Jack Harris Interview (06/06/13)
Interview by Matt Harris
His goal-scoring exploits may have drawn attention from other clubs higher up the non-league pyramid, but Tunbridge Wells' golden boot winner for Season 2012/13 has opted to stay at Culverden for another year and take care of some unfinished business. www.tunbridgewellsfc.co.uk caught up with Jack Harris to find out more.
TWFC: Jack – firstly, congratulations. You’re the golden boot winner at the club for Season 2012/13. Which goal stands out the most in your memory? Talk us through it as you remember it…
JH: The goal that has to stand out for me is the last minute winner at Larkhall in the FA Vase Fifth Round [120th minute]. All I remember is Jon Pilbeam running the length of the pitch, passing me the ball and then I tapped it home to seal a 4-3 win.
TWFC: Naturally the goals have attracted people from clubs much higher up the leagues than Tunbridge Wells to take a look at you. Did any of these make a formal approach?
JH: I've only spoken to one club at the end of the season, and we had positive talks - but we both agreed it may suit me if I had one more season with Tunbridge Wells and come next season; that I may be ready to push on through the leagues.
TWFC: So having opted to stay at Culverden for another year, who or what specifically made your mind up to stick around?
JH: I feel as though I've got unfinished business here. Although we won the Kent Senior Trophy last season and got to Wembley, what I really want to do is win the Kent League with Tunbridge Wells, and I feel we are more than capable of achieving that this season.
TWFC: What qualities does this team have that made you feel The Wells is the best place to be playing your football this coming year?
JH: The best thing about this team is the character. Numerous times last season we would find ourselves trailing but as a team we would never give up. We dug deep in loads of games - especially in the FA Vase and it’s that which took us to Wembley.
TWFC: What are your personal aims and targets for the new season when it gets underway? To put you on the spot, how many goals do you think you can bag if you can stay injury free?
JH: The main aim for me has to be winning the League and winning promotion. That won't be easy but we feel we have a really good chance with the squad we have. Since being here I haven't had a full season due to injury, so this year I'm hoping if I stay fit that I can achieve 25+ goals.
TWFC: You joined the youth ranks age 15 and started training with the first team age 16. You’ve watched this side building towards what it’s just achieved. How much more do you think this team can deliver moving into the new season?
JH: I believe the team has got much more to deliver. What we achieved last year is just the start for us. Every year since I've been here the squad has chopped and changed, but most importantly it has improved which is reflected in our results. I don't think this coming year is going to be any different as this team is going to achieve great things.
