How would you assess your season so far?
It has been an excellent season overall. Back in August, Darren Sarll barely had a team so finishing fourth was above and beyond my (and I think the majority of fans’) expectations. I do feel we were just finding form at the right time with two wins in a row before coronavirus hit but we are very lucky that Points Per Game kept us in the same position we were in before the crisis hit and is probably about where we deserved to be.
We have drawn some matches we should have won and I think our seven-match winning run heightened expectations that we would be in with a chance of the title around Christmas time, But, overall, it has been very enjoyable and Darren Sarll has brought our club out of the dark days and back to the family club we have also been that plays good, passing football.
Who are the key players for the Glovers?
Rhys Murphy has scored 17 goals this season and has been phenomenal throughout the campaign. We are in the unusual position that his season looked to be over after an injury at Boreham Wood but by playing the play-off matches now, he should be back and raring to go, which is an incredible bonus for us.
Securing Jimmy Smith from Crawley Town also ignited our season due to his experience, creativity and eye for goal. We do also have the unsung hero of Albi Skendi who has stepped up to professional football this season, has been consistent, hard-working and played in every position except goalkeeper!
What are your Thoughts on the job Darren Sarll has done this season?
Phenomenal. He is without a doubt the signing of the season. He has passion, is tactically astute and attracts players of a higher calibre than our club should have signed in the National League. No matter what happens, he has the backing of our fans next season and beyond.
You get good backing at home from your fans, how do you think you will deal with the strange atmosphere on Saturday afternoon?
It is really hard to say. I do think ‘home advantage’ will have less of an impact as of course having your fans behind you is huge. But everyone is in the same situation and I think the players will know we will all be watching at home and they will want to grab this opportunity which a few months ago looked to have slipped away.
What are your thoughts on Barnet?
Barnet’s end of season form was looking extremely strong and I thought the match we should have played at Huish Park before coronavirus caused it to be cancelled, was going to be a huge test for our credentials as promotion contenders. We have a lot of history against Barnet and they are always competitive games. The boost of Alfie Pavey returning will be good for the Bees, but the club has also lost some key players like Dan Sweeney and Callum Reynolds. We may have the edge with a full-strength squad, but I also know that by entering the play-offs on points per game from 11th place will give you guys huge belief that this is meant to be your year. Just look at Wycombe!
What’s the general mood amongst your fans ahead of the clash?
A mixture of nerves and excitement. I don’t think there is huge pressure as we know the club is going in the right direction but we are quietly optimistic that we will put a marker down and show what we can do.
Score prediction?
Goodness me, this is so tough with us having not played for so long but at home, I must back us to win 2-1 with a Rhys Murphy brace and a whole lot of nervy additional time!
We’d like to thank Sheridan for taking the time to give us the lowdown ahead of Saturday’s clash.
