THE BIG INTERVIEW: DANIEL JENNINGS MEETS A MAN WHO KNOWS A GOOD CHEESEBURGER WHEN HE SEES ONE
Background: Neil Roberts. Centre-forward. A fan's favourite. Wales
Under-21 and 'B' International.
Setting: Centenary Club, The Racecourse, the end of last season. After finding the quietest spot we could, Neil jokes "I hope there's nothing too testing". Then we start…
Last year was a very frustrating season for you wasn't it?
'Yeah, it's been quite an up-and-down season to be honest. I'm glad I've just started to train again now and it's just nice to be back.'
You started off so well too didn't you?
'Well, I was looking forward to this season. Everyone had said it was going to be a hard season but when I got my chance I had something like nine goals in eighteen games. One goal every other game isn't too bad.'
When you first came into the team last season you immediately scored a lot of goals - how did you settle in so quickly?
'I think that it just all happened so fast. I didn't see it as a problem coming into the team and I knew I could handle it. The lads I was playing with at the time, Peter Ward, Kev Russell, Tony Humes and Brian Carey all helped me settle in so I didn't have to do it all on my own.'
What has been your most memorable goal so far?
'I would say my second goal at Carlisle to make it two-two. It was also on my debut.'
Your all-round game has improved noticeably since your introduction - have you worked on that?
'Yeah, it is something that I've worked on in training but it just comes to you. When you're not scoring you tend to work on other aspects of your game, so it's just something you've got to do really.'
It's always nice to see a local lad do so well, wasn't Steve Watkin the last?
'Steve was the last local lad to my mind but at the moment it looks like there could be a couple more coming through. Next season my brother could be looking to push into the squad. It's nice to play in front of your friends and family.'
Who do you think is the best current player in your position?
'At the moment I would have to say, between Michael Owen and Dwight Yorke. I can't really separate the two.'
Andy Morrell got his breakthrough this season - is he following in your footsteps?
'Andy did well this season. He was playing brilliantly in the reserves, both him and Jake, and they got their chance. I'm not sure how many games Andy played but he'll probably be in the same position as me now and looking to push for next season.'
Have you ever partnered him upfront?
'Only when we've played in the reserves and the Lancashire League. As it goes, when he got in I was injured so not in the first team yet.'
What influence has Ian Rush had on you this season?
'Well, Ian's a legend and he's actually a boyhood hero of mine. I admire him as a professional, but also as a player. He takes a lot of time to speak to you and help you with your game, so he's been brilliant with me.'
Where do you stand with Wales now?
'On the Welsh front, I was supposed to be in the squad for the games in June but as I was injured I wasn't able to make that. The last time I played was when I came on as sub for the 'B' team. This coming season I'll be looking to push for the 'B' team again.'
What are your long-term ambitions in the game?
'Ambitions, the main one is to get promotion with Wrexham. After that I'm always looking to improve and possibly move on in the future.'
Are you well on the way to recovery now?
'I've had a very frustrating three months just watching the lads but Mel Pejic's got me on the way to recovery now. I'm back in training but nobody's allowed to tackle me.'
Are you hoping to be back for the annual Isle of Man International Football Festival?
'Yeah, I'm back to fall training on the 30th June. If that goes well I'll be hoping to be back for the Isle of Man.'
You had a good tournament last year, did you enjoy it over there?
'Yeah it was brilliant, it was the beginning of the season. It was the first time I played upfront with lan Rush, I scored two goals and I got man of the match. It was a good tournament and I enjoyed it.'
Do you think it's a good warm-up for the forthcoming season?
'Definitely, this time especially it will be a hard test. It could well give us a picture of how well we'll do next season.'
There are a lot of strong teams in it this year - will this make it more competitive?
'With Watford and Tranmere, two very good teams, being in the competition it will be very competitive - yeah!'
What are your personal aims for the coming season?
'Just to get back in the first team is my main one. Once I get back in I will be looking
to score a few goals.'
What are the general aims of the club for next season?
'To get a few of the fans back and get the gates up again but you can only do that if the team are playing well. A lot of what the club wants depends on good performances.'
Finally, on a completely different note, it's nice to see the ground improvements taking place at last isn't it?
'I've been out there today to have a look at the ground and it's looking good. When it's completed I think that it will be one of, if not the best stand in the lower divisions. I just hope that I'll be playing in front of it.'
Cheers Neil - thanks a lot!