Hill talks after Stevenage point

First team manager Keith Hill spoke to iFollow Iron following the team's 1-1 home draw with Stevenage.

The gaffer started by reflecting on todays display, saying: “I’m pleased with certain aspects of the performance, there’s got to be improvement in certain areas, but I’m pleased by the players attitude, application and the way we got a point from the game. I’m pleased I got to give the opportunity to Cam [Cameron Wilson], Jack Moore-Billam, and Youngy [Ethan Young] again.

“It was a young squad with energy, but with that energy has to come intelligence. That footballing intelligence only comes from playing against the types of players they played today. I thought it was a good exercise for the young players and it gives me a lot of encouragement going forward.” 

Following this, Hill added: “I think we had one or two opportunities ourselves and we defended really well. We conceded a sloppy goal, but our heads didn’t go down and I’m pleased. You look at the likes of Gallimore and Moore-Billam in midfield, plus (Harvey) Cribb and Fin [Fin Shrimpton], and we have good young players. It’s something I want to do and I will put my trust in the young players.

“I thought Jai Rowe was excellent as well today and I really do believe that it was a decent performance where we can improve. The biggest improvement we want to see is a bit more confidence and footballing arrogance without it being too arrogant. I thought it was a great exercise today.” 

The first team manager then elaborated on the younger players, adding: “We want quick learners and for them to learn from the experience today and take it forward. It’s another game under the belt for Ethan Young for example. There are three more games to go and it’ll be a combination of continuing to give opportunities for the players who deserve it.”

On the players' growth, he said: “We’re trying to build something so I’ve got no fear of the end result. Part of your development as a player is experiencing everything the game has to offer, whether that’s winning, losing or drawing games, making mistakes and how to deal with making mistakes individually, as a team and constantly learning.

“Before you know it, the likes of Jack Moore-Billam, Jai [Jai Rowe] or (Dan) Gallimore’s careers will be over so they have to make the most of it now. I keep reiterating to the players that it’s about seizing the moment, and the opportunities: the next game, the next training session, the next opportunity.

“They have to learn from the game itself and the opponents, and for me you can be a top coach but ultimately the players are taught and learn from the opposition and the 90 minutes. I hope and expect them to learn from that today."

Keith Hill then reflected on Harry Bunn’s equaliser, saying: “He’s an exceptional professional, and he’s someone I’ve got a lot of time for because he’s the right type of character and person. He can guide the young players and I’m really pleased for him."

Finally, he spoke about todays changes, continuing: “The players who have come in on loan have long term contracts with their parent clubs and I’ve got to give our players, whose contracts are running out, more of an opportunity. I wouldn’t say all the loans have been successful, but we have to make sure we’re building.

“They’ve got the protection of their parent club and it was a decision that I thought was the right one to make for the likes of Jordan Hallam, Harry Bunn and Harry Lewis. There’s more to come so they shouldn’t be offended because it’s a footballing decision that I’ve made. I respect them and I respect their clubs, but we have to move forward now with the group of players that we’ve got."

See much more from Keith Hill and Jack Moore-Billam on iFollow Iron.