IT’S ALL ABOUT A RIGHT MINDSET
IAN EVATT’S Barrow have really made the rest of the National League sit up and take notice this season with the Bluebirds sitting pretty on top of the table.
Here, our player columnist, and Kidderminster Harriers assistant boss, chats to their fit-again midfielder Jason Taylor ahead of a crucial second half of the season.
JUST OVER HALF WAY THROUGH THE SEASON. IS THIS WHERE YOU PREDICTED BARROW WOULD BE?
At the start of the season the manager set us a target of reaching the play-offs minimum so we can’t complain with where we’re at currently. But, with 21 games to go, there’s still so much football to play so no one is getting carried away.
YOU’VE BEEN AROUND THE BLOCK, WHAT’S YOUR FIRST IMPRESSION OF BOSS IAN EVATT IN HIS FIRST MANAGERIAL JOB?
He’s been brilliant since the first day I arrived. He demands 100 per cent from the lads daily and wants us to try and get the ball down and play as much as we can. I think he’s got a bright managerial future ahead of him along with his staff.
WHAT WILL THE MINDSET BE OF THE PLAYERS AND STAFF GOING INTO THE LAST MONTHS OF THE SEASON?
It’s the old cliche of taking each game as it comes. The manager sets us up each game with the mindset of trying our best to win every game in this league. It is so tough and demanding that you have to earn every point.
ON A PERSONAL NOTE, HOW ARE YOU ENJOYING YOUR FOOTBALL?
The season has been really good so far, barring the last six weeks or so for myself. Unfortunately, I fractured my cheekbone in three places and then came down with pneumonia so I’ve only been back training the last week or so. I can’t wait to get myself back into the swing of things properly.
CHRISTMAS CAN BE VERY HECTIC FOR FOOTBALLERS. HOW DO YOU FIND THE FESTIVE PERIOD?
Personally, I love the festive season with the amount of games and points available. You can swing your season around in the space of two weeks with there being up to 15 points available.
WHAT WOULD BE YOUR NORMAL CHRISTMAS DAY PREPARATION FOR THE BOXING DAY FIXTURE?
The last couple of seasons the manager has trusted the lads and given us Christmas Day off. A normal day for me would be to get up early and open presents with the family, I would then go out for a run to get the legs going. Travel to my mums for Christmas dinner then relax with the family. I would then put the kids to bed and head up to Barrow in the evening to meet the team at the hotel as we stay overnight in Barrow for preparation for the Boxing Day game at home.
HOW AS A PROFESSIONAL DO YOU RECOVER IN BETWEEN THESE FIVE GAMES IN 14 DAYS?
You just do your best to eat and drink the right things so you are giving your body the best chance to go again and recharge as best as it can. There’s not a lot of training days in this period just recovery days. These would consist of a lot of stretching, ice baths, massages, swims and light active recovery sessions.
LIFE AFTER FOOTBALL?
I am currently coaching part time for a local company called the PFA. I’ve done my UEFA B license and I’m wanting to do my UEFA A license this summer too so I am hoping to go along that route after football.