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Interviews

INTERVIEW: Do whatever it takes

16 September 2015

Interviews

INTERVIEW: Do whatever it takes

16 September 2015

Luke Joyce on the Dagenham game

Midfielder Luke Joyce spoke to us about the Dagenham victory shortly after full time last Saturday.

"After the win last week, which wasn't our best performance, we needed another three points," he told us. "We were better on Saturday and it was important for us to keep that winning run going.

"It's three wins on the bounce now, but we went 1-0 down again which we were disappointed. That's happened too much already this season. We felt on the pitch once we did go behind that we would always come back into it because we know we've got goals in us.

"We didn't panic, we stuck to the game plan and in the end it was enough to win the game. We've come from behind a few times now so we've had enough practice at it. It would be nice to go ahead but it's good to know if we do have a setback we can get up again and keep going."

"We scored at an important time," he agreed. "We were having quite a bit of possession without really creating any goal scoring opportunities, so to get the goal just before half time was important. It settled us down and confirmed to us that we were more than in the game. 

"Looking at the league table gives us that evidence that what we're doing is working. If you play great football and win games then it's the perfect way to win a match." 

On the midfield role he's been asked to play, he said: "I enjoy playing with Gary [Dicker]. He's a very good footballer and he settles it down when things get rushed around him. As long as I'm playing well I'm happy.

"I'll do whatever it takes and the way I play depends on what type of game it is. If you've got to put yourself about and make tackles then I'll do it for the team, but it's always nice to get further forward and try and create things as well.

"I put the ball in for Angelo's goal on Saturday even though I didn't really mean to give it to him, if I'm being honest. It found its way to him so I'm happy with that - I don't mind trying to claim the assist! As long as we're doing well and getting points on the board I'm happy."

"I'm really enjoying my football here at the moment," he commented. "I'm enjoying coming into training every day. The facilities are really good and the training has been great. We've got a great group of lads and I'm really settling in now. It's hopefully going to be a good season.

"It means a lot to be playing in the league games because that's the bread and butter and where you want to be playing. This is a great club and we should be doing well in the league. To be given trust in the job I'm being asked to do and to be playing every week does mean a lot. 

"I won't take it for granted. I want to keep putting the performances in and helping us to get three points."

"We're playing good passing football at the moment," he explained. "We know we're going to create a lot of chances. It won't always be Jabo [Ibehre] who scores, and I'm sure he'll be disappointed he didn't score two or three again on Saturday. 

"He's been a focal point for us and he's bringing other players into the game. I'm sure he'll set up a lot of goals as well as score them."

"I hope a goal is on the way for me at some point," he said. "I had a shot from 20 or so yards which wasn't far away so I'll keep trying. 

"As long as the defenders let me get forward, as soon as I get 20 yards away from them they're screaming at me to get back in. I'm not fussed if I score or set them up or don't do anything, as long as we're winning the games."

On his return to the club, having enjoyed this good start to the campaign, he said: "When you've won three games on the bounce in the league it definitely makes it feel like the right decision to come back. 

"The feel of the club, the professionalism and everything else is really enjoyable. If we can keep winning games and climbing the league it's obviously going to be the correct decision.

"We're working hard and believing in ourselves and what we're trying to do. We're trying to play football, everyone is working hard for each other and we know we've got goals in the team. Everyone is learning as the games go on and we're settling into how the gaffer wants us to play. The more joy we get from it the more belief we'll get." 

"I think my own form has been ok but I can still do better," he admitted. "I think I've played better in the away games than I have here at Brunton Park, but I'm happy with my overall performances. I played the pass through for Alexander [McQueen] to set up Derek [Asamoah] last week but I do still think there's more to come.

"I'm just pleased I'm playing every week and that we're winning games. It has been really easy for us to focus on the next game. No one has really mentioned Liverpool, we've obviously seen that the tickets sold out in a few days and it's great to know we'll have that support, but I'm sure we'll have a big support at York as well.

"I remember watching highlights of the York game last season and our fans filled that end behind the goal, similar to how they did at Hartlepool. If we can have that backing again next week I don't think there's any reason why we can't go and win another game."

United PlayerHD subscribers can see an interview with Luke Joyce now. Click HERE to go to the PlayerHD platform. Follow the same link for more information on United PlayerHD, and to subscribe.

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