Southwark News

Marcus thinking big

Thirty-three-year Marcus Bignot has fired back into pre-season after the summer break with renewed vigour and determination to get the Lions off to a winning start come August.
With the first week of the gruelling pre-season that manager Kenny Jackett promised well-underway; the veteran former QPR full back has talked himself into contention for the vice-captaincy - a possibility that very few could question.

Do you see yourself as the grandad of the squad now that Richard Shaw has stepped up into a coaching role?
In terms of looks; I am obviously still down with the kids. But this fresh season is a chance for me to stamp my authority on the squad and have an effect not just on match days, but off the field and around the training ground.
We have got a lot of good, young players in the squad but I will be looking for the senior players around to step up to the plate and show them how. It is a matter of setting standards and examples, to prevent us having a season like last year.

What is the spirit like back after the summer?
The gaffer has laid down the law and said it will be very tough leading up to the Ireland tour. And with three sessions a day as standard, he is not messing around.
We are expected in at 7.15am for a 7.30am sharp start for a session before breakfast, then another before lunch, before a final session towards the end of the day.
The gaffer has drummed in the emphasis on getting a good start and being ready from the get-go as it sets you up for a season.

Do you expect to walk into the right back slot with Danny Senda out until after Christmas?
While I believe in my ability to play in the first team, I would never be narrow-minded enough to think I will walk into a position or not be in direct competition with any individual. No-one is guaranteed a place in the team - you fight to wear the shirt and pre-season brings a fresh start for everyone - including me.

How are the new faces around the training ground settling in?
I had to have a chuckle at the keepers. There isn't a more comoetitive role in football than between the sticks, as there is only one jersey to fight for.
Yet the camaraderie between them is there from the word go, which I find remarkably strange. With Dave (Forde), Lenny (Pidgeley) and Preston (Edwards) all ripping into each other and biting each other's ear off - just a comedy sight. It was Ash's (Ashley grimes) first day and he seems fine, but there is nothing quite like three sessions a day to bring a squad together.

* A full interview with Marcus Bignot appears in today's Southwark News.