Curtis Weston cut a frustrated figure during the early parts of the 2012/13 season but since Edgar Davids took charge he has been on a mission.
Since the shock victory over his former club Gillingham on Boxing Day the midfielder has been in impressive form with the Bees taking 13 points from their last six games.
Speaking exclusively to Barnetfc.com, Weston revealed all on his time at Underhill, becoming the youngest player to participate in a FA Cup Final, working with Edgar Davids and more.
First off let’s start by talking about Saturday’s win over Rotherham United; you must have been delighted because I am sure you did not expect it?
CW: “I do not think that anybody expected it. No matter who we play we always believe we can win the game but they were third in the table and we knew it was going to be tough. We have picked up our form recently so like I said we always believed and we managed to secure a great result.”
You also played in a holding midfield role, which correct me if I am wrong is not your natural position, how did you find that?
CW: “I have played there the last few games sitting in front of the back four and I think that I have played well. The team has also played really well lately and everyone has pulled together so it has made it much easier to adapt.”
Rotherham are third in the league but you have also beaten Bradford City (seventh) and Gillingham (first) recently?
CW: “It seems like we really turn it on against the big sides in the division. We have not got the results we have wanted at home but when we go away and need a big result we seem to get it. If we can get our home form to a similar standard our league position is only going to get better.”
What was it like beating Gillingham after leaving them in the summer following four-years at the club?
CW: “Even though I only came on towards the end of the game it was a special result. It was a result we needed and we were all very happy after the game particularly myself and Barry Fuller who used to be at the club.”
Another club you have played for is Millwall and you came on in the 2004 FA Cup final against Manchester United who I gather you support, that must have been quite an experience?
CW: “It was unbelievable. It was not just that day itself that was brilliant but also the build up and everything else that comes with playing in a game of such importance. I was also only 17-years-old which made it even better, I still cannot sum it up, it was simply brilliant.”
Since Edgar Davids has taken sole charge of the team you seem to have had a lot more opportunities?
CW: “I was not playing when he first came in and after he did I began to get more opportunities within the team. That said when Mark Robson first came in I was in the team so I do not think it was a case of Robbo not playing me. After Edgar came in he wanted to stamp his own authority on the team and he gave everyone a chance so now I need to keep performing to ensure I keep playing.”
Would it be fair to say that you were quite frustrated during the first-half of the season or did you keep working with the knowledge that your chance would come?
CW: “I just kept my head down and kept working hard because that was the only way I was ever going to get back in the team. I showed him in training how much I wanted to play and how hard I was prepared to work to make sure I did so it was just a case of getting on with it.”
What has it been like working with Edgar on a day to day basis and what do you feel you have learnt from him?
CW: “It is crazy because I used to play a lot of video games when I was younger and he used to be one of the best players on the game. Me and a lot of the boys here can obviously learn a lot from him whilst he is at the club especially those of us that play in midfield.”
Since he has taken charge there has been an upturn in form with you taking 13 points from a possible 18, what do you feel the reason is behind this?
CW: “I could not say, he has come in and it has just worked. He has brought his own ideas into training and since he has taken over the team have been playing very well so long may it continue.”
You now sit three points off the drop zone, are you confident you can avoid relegation?
CW: “Even though we have picked up a lot of points from the last few games the teams around us have done the same. Some teams below us also have games in hand but we already have the points on the board and I would much rather have them chasing us than the other way round. I am confident we can stay up as long as we keep playing well and remain disciplined like we have in the last couple of weeks.”
If that is the team’s aim for the remainder of the season what would you consider to be your personal targets?
CW: “First and foremost the main aim is for the team to play well and stay in the division. Individually I just want to keep playing and keep playing well because I want to help the club achieve that goal.
You would sit second now if the season had started when Edgar took over. Looking ahead to next season and beyond, with the facilities the club has, what do you think can be achieved?
CW: “If you look at the way we are playing right now and the teams we are beating then hopefully next year we can start looking up the division. The facilities are unbelievable for this level of football and we have everything in place to succeed so next season why not start looking up.”
