Evan talks about how the transition up has gone
Whilst most of the first team squad were away in Portugal last week Doncasterroversfc.co.uk took the chance to speak to full-back Evan Finnegan upon signing his first professional contract at the club.
Firstly Evan, congratulations on the professional contract, how does it feel?
“It’s good. It’s what I’ve wanted for the past two years. We’ve been working hard in the youth team and had a good two years there and now we’ve got our rewards for doing well. Now I want to keep progressing.”
With the club giving six contracts to academy graduates for the second season in a row, how much confidence does it give you in the youth team knowing the club do give players like yourself opportunities to make it?
“It’s what you need really, to be coming up from the youth team and given a chance. I was given a chance last season in the Crewe game [Johnstone’s Paint Trophy] so hopefully it can continue now and get a chance this season.”
Does it also help seeing players like James Husband excelling in the first team environment?
“Yeah it helps, I’ve known Hubby for a couple of years from when I used to stay with him so he helps sometimes to talk to. You want to get to where he is and progress further.
“It’s an inspiration as well, to get where he is and progress on.”
For fans who haven’t seen you play yet, what kind of player are you? What can you bring to the side?
“I’m an attacking full-back mainly, I can play on the wing but I’m really a full-back and like more of the ball. I like to get forward, get a few crosses in and create a few chances.”
How has this summer been in terms of pre-season training? Is it different to those you’ve experienced in the past?
“It’s been a bit tougher. The players are fitter and more physical so when they’re doing different types of testing you push yourself harder and it progresses you on to do more and work your body harder so you’re fit for the season.”
You’ve played in a few of the pre-season games now, including the Motherwell game which gave you your first taste of first team action at the Keepmoat, how have you found it so far?
“I’ve played in three. I played a half each against Retford and Rossington and they were good, I did well. Then got the last 20 minutes in the Motherwell game last Saturday which was big for me to come put a few crosses in.
“It was a good experience, I don’t think I looked out of place and the manager was happy with me and said I looked like a regular so I was happy enough and hopefully I can progress on.
“It was good [to play at the Keepmoat]. It was a little taste of what hopefully what continues to happen in the future.”
Finally, how do you see your first season progressing?
“Hopefully I’ll progress if I do well in the development squad and then get into the fringes of the first team and hopefully play a few games.”