Extratime.ie May First Division Player of the Month: Willie John Kiely
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Willie John Kiely of Waterford United scooped the extratime.ie player of the month award for May following his excellent performances throughout the month. The striker netted 6 goals in all competitions, including one in the EA Sports Cup defeat against Shamrock Rovers. Kiely has been in tremendous form all season and currently is the division’s top-scorer with 10 goals. He took some time to speak to us about his award.
With strike partner Graham Cummins winning the gong last month, what does that say about their partnership?
“Well so far we’ve started very well together, I suppose, the team’s going very well as well. Myself and Graham have accepted the awards on behalf of the team. Fortunately we’re getting the goals and we’ve combined well and so far so good.”
Being part of a successful team is its own reward but how much does it mean for you to be recognized individually?
“Yeah I’m very happy with it, personally, obviously to get an award shows that I’m doing something right and that things are going well, hopefully it can continue.”
Your manager Stephen Henderson has breathed new life into the team and especially in you yourself. Henderson has won our manager of the month award for a second successive month, so what significance has the bosses’ award had and how much have you advanced under him?
“Well it shows how well the team is going. For me personally he just fills you with confidence and tells you to go out on the field and express yourself. He’s a very good manager and training is very good and he just gives belief to the whole squad really, you know, there’s no pressure and everything’s constructive.”
Waterford have a very small squad, you’ve used just 16 players all season but can you remain injury free?
“Well hopefully, with a bit of luck, we can stay injury free. There’s a lot of quality in the squad and time will tell really what’s going to happen with that, unless we bring in a few new players or whatever. So that can be a good thing as well because all the players are playing and everything’s really competitive, you know, there’s a real bite around and an appetite in training.”
The Blues are currently top of the First Division and drawing many favourable comments for their style of football, are you enjoying being a part of this team?
“I am, I was suspended for the first game and I think I’ve started every (other) league game, compared to last season when I was in and out of the team. This year I’m getting a run in the team. We’re playing a different style of football to last season; it’s probably the best football Waterford have played in a few years. Things are going really well and I’m really enjoying being a part of it.”
With strike partner Graham Cummins winning the gong last month, what does that say about their partnership?
“Well so far we’ve started very well together, I suppose, the team’s going very well as well. Myself and Graham have accepted the awards on behalf of the team. Fortunately we’re getting the goals and we’ve combined well and so far so good.”
Being part of a successful team is its own reward but how much does it mean for you to be recognized individually?
“Yeah I’m very happy with it, personally, obviously to get an award shows that I’m doing something right and that things are going well, hopefully it can continue.”
Your manager Stephen Henderson has breathed new life into the team and especially in you yourself. Henderson has won our manager of the month award for a second successive month, so what significance has the bosses’ award had and how much have you advanced under him?
“Well it shows how well the team is going. For me personally he just fills you with confidence and tells you to go out on the field and express yourself. He’s a very good manager and training is very good and he just gives belief to the whole squad really, you know, there’s no pressure and everything’s constructive.”
Waterford have a very small squad, you’ve used just 16 players all season but can you remain injury free?
“Well hopefully, with a bit of luck, we can stay injury free. There’s a lot of quality in the squad and time will tell really what’s going to happen with that, unless we bring in a few new players or whatever. So that can be a good thing as well because all the players are playing and everything’s really competitive, you know, there’s a real bite around and an appetite in training.”
The Blues are currently top of the First Division and drawing many favourable comments for their style of football, are you enjoying being a part of this team?
“I am, I was suspended for the first game and I think I’ve started every (other) league game, compared to last season when I was in and out of the team. This year I’m getting a run in the team. We’re playing a different style of football to last season; it’s probably the best football Waterford have played in a few years. Things are going really well and I’m really enjoying being a part of it.”
About Dean Hayes
Dean covers Waterford United and, due to a challenge from Gareth, writes in an increasingly Gonzo style. Having found himself with a considerable surplus of a culinary herb, Dean founded sister 'site extrathyme.ie some years … View Full Profile