Josh Stanford Interview (12/02/14)

Interview by Matt Harris

Josh Stanford’s goal at Wembley last May in the FA Vase Final was arguably the most important in the club’s history up to that point in time – and will certainly be the longest-lived in the memory of many a Tunbridge Wells fan. Following that Wembley appearance, he readied himself for a move to Australia, at first to get away from the weather, but ultimately seeing a number of opportunities available to him there.

Josh has come a long way since he first joined The Wells – and was, in his words, “a complete ‘unknown’ to the fans, manager and most of the players,” when www.tunbridgewellsfc.co.uk caught up with him this week. He came to Culverden a little out of sorts with the game. “I hadn’t actually played a good standard of football since I was at Tonbridge Angels as an U18. A few years on from that I had decided I wanted to play again and I had a couple of sessions with Corinthian before Scott Whilbley told me to go along to Tunbridge Wells.

“I trained one night and Larks said he wanted to sign me straight after, and that was the start of an incredible year for me. I had incredible support from everyone at the club: the fans; the management; and of course the players! It was quite simply the best year of my life!”

Fast-forward to the present day, and a new chapter has just opened up for Josh after he received international clearance to play football in Australia for Albany Creek Excelsior.

“It’s an interesting one actually,” he explained. “I received a message on Twitter from Gavin Cogdon who scored against us for Spennymoor at Wembley after he saw I was going to Australia. He put me in touch with Ben Ryan who he knew from back home and was managing Albany Creek.

“Ben messaged me and said he wanted me to come to Brisbane. At that point I was thinking that Sydney would be my preferred destination, but things changed and I eventually decided to go to Brisbane and I played for Albany Creek on my first day there.

“They play in the Brisbane Premier League, and the style of football is very different to back home - the pitches play a big part in that! They really put emphasis on keeping the ball and playing on the ground, which suits me. However the intensity is not as high and the game is not so physical here. Having said that, I’ve already got injured and will miss the first game of the season!

“I want to play football at the highest level of my capability, and I want to do new things - achieve personal goals… It’s a new chapter in my life and I’m excited at the challenges that lie ahead.”

As Stanford continues to pursue his career down-under both on and off the pitch, he won’t be forgetting his time at Culverden in a hurry. “As a personal highlight from my time at The Wells, the game away at Larkhall was at the very top,” he recalls. “I think it was one of my best performances for the club, and the way we won it with Jack scoring in the last minute was incredible.

“It is very difficult to choose between any of the Vase games really as they were all unbelievable occasions. The best moment however, was easily at the final whistle of the Shildon game. To know that we would be stepping out at Wembley was just beyond every ones’ wildest dreams! It’s a day that will be right alongside Wembley as the best day of my life.”

Of course, Josh couldn’t be allowed to get away without re-living THAT goal one more time from his perspective. “I’m glad that it was on video because I honestly wouldn’t have remembered too much of the goal otherwise!” he remarks. “Everything happened so quickly. I remember losing my footing as I ran into the box - then as soon as I got up, the ball was coming towards me and I thought ’This is it’! Somehow I’ve struck it so sweet on my right foot. As it hit the back of the net, it felt like time stood still and I just remember thinking in my head ‘I’ve scored, I’ve only gone and scored at Wembley!’

“It’s so difficult to describe the actual feelings in that moment, it was just such an intensely emotional moment, and I am so happy to have been able to share it with so many amazing friends and family that day.”

It’s not only his own contributions that Josh will be remembering, though, as he reflects on a very special squad of players around him. “I remember Larks saying in an interview early in the Vase run that we were a special group, and even though we didn’t all know it then, he was spot on. We could never have reached the Vase final without that team spirit and unity. We were more like family than team-mates!

“The supporters are legendary at The Wells, too,” he continues. “They are an absolute credit to the club. Without them, there is nothing. They made me feel very welcome right from the start and that was a huge confidence boost for me because I was fairly nervous during those early games. To then cap off the season by rewarding them with a day out at Wembley is something very special. I will always remember them very fondly.

“For the management - Brad & Larks - it is just a massive ‘thank you’. Without Larks giving me the chance to play in the first place, then things would have turned out very different, and I am eternally grateful to him for that. Both Larks and Brad did an incredible job last year, putting in a ridiculous amount of their own time to help us.

“People would have laughed at the thought of taking a team with no budget to the FA Vase Final... They made it a reality and deserve huge credit for that. All in all, I am immensely proud to have played a part in this club’s history. Thank you everyone at Tunbridge Wells Football Club!"

The feeling is more than reciprocated. First team boss Martin Larkin has nothing but praise for his former midfielder. “When Josh joined us we could see that he instantly had the tools to be a real asset to us, his raw pace and wand of a left foot coupled with a strong tactical understanding meant that once we got him fit he would be flying.

“He will obviously be remembered for his Wembley goal, scored with his wrong foot under immense pressure, but Josh made significant contributions the whole way through the run and was as important a factor on the pitch as he was off it.

“One of the best traits Josh has is that you would never know about the success of his parents and the upbringing he had. He is incredibly down to earth and humble and will be welcomed back at this club by all whenever he is in the UK."

Everyone at Culverden undoubtedly offers their very best wishes for their former Vase hero in his ventures both on and off the pitch in Australia!