By Rob Bird
For any team, having multi-talented players is a massive bonus, footballers who can perform at the highest, consistent level in most positions. That man for Hamworthy is Jamie Filkins, who we caught up with this week.
“The way we’ve been playing recently is much improved, a change of formation has definitely worked and we’re dominating possession and making chances in every game, regardless of our opponents.
“Our defending is also improved too, we’re starting to cut out silly mistakes, and in turn we’re turning draws into wins and losses into points. That being said Connor and Dec’s goalscoring habits have got me worried about attention from higher leagues.”
Although Hamworthy of late are a force to be reckoned with, it hasn’t always been that way, better explained by Jamie as he reflects on the first half of the season.
“In all honesty we were very average, despite being millimetres away from silverware last week. With the squad and players we have, we should be pushing for top 5 in the league at least. If everyone can manage to stay fit until the end of the season, we’ll 100 percent begin to creep up the league table, hopefully to a position everyone is happy with.”
As previously stated, Jamie is a player who can do much more than ‘a job’ in multiple positions, but it was interesting to hear where he feels change was needed, within his own game:
“I’ve learnt to become more patient, both on and off the pitch with the opportunities I get. Having played in many different positions since my arrival at Hamworthy I’m trying to become as dependable as possible, whether that’s left back, right back or in central midfield.”
One other challenge Jamie set himself in the new year was “to not drink alcohol midweek”, how do you think he did?
“I haven’t, it’s a struggle after a Tuesday game when Bruce get’s the beers in! The other way I prepare is through being mega-organised, I’m always ready for games one or two hours before and that gives me time to have my pre-match tuna pesto pasta, how Glees rolls into the changing room at 2:30pm I’ll never know.”
After interviewing Jamie ‘Beckham’ Gleeson, I found it hilarious how Becks himself didn’t get into his ‘dream 5 a side team’. It must be a Jamie thing, because two of Filkins’ idols, James Milner and John O’Shea, didn’t make his either! Here it is:
“GK: D. Seaman, DEF: T. Adams, MID: P. Viera, MID: D. Bergkamp, ATT: L. Messi. I’m happy to set on the bench and watch for that one.”
For the Hammers though, the last place you want to see Jamie is on the bench. As Sills leads his side into the final fixtures of the season, your support is more crucial than ever, something Jamie is immeasurably grateful for:
“Thank you for all your continued support, yourselves, the board and all the volunteers who keep the club running are incredible."
There’s not long left, so please keep getting behind us, and we’ll keep climbing the table. Let’s keep the County Ground rocking. Up the Hammers!”
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