“The Reserves is free, nothing but support is asked of you.” Liam Graham Interview

Barton Town’s Reserves side are adjusting to life in a new division following their promotion from the Humber Premier League Division One last season. Manager Liam Graham took his side up in his first season with the club and this achievement cannot be understated.

Now in the Humber Premier Division, Graham’s side are adapting, and while the standard of football is better, the Swans are more than up to the challenge.

Swans Media Manager Aaron Irwin caught up with Liam for his thoughts of the Reserves’ Campaign so far

AI: How do you think your season is going so far?

LG “If I’m honest, it’s not the greatest at the minute. Our current position in the league isn’t making for great reading. We all know that it’s a long season and there is plenty of time and games to go at to improve on where we currently sit. We have got through in the cup so that’s something to look forward to.“

Think the lads have made the step up and are performing well?

“As I just said in my previous answer our current standing would suggest not, but I feel as though the group have really bought into the style of football we want to play. Performances as a whole have been good it’s just little bits that are affecting the results on the days. I said it at the start of the season, as long as we continue to learn from our mistakes, grow in confidence as a group, and develop then we will be just fine.”

We’ve been unlucky in some games, losing by narrow margins, do you think we have what it takes to become a stable side in this league?

“Football is about fine margins between winning and losing. We’ve been desperately unlucky in some games where the lads have worked their socks off and come away with nothing from the game. In others we’ve had chances and not taken them.
The group are working extremely hard in training and in match days to be the best we can be. It was never going to be an easy ride in this league. It’s nuts! I honestly think anyone can beat anyone within the division. This year the main priority is to survive, and that will hopefully give us the foundations to stabilise in the following years.”

Are there any reserve players you feel are nearly ready to make the jump up to the first team if necessary?

“Difficult Question… right at this moment? Properly not.
We have a relatively young core of new players that have come in so they need a season within the reserves to get up to speed. We are now at a stage whereby the Reserves are training at the same time as the first team. and at times we come together to work on bits and pieces. So that allows Craig (Denton) and Rob (Watson) to get a good look at what’s hanging about within the Reserves.”

The support that you’ve been getting down at the Easy Buy Stadium has been good once again, some crowds bigger than NCEL games?

“The support the club receives as a whole is incredible, but when we are in the position we currently are you can never have enough support. It makes a huge difference to the lads in their performance. They become that 12th man. As a Reserves side we are lucky we have an excellent following both home and away. Which we are very grateful for.

“I urge those people who haven’t been and watched a game to get down and support us. The Reserves is free, nothing but support is asked of you. If that gives you a taste to support the club then brilliant. Please come and support the Swans.”

All your team currently have individual sponsors is that a unusual thing at this level?

“It is! We are incredibly grateful to all of the sponsors at the club and to those who have sponsored players for the season. It’s a huge part of allowing the lads to cross the white line on a Saturday, looking the part and to play with freedom. We couldn’t function as a club without the sponsors so another huge shout out to them. Something I know the lads are very grateful for.“

Finally , any other comments?

“Yes, to all fans, Players and all associated with the club. Stick with it! It’s a difficult period for everyone at the minute but no one ever got to the top with a free pass. We have to experience times like this to be able to learn and develop as a side and as a club. We can lean on this in future times. It’s coming and with your support it will be a successful season. Best advice I ever got, “you can’t give players experience, unless you allow them to experience it for themselves.”

Thank you to Liam for giving his time and his thoughts. The Reserves are away to fellow promoted side Driffield Juniors this weekend. Best of luck to Liam and the team.