Samuel ‘We Can Match Anyone’

Jlloyd Samuel’s Diary:

We can be a match for anyone

The fact that we were up against Newcastle on the first day of the new season is one of those freaky things that the fixture list can throw up, but it had to happen at some point. The ‘Big Sam – Little Sam’ thing was in all the headlines and it made for a really good atmosphere.

Obviously, we were disappointed about losing the first one of the season, especially at home. But it’s only one game, it’s still early.

It was a weird game to be honest. The goals we conceded were very soft goals and it was strange the way we conceded them. We’ve had our pre-season so we were totally prepared, but there are lots of new faces and everyone has got to gel. The first game of the season can always give you up some surprises, but once we work out how we all play at our best together I’m sure we’ll have no problems.

Once we work out how we all play at our best together I’m sure we’ll have no problems.

There were positives though – definitely. Once the second half was underway we were a totally different side. We showed how good we can be and Anelka pulled one back for us. We really turned up after the break, but it was too little too late.

It was nice for me to be in the side from the word go. I enjoyed it and it was great to be involved. I was reasonably happy with my performance, but there is still a lot of room for improvement. It’s always good to play but for the gaffer to show faith in me right from the start is just fantastic.

We’ve got another game on Wednesday away to Fulham. It’s only our second game but it’s so important to get that first win under your belt. It`s the same for any team – you all want a good start and the longer you go the harder it becomes. We don`t want to get carried away but we’re eager to get the win. We know that if we start right we can be a match for anyone.

It’s a blow that Kevin Davies is going to be out of action for a bit with a torn hammy – he’s a hard worker who scores goals, and he’ll be missed. But the manager has brought in new faces who can all do their job very well. It will be nice for them to get their chance.

Twelve players have come in and there’s been talk of some of our more established names moving on. Of course it’s important they stay. The squad we’ve got is a good squad and we want to keep all our players, but it’s for them to decide their futures.

I’ve been here for a couple of months now, and I know what the club is all about. It’s like a fresh start for everyone, not just me. The new manager has new ideas and it’s exciting to be a part of it – as the games go on you’ll see more and more from us. Looking at the season ahead, I’m hoping for the same finish as last time around – hopefully in the top seven or above, with a good European run, and maybe win a cup or two!

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