SEEING FANS SMILE IS SO EN-DEERING
SAM DEERING knows all about winning promotion – and insists it will never get boring.
The 31-year-old was targeted by Farnborough boss Spencer Day last summer as the man to bring success to the Cherrywood Road outfit after eight years in Step 2 exile.
And the former Oxford United playmaker duly delivered by scoring the winning goal in their 2-1 come-from-behind victory over Hayes & Yeading on Monday to clinch a place in National League South next season.
It capped a fourth promotion-winning campaign for Deering in a glittering career and the playmaker admits it’s a feeling he’s not ready to shrug off just yet.
“It’s always so satisfying winning promotion, wherever you are,” said Deering, who also steered Oxford, Newport County and Billericay Town to dizzier heights.
“When players, managers, the board and volunteers work so hard for the all season all season, it’s such a great feeling to get the job done.
“It was a really competitive season – I was surprised just how competitive it was and just how many really good players there are playing at this level.”
“I decided to drop down because I wanted to start a career for myself in electrics so I spoke with Spencer [Day, Farnborough manager] and I was delighted we come up with a deal.”
But Deering has revealed that the role at the club wasn’t exactly how he envisaged it.
“I really wanted to play as a number ten as I like to dictate games,” Deering revealed. “I played a few games in there at the start of the season but after we picked up a couple of injuries, I offered to fill in as a number four. Forty-five games later, I’m still playing it,” he joked.
“As it is, it’s been really refreshing playing the holding role, I’ve enjoyed it. It’s given me license also to push forward and that’s what happened with the goal on Monday. It’s was such a great feeling to score the winner like that.”
Deering is now back at Step 2, where he has spent time with Billericay, but should he return for another crack of the whip with Farnborough next season, it will be with a more senior role to fulfil.
“Obviously, it’s great to be playing at the highest level possible but, to be honest, it’s not about levels for me,” Deering added.
“When you cross that white line you just want to be successful, both individually and for the team and scenes like we saw with the fans at the end on Monday make it all worthwhile.
“There are a number of really good players at this club, and it will be good for them to test themselves at the next level. Personally, I’ve enjoyed playing a more senior role this year and giving benefit of my experience, especially in the playoff final.
“That’s what I want to get into when my career finishes but for now it’s about just continuing to enjoy playing.
“I’ve not yet signed a new deal with Farnborough as yet but we are in talks and I would like to. I enjoy working with Spencer and the great bunch of lads at the club so hopefully we can sort something out for next season and see where it takes us.”