A Chat with First Team Captain Jamie Skinner

How has the start of the season been for you as captain of the team?

Didn’t really know what to expect going into this season as we hadn’t really challenged ourselves against the prem teams - we only faced Wakering Sports last season which was a closely fought game but when we had only got 1 point from 1st 3 games, we knew we could do better and so it’s proved going 8 wins on the bounce. I mean Dewbs,Dyl and Luke have built a right close-knit group here that are willing to leave it all out on the pitch, so credit goes to them! 

You’re amongst the goals this year, have any of the new signings impressed you already? 

Yeah, it’s about time, disappointed I didn’t contribute with more goals last season so it’s nice to get off the mark and be on 3 already! In terms of players that have come into the team this season - I think Callum King has been a real breath of fresh air, he has come straight in and fit right into the team with electric pace, and he is a great laugh too. 

Who are the best team you face this season so far and who are you looking forward to playing against of the teams you haven’t faced yet? 

I feel as though our toughest game so far was Shenfield away, a real battle in which we come out on top with a last-minute winner from the gaffer himself! I relish playing any team in this league because it’s a league where anyone can beat anyone, so it is a real battle every Saturday. 

Reflecting on last seasons BBC Essex Premier cup win is that your biggest achievement in football and how did it make you feel to lift that trophy?

I must say yes, it’s definitely up there, to do it in our 1st season together is an achievement in itself.. we come together as a real family that night. I mean it’s the 1st trophy I have ever lifted as a captain so felt absolutely amazing and then to go on and lift a further 2 last season was an incredible feeling, and we will definitely be looking to retain it this year too. 

Finally, what’s the goal for this season for you personally, and for the team? 

A personal goal for me this season would be to add some more goals to the tally and make that back line as solid as it can possibly be. In terms of the team, I mean a few of us have played in the Olympian prem before so knew how hard it can be but for others it was walking into the unknown so as a team, we just want to make a very good account for ourselves being up at the top and would be nice to have a couple of cup runs again!