The Ben Saynor Interview

THE BEN SAYNOR INTERVIEW.

Welcome to Vital Football, I’m your host Matt Birch and I’m here with what will be a regular new feature on this website – interviewing some of Bradford City’s promising young players.
To kick off this series we caught up with Bradford City’s young keeper Ben Saynor.

Welcome Ben and thanks for speaking to us. How long have you been with Bradford City?

>> This is now my 3rd season with Bradford City. 2 years spent as a apprentice, and now my first year as a professional. Before that I was on trial with Manchester United.

According to the official City website you are 6 foot 0 which is quite short for a keeper, however other sources list you as giant 6 foot 3. What is the correct figure?

>> It is the giant figure of 6 foot 3, which is a great advantage for me. I keep trying to get the figure changed on the official website but as yet no luck.

Who do you model your game on and who are your footballing idols?

>> When I was growing up I always used to watch Peter Schmeichel on TV and idolize him, just his presence and the respect he got off the other player was something to admire. But if I had to model my game on one goal keeper it would have to be David Seaman, he was another goal keeper I admired.

Which team do you support and which team did you support before signing with City?

>> As I was born and have always lived in Leeds, I used to go to watch Leeds United as a youngster. I still follow the club’s progress but since starting with Bradford I am a true supporter of the club.

What has so far been your greatest moment in football?

>> It has definitely been breaking into the first team last season. That was a big achievement for me.

Who is the best player you have so far played alongside?

>> It would have to be Dean Windass and David Weatherall. Deano had a great attitude for the game, and Weathers dominates and is a strong leader.

And who is the best player you have played against?

>> John Hartson when he played for West Brom reserves last season.

Which of the other City youngsters do you think has the best chance of making an impact in the professional game and do you see any of them featuring this season?

>> Quite a few look promising, and should feature this season.

Rumour had it last season Manchester United sent a scout to have a look at you. Any truth in these rumours?

>> As I have said I spent 6 weeks on trail before coming to Bradford City so perhaps they were catching up on my progress, but I have no knowledge on this.

Last season Nigel Martyn spent some time at the club training the goalkeepers. How valuable was this experience?

>> Obviously, with someone of Nigel’s experience and goal keeping know-how his input and support was great.

And who is training the keepers this season?

>> Nigel Martyn is continuing with his role with the keepers at City, therefore, he will continue to provide us with his skills and knowledge.

By promoting you to understudy to Donovan Ricketts it seems that the new management duo have placed a lot of faith in your ability and potential, are you likely to make your full debut this season?

>> Obviously, that is my ambition this season. Just need to continue doing well in training and reserve games.

During the opening game of this season The Don picked up an injury to his left foot and you were close to coming on for your league debut. What thoughts were going through your head while you were warming up on the touchline?

>> I was… surprised that I felt okay, and did not feel nervous or worried. I’m sure that was because I was focused on the game, and Donovan does it quite often.

Bradford City have always been very lucky in the keeper department with the likes of Tomlinson, Litchfield, Walsh, Schwarzer, Gould, Henderson, Paston, Ricketts and *ahem* Foulke. Are you feeling any pressure of filling their boots?

>> Not really as it is obvious that I am following a long tradition at City, and I will push to ensure the tradition continues.

Former City youth team and current Bradford Park Avenue keeper Jon Worsnop spent a couple of seasons acting as a striker in non league football with quite some success. Have you ever regularly played in an outfield position?

>> Never, and I have no ambitions to make the grade as an outfield player.

Do you play any other sports aside from football and are you any good?

>> Mainly golf, but not as much as I should to be able to bring my handicap down.

What profession do you imagine you would be doing if you were not a professional footballer?

>> No idea except that it would be something in sport.

What do you think is the best thing about being a footballer?

>> Doing something every day that you enjoy, and waking up and wanting to go to work. Another great aspect of being a footballer is to be part of a team.

And finally, what do you find is the worst thing about being a footballer?

>> Sometimes the long traveling to away fixtures, but I cannot complain.

Thank you very much for speaking with us Ben and good luck for the coming season.

>> Thank you.


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