Via Scunthorpe-United.co.uk we recently invited fans to send their questions in to goalkeeper Josh Lillis. Here, the former youth trainee answers your questions, as published in the Crystal Palace programme.
What specific things has Kevin Pressman taught you since he's been a coach at the club? Andy Broadhurst Because I'm older now you know at times what to do but he's a great coach. He'll tell you how to move your feet when a player is about to shoot and stuff like that really. On the mental side he talks you through the games and tells you about what he's been through. He gives you good advice - he played at the top level for a long time too so he's got plenty of experience to pass on. He tells me how Chris Woods played instead of him in an FA Cup final and how he dealt with the situation. I also learn a lot from
Joe Murphy too.
What is a typical Monday to Friday training routine for all the goalkeepers? By the way, keep up the good work. Paul Rockall We usually train on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. We're normally with
Kevin Pressman in the morning for about an hour, some days we might stay with him all the time but on others we will go into a five-a-side game with the team. On Fridays we work on shape with the team, but more often than not start off with goalkeeper work in the morning with Kev.
What was it like going on loan to Grimsby? Did you get much stick from the fans due to being from Scunny? Nick Bell, South Killingholme I got a few jokes now and then from my mates but the fans were really good on both sides. I enjoyed my time there just because I was getting games really.
What has been the most vital clean sheet of your footballing career?
Jack Mathers, Gainsborough On a personal level I think it was my debut away at Millwall, which was my first ever league game and I kept a clean sheet as well. Steve Torpey scored the winner and we moved up to the top of the league.
I am ten and I am a goalkeeper for my local club what is the best advice you could give me? Ryan Phillips, Gainsborough. Just keep going, the younger you're playing in the team and enjoying the more it will benefit you in the long run so I'd just tell him to keep going, work hard, be confident and strong.
What has been your best moment in a Scunthorpe shirt so far? Nick Bell, South Killingholme Probably having a hand in last season's promotion. Playing against Tranmere Rovers in the play-off place-clinching game and coming on as a substitute in the first leg against Milton Keynes Dons.
On your Wikipedia page it says you took up 'keeping as a result of your bigger brother making you go in net!' Is this true and do you bully him now you're bigger? Tomasz Cavill, Scotter I know Tomasz, he's a mate of me and my brother. It's not true that, no. I don't know why it says that, he's never bullied me! Someone's been editing my page.
What do you like most about being at Scunthorpe United? Lucy Jordan, Louth I like all the lads. I've been brought up here since my school days and it's just a really friendly club - all the fans and staff are top drawer. When you go on loan it feels strange because you see how other people and other managers work but I really like it here.
Do you buy yourself on games like Football Manager of FIFA? Jamie Manning, Crowle I don't really to be honest. I'm addicted to both those games and I don't really buy myself as I'm not the best on them, I've got better on the last few so hopefully I can improve on it again.
What do you plan to do once you've stopped playing football? Mark Cooper, USA It's a long way away yet hopefully. I wouldn't like to go into a nine-tofive job so I just want to get my coaching badges done and stay in the game as a coach or goalkeeping coach.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career?
Jonathan Marshall I'd probably say my dad. He was a player like myself but never put pressure on me to play football. I used to kick a ball everywhere and make everything into a goal. In recent times, the manager (
Nigel Adkins) and
Kevin Pressman have been a big influence - that's what I need because growing up I never had a proper goalkeeping coach. I had coaching from Leigh Herrick and Adam Capp, who both used to play here, but Kevin has such vast experience and that's really helped me.
Which young player in the Iron squad do you feel is destined for the Premier League? Mark Gordon I'd probably say
Gary Hooper because of his all-round game. He's still so young too so it's frightening to think how good he can become. He's got a great chance.
What sports do you play other than football? Sophie Wood, Bottesford I like playing golf and cricket but I'm not mad into them. I probably prefer playing on video games, I'm a bit of a football geek and enjoy playing stuff related to it outside the game too.
What was the last track you downloaded? Oliver Drake That was Example's new song Won't Go Quietly. I've also downloaded Drake's new one with Eminem.
Who is your best mate in football?
Jamie Broomfield, Winterton I'd probably say Andy Butler, who I still keep in touch with. There's
Joe Murphy and
Andrew Wright as well.
What do you feel are your strengths and weaknesses as a footballer? Simon Jason I don't really like to big myself up. I think my kicking's all right, as is my reading of the game. I'm probably still a bit inexperienced too.
Who is the most high-profile person on your phone? Scott Dalton
Jack Cork and Henri Lansbury probably. I've got the phone number of Paul Ifill, who I met on holiday with some of the lads the other season.
Many thanks to everybody for sending in the questions. Look out on Scunthorpe-United.co.uk for details of future Q&A's with players.
