Interview taken from 'Sky Blue Review'; Ballymena United's match-day programme on 23/09/06 against Glenavon. Interview conducted by Paul Irwin.

First of all, congratulations on being appointed captain. How did that feel? "To be honest, it was very unexpected. At the same time I am very proud to be captain and I think Tommy showed a lot of faith in me as a twenty-year-old as I was at the time. There were a lot of other players he could have given it to. Following someone like Gary Smyth will be hard but hopefully I have picked up a few things from him. I am learning all the time and it is still quite difficult to concentrate on my own game and try to get everyone else going at the same time. But I am relishing the job and can’t wait for every game to come around each week."

The CIS was a bit disappointing. How do you feel things have gone so far for the team? "We have a lot of new players and while not wanting to hide behind excuses it takes time for everyone to gel. For instance we have virtually a new back four combination and throughout the team we have had no consistency so far. We need to ensure that we play for the full ninety minutes as we have been in front only to let our lead slip away in quite a few games. We still have yet to see the best of players like Lee Patrick, Mark Picking and the other new boys but it will come."

What is the spirit in the camp like? "It is really good and everyone gets on great together. This applies to the playing side and also off the pitch. Socially we all get on great and have had a few occasions when everyone went out together. This is good for morale and hopefully it will continue."

What about your own form? "I feel I have done OK in some games but again I need to be totally consistent. I know we had a good tough pre-season and the training has been good but I feel I am not yet as fit as I would like to be. It is just a match fitness thing and that comes after a number of games into the season. I train four times a week so it is hard to put my finger on a reason but that will come. I am always working at my game and trying to improve. I set myself high standards and I always want to be the best in my position. That is my aim."

What about the campaign ahead - how do you see it? "I honestly believe we will do well given that little bit of luck which any successful team needs. We have certainly been making chances although on the other hand we have conceded some silly goals. If we can cut out these errors and show greater consistency, especially if we get in front, then we can do well. With new players coming in the communication between us needs a bit more work but again that is coming. If we can continue to make chances I am confident we will do well. We have a lot of good players and they will come good."

What changes have you noticed in your time here? "Since Tommy has arrived there is a real professional attitude which is down to him. What he says goes and of course he has done it at the top level so the players respect that. That is no disrespect to the other people I have worked with in my time here. The training sessions are brilliant, always varied. As well as Tommy and Jim Grattan, Jeff Montgomery is someone who probably doesn't get enough praise."

Is the club going in the right direction? "I believe the club is going places and that we will do well under Tommy. The players are confident of this and have a sense of it. We are really looking forward to the league campaign and want to do well for the manager. I personally realise he showed confidence in me by making me captain so I want to repay this. The new players are settling in well and we have people like Mark Picking and Darren Murphy who have been in championship winning teams so that will be a big help. Also Lee Patrick was captain at Limavady so his experience will be useful to me as well. We also want to do well for the supporters who have backed us fantastically."

Who are the characters in the dressing room? "As I have said those players who have won things already will be vital. In the dressing room there is always a lot of banter and laughter. Mark Picking always has a smile and gets the laughter going. Another real character is Austin Friel. He makes everyone laugh and you need to watch he doesn't start slagging you about your clothes or shoes or something like that! All of it is good natured banter and is good for morale. Things certainly have quietened down a bit in the dressing room since Stuarty King got injured! Certainly we all hope Stuarty is back as soon as possible."

Finally, what are your hopes for the season? "Apart from the things I have already mentioned like greater consistency and communication, we really want to prove the doubters wrong. A few good results at the start of the league would give us the confidence to go on and do well. Why shouldn't we be positive about taking on and beating Linfield and Glentoran. That is what we have to aim for."