually our next one as because of less numbers in the National League South this Saturday falls as our week off so it’s worked out quite nicely.
TK: With the current restrictions have you managed to get out and scout Bradford City?
SM: Let’s just say we’ll be doing our homework on them.
TK: As a club have you felt having to play in empty stadiums that’s it’s brought you, your staff, and the players closer together?
SM: Not really, I always make sure we have a changing room that sticks together, hopefully you will see that this coming weekend. With our recruitment of new players they have to fit in with what we’re about on and off the pitch.
TK: Has the chairman promised a trip to anywhere not on the government’s quarantine list should you win?
SM: Haha! No he hasn’t, but a mate of mine, Paul, who sponsored a board around our ground this season (tables or businesses) said he’d take all the players and staff to Vegas if we get to the semi-finals!