Will Boyle described the team’s first clean sheet of their League One campaign as a “monkey off the back” and believed it’s “been a long time coming”.
Will Boyle: credit Alan Franklin Photography
The League Two winners, Cheltenham Town FC, beat Oxford United 1-0 at the Jonny-Rocks Stadium on Saturday, September 18 to keep their first clean sheet with Boyle captaining the side.
After taking over from previous captain Ben Tozer, Boyle described himself as “a natural captain” and believed he was “the most suitable candidate” for the role.
Being one of the team’s longest serving player, Boyle believed it was “a natural progression” as he sees himself as a leader.
Boyle joined Cheltenham Town in 2017 and has now become an established player amongst the team and has become a role model.
During his time at the club, Boyle has been out on loan spells to gain experience, leading to a first team role in the squad.
“I definitely learnt a lot from all of them,” he said.
“I did a lot of learning off the pitch, being independent and spent a lot of time in my own company” he said when describing his loan spell at Scottish side Kilmarnock.
“On the pitch, it was York because I got thrown into football league football for the first time” he said.
After returning from his loan period, Boyle has secured his spot in the first team, however, he has been struck with many injuries.
“It’s frustrating… but it’s part of the job, you’ve got to take the rough with the smooth, it’s frustrating to get back into a rhythm of training and then to be side-lined again.”
“You’ve got to focus on what you can do to improve and come back better rather than to focus on what you’re missing out on.”
Despite his injury problems, Boyle has displayed his abilities and leadership skills on the pitch by winning the 2020/21 PFA Community Champion award.
“It was a nice bit of recognition… I’ve worked hard since nine or 10, doing more than most people around me”
“When I look back, I was pushing myself to limits that others weren’t from an early age” he said.
Throughout his career, Boyle has worked with many influential coaches and believes many of them have been key in his development.
“From a coaching perspective, the gaffer [Michael Duff]” he said
“I had another coach at Huddersfield called Frankie Bunn… he helped shape my game and character.”
After a positive start to life in League One, Boyle has put no limits on how far this Cheltenham side can go, even having the potential to reach the playoffs.
“There’s no reason why not, considering the start we’ve had… we’ll have to wait and see.”
Cheltenham Town host Rotherham in their next fixture who currently sit fifth after the opening 10 fixtures.
Comentarios