INTERVIEW: Kurtney Brooks

INTERVIEW: KURTNEY BROOKS

Former Watford academy graduate Kurtney Brooks now also plays for tomorrow's opponents Wealdstone FC, he should be playing against us so long as nothing goes wrong. He took the time to speak to me a bit ahead of tomorrow's game.


Most of our readers will remember you being in our youth system and making a few appearances for the Hornets, what was it like to get on the pitch for your debut vs Barnet?
Getting on against Barnet was a very big achievement for me and enjoyed every second on pitch. I didn't think I was going to play but when Dychey told me to start warming up I was buzzing for it. Having my name on the back of my shirt was amazing and I felt comfortable and calm when I was playing.

After a series of reserve games a few spectators decided you were the defensive midfielder that did the job no one else wanted to, that you got yourself about despite being considerably smaller, and you were reserve player of the season in a couple of people's eyes, how has your game moved on since those days (if at all!)?
My prefered position is defensive midfield, but since joining Wealdstone I've been pushing on more and played half of last season at right midfield. I'm still small but my pace makes up for it.

You represented Wales at youth level, that must have been an incredibly proud occasion, talk us through it.
Yes on my first call up I played two games in Malta for a sort of trial as the European qualifiers was close. I played very well and in one game played as a striker. I was out to impress also with my decision of getting a pro contract being in this season. I really enjoyed it and got the call up by Brian Flynn to play in Spain for the qualifiers. I played against Spain, Portugal and Macedonia. The football was different and much quicker but I thouroughly enjoyed it and was a great experience. We finished 3rd in our group and I came back with my number 4 shirt so I was buzzing.

I can't imagine being released from Watford was the best of times, how did you take it and how did the move to Wealdstone come about?
Well I had been at watford for 4-5 years. I loved the place, the staff and had a lot of good mates there. I put everything I could have into trying to get to the next level but just didn't go my way. Gord had seen me play a few times and had got in contact and was more than happy to come down. The football was different to what I had been used to but after a couple of sessions I got on with it and started enjoying playing again.

You aren't the only former Hornet at Wealdstone, you joined at the same time as Jonathan North, also with you at Watford, did that help your transition to your new club?
Yeah most definately. Also Louis Lavers and Kieran Forbes was down there at the time. So I felt comfortable.

Around the time you were at Watford, players like Rob Kiernan, Jordan Parkes, and even Liam Henderson were considered to be future first teamers, but it never seemed to happen for them, does that surprise you?
It does surprise me. They're all good players. I trained with them everyday and played youth team with Rob and reserves with Parkes and Henderson. All worked extremly hard at training everyday and at every game opportunity.

Do you still keep up with Watford news?
No I can't say I do. I keep in contact with a couple of the players that's about it.

How do you feel Watford will do this season?
With Zola being the man in charge I guess there going to be playing football. If they have the right attitude and players then very well.

What do you make of the recent changes in ownership and management? Harsh on Sean Dyche or just the way it goes in football?
Sean Dyche was my youth and reserve manager. I liked training and playing for him. Didn't accept nothing but high standards constantly on and off the pitch. So I'm sure he'll do the same regardless where he is.

We played our first friendly vs Boreham Wood on Tuesday night, Zola's new style of football was there to see but some players struggled with fitness at times, they could be there for the taking on Saturday!
Fitness will come. Its early in pre season. All players involved in both teams are going to be out to impress. Whether they're new or not you have to earn your shirt.

What are your intentions for the season with the Stones?
Well we had a very successful season last season. Reaching the semi finals in the FA trophy, making the play offs, and finals of the county cup. We fell just short but this season I would like to definately make play offs and have another massive cup run.

You mentioned that run in the FA Trophy last season, going out admirably in the semi finals, that must have been a great experience?
It was probably one of the best experiences I've had in my footballing career so far. The atmosphere of each game was just buzzing. Everyone wanted it so much and we beat good opposition proving that we were more than a good team. Losing in the semi finals was disapointing but it was an amazing achievement.

Us Watford fans were liking the idea of a potential L*ton vs Wealdstone meeting in the final, was there any extra motivation from that aspect?
Personally I didn't even think about it. Playing at Wembley was in the back of my head but opposition not really. Playing against Luton would of been massive at Wembley and I'm sure both sets of fans would of made the occasion even bigger.

Obviously Britt Assombalonga had a very good spell with you last season before trying his luck in the conference, how would you rate him and sum him up as a future Watford player?
Brit had a very good spell at us scored something like 11 or 13 goals. Goals win games so if he continues scoring he'll do well and play a big part in Watford's first team squad.

Last but not least, can we expect to see you playing on Saturday?
Well I'm in the squad so hopefully I get some game time to show some pace down the right wing.


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