Andy Irvine Interview (26/04/13)

Interview by Matt Harris

Andy became the second-generation of the Irvine family to enjoy success in a Tunbridge Wells shirt when he picked up his Kent Senior Trophy winner’s medal, and his goals have played a vital part in that success this year - perhaps none more so than in the FA Vase run The Wells have enjoyed.

TWFC: Andy, tell us a bit about your playing career. How did you end up here at Tunbridge Wells?

AI: I have played amateur football for Maidstone teams since the age of 10 before jumping up to semi-professional football with Norton Sports [now Woodstock Sports]. It’s from them that I joined Tunbridge Wells. Scott Whibley introduced me to Martin Larkin who contacted me in the summer of 2011 and asked me to join the club.

I knew of good players at Tunbridge Wells, such as Tom Davey and Scott Whibley - and as my dad had played for the side I thought it would be a nice little move.

TWFC: As you mentioned, you’re not the first in your family to pull on a Tunbridge Wells shirt. For the sake of the less-seasoned Tunbridge Wells supporter, when was your dad playing for the club, what position did he play, and was he half as useful as you in the goal-scoring department?

AI: My dad played for the side back in the mid-1980s for an 18-month spell as a central midfielder and enjoyed playing for the club. I believe he chipped in with the occasional goal and enjoyed playing with the players that then went on to win the Kent League [1984/85].

It’s ironic that he was involved in that bit of silverware, and I have been involved in another trophy-winning Tunbridge Wells side all these years later!

TWFC: So who’s the proudest of Tunbridge Wells (and by default Andy Irvine) getting to Wembley - father or son?

AI: Both equally, I think. My dad was chuffed to bits at the Shildon away leg when we managed to pull through - and of course I was over the moon. It is a massive achievement and something we will both savour as a supporter/ex-player and current player for the club.

TWFC: Your goals have been instrumental in the FA Vase run this year – you bagged two against Shildon in the two Semi Final games and two against Hadleigh in the Quarter Final alone. Which Vase goal do you think will live the longest in your memory? Walk us through it and tell us what’s running through your mind as you prepare to pull the trigger and tuck it away…

AI: I am confident in the box in any game, but when there is that extra bit of adrenaline then it seems to help even more. A lot of my goals have been more instinctive finishes and I’ve not thought about them much before. The team has had to work very hard to create those chances, so it is very important that they hit the back of the net.

My best goal in the Vase was my header at Larkhall, because with 10 minutes left we were out of the competition for the second time in that game. That was the equaliser that bought us extra time and then – well, you know the rest! Others were still important but that one was special for me!

TWFC: We understand your team mates all give and take plenty of banter. Have they given you a nickname?

AI: I think I have racked up about 10 nicknames this season. They call me 'The Chinaman' more than the rest [owing to an unspecified occurrence on a night out]. We have had a lot of media coverage which has led to a lot of photos, and that has led to us all getting nicknames. There is no shortage of banter in our dressing room so it’s only fair I get my share!

TWFC: You’re part of a side that’s already picked up some silverware this year – the first for 25 years at Culverden. What’s it like to be part of this squad?

AI: The squad is the best I have played for- it’s as simple as that. On our day we are very, very good and will destroy teams. I have no fear of Spennymoor at Wembley, and I have great belief in our squad.

We found the KST Final very tough as we were playing against a side who threw everything at us, but we soaked it all up and then scored the goals we needed
to win it. It wasn't pretty, but in some games you have to win ugly. That is another lesson we have learnt this season. Last year we were playing some very
attractive football and walking off the pitch without a win, so you have to find that balance.

TWFC: So looking forward, how do you go on and better what’s been achieved this year?

AI: We have achieved a lot this year but there is still so much to achieve next season. Our main goal each season is promotion, so that will be top of our list for next year. The Vase run will give us the belief needed to go and win the league next year, for sure.

The support this season has been fantastic - unbelievable at times, so if we can keep that for next year, then that will see us through!