Ben Fox opens up on Grimsby Town form, sports psychology and long-term future
DESPITE DIP IN FORM, MIDFIELDER IS IN HIGH SPIRITS AND GREAT VALUE AS HEE DISCUSSES FIRST FEW MONTHS AT BLUNDE BLUNDELL PARK
I’m my own biggest critic. I always watch the games back and see how I can improve. I have targets that I’d like to hit before the end of the season which hopefully, I’m able to do
BEN Fox stands in front of me in Cheapside’s media room, teeth chattering away.
The long-haired midfielder has s just spent half an hour in Grimsby y Town ‘s cryo-chamber, fresh from a two-hour training session in baltic c conditions.
Nonetheless, the midfielder r probably enjoyed the temperature re change with results on the pitch h cranking up the heat in recent nt weeks.
Five defeats in six matches across ss all competition are a stark contrast st to the electric form that saw the he Mariners race to the top of the he National League.
“It’s difficult to put your finger on it,” he told Grimsby Live when asked ed what has changed in the team’s pererformances.
“Maybe at the start of the season on we were playing with more freedom, m, more confidence.
“Then we needed to grind a few ew results, Wealdstone we dominated ted the ball and just didn’t score. We haven’t scored at the right times or haven’t scored.
“At the start of the season, we were scoring at good times and then capiapitalising when we were on top. If we’d have scored on Tuesday night before fore they get their second, we win the game quite comfortably.
“I think ultimately we have to turn that pressure that we have with the ball into goals.”
Despite a dip in form, Fox is in high spirits and great value as he chats openly about his first few months at Blundell Park.
He’s settled in well and proved himself as one of Town’s most consistent performers, which he credits to Paul Hurst and the coaching team.
“They have been great with me,” Fox said.
“They have given me a better insight into my job from a tactical point of view as well as mentally making sure our focus between the game is right.
“It’s been really good. It’s the detail, detail without being overboard as well, it’s the right amount that prepares you right for the games.
“Our set-up has been good and that comes from both of them.”
Sports psychology plays an important role in Fox’s preparations. He focuses on the shortterm, working on the challenges directly ahead of him.
Any discussions about the wider promotion picture are brought back to the here and now, starting with Saturday against Boreham Wood.
“I’m my own biggest critic. I always watch
Ben Fox
the games back and see how I can improve. I have targets that I’d like to hit before the end of the season which hopefully, I’m able to do,” he explains.
“I’m someone that works week to week. I
don’t like to get too high or too low. Hopefully, if all goes to plan it will be a successful season.
“I had to do a lot of it when I did my knee, which was a tough time.
“Luckily that has been and gone now. I’m playing week in, week out and we just want three points on a Saturday.”
Fox has been a regular in Hurst’s team, whether in a double pivot alongside Alex Hunt or further forward where his pressing qualities are put to use.
“They’re both very different, the more advanced one, is different to how McAtee plays it,” Fox says.
“He likes to get on the ball whereas when I play it, I’m looking to get inbehind and use my energy and work rate to cause problems.
“In a two, I feel that is my strongest position and most comfortable. As long as I’m on the pitch, I could be in goal for all I care.”
Fox only arrived in the summer window and penned a one-year deal with the club.
After such an impressive start, it would be natural if the club had considered tieing him down to a longer deal.
“It’s still so early, I work week to week, I haven’t given it a thought,” Fox laughed.
“It’s a great group, I’m enjoying myself with a great manager and coaching staff. It’s a great set-up from the top to the bottom.
“Everyone has been brilliant with me since I came in. I’m enjoying myself and taking each game as it comes.”