Kenny Burgess Interview

Kenny Burgess
By Robert Stock
December 23 2003

We chat to Bangor City's flying winger, Kenny Burgess, about Bangor's disappointing first half of the season, his future ambitions the the way forward for the struggling Citizens.

1: Why do you think Bangor are struggling to keep pace with the top four this season?
Well, obviously we have been struck with a serious injury crisis, which has left us struggling in certain positions. But we've not been playing as a team and that must change if we are to turn our season round

2: Do you think the absence of a reserve team has effected your league position, and if so should it be re-instated?
Definitely, yes. The problem is it all costs money and nobody mentioned it last season when we were doing well, and not struggling so much with injuries and suspensions.

3: Has your league position effected the team spirit?
There has always been a good spirit, but everyone is down at the moment, and keen to get us back on track.

4: Have you been happy with your own form this season?
In patches - I started well but dipped along with the rest of the team as the season progressed. I'm confident I can return to full form going into the New Year and hopefully help inspire our revival.

5: How would you describe your relationship with the Bangor fans?
I get on alright generally with the Bangor fans, especially the students!

6: Do you have any ambitions to make the professional game?
Well, I'm 28 now - so getting on a bit! I think it's too late for me to make it professionally now, but I'm very happy with my full-time job and settled at Bangor.

7: What has been the highlight of your Bangor career so far?
Without a doubt, the first leg of our UEFA Cup tie with Sartid at Wrexham. I was particularly proud of winning the Man of the Match award, despite the fact it was Paul Roberts who scored that fantastic winner! Hopefully, I'll be able to experience more European occasions at Bangor before I retire.

8: What is your relationship with Peter Davenport like?
I get on well with Dav, and grateful for the chance he gave me at Bangor after signing me from Cammel Lairds in the West Cheshire League.

9: What's your view on the standard of refereeing in the Welsh Premier?
It can be really frustrating in some games, the referees are so inconsistent. The players, management and supporters have little confidence in the officials generally, and the standard has got to improve.

10: What position do you feel Bangor can realistically achieve this season?
I genuinely believe we can still make 3rd place, but we've blown it to get 1st or even 2nd. We need to put more pressure on the likes of Rhyl, Haverfordwest and Aberystwyth. There are plenty of points still to play for, so never say die.

11: Why do you think players like Ricky Evans have left the club?
Well it has to be money. If you're offered more money to play football at this level, most players will take it. Also they will look at our position and say we're unlikely to be playing European football next season, whilst the likes of Aberystwyth could well be. But I think the players have to accept some responsibility for our league position and try our hardest to get ourselves a European place back.

12: Barry Town's plight has dominated the Welsh Premier news recently. Whats your view on the recent goings on at Jenner Park?
Well to be honest I don't think it's right that they've got away with only paying 10% of their debts. Their new chairman Stuart Loveing clearly has more money as he's on about making them professional again! If he can afford to do that why can't he afford to pay off their debts?

13: Finally, how would you compare the standard in the West Cheshire League to the Welsh Premier?
Well the standard is much better in the Welsh Premier, but annoyingly the pitches aren't! I really feel the standard of pitches in the Welsh Prem is holding the league back. You can pay all you want bringing in the best players to your club, but if your pitch isn't up to scratch then you can't play good football, which obviously has an effect on the number of people through the turnstiles.

Many thanks to Kenny, and we wish him and Bangor City the best of luck for the rest of the season and beyond. Kenny is a regular in our Sunday night chats, and always proves to be one of our more popular on-site celebrities!