In an interview with Brig, University of Stirling Football captain Lewis Hunter has encouraged more students to support the team in the upcoming season, with the promise of exciting football.
Reflecting on the season past, he claims that the final league standings do not accurately reflect a season that had many highs, “I would say last season overall was good, with basically a new team with new young players and a new manager, we got off to a good start with some good results and performances.
After Christmas we went through a phase of bad results, which was probably what caused the league position we finished in. However, we finished the season strong beating East Kilbride, stopping them winning the league, showing what we can do. I would say we performed well against the bigger teams and lesser so against the so called ‘weaker teams’.”
The club are heading into their second season under manager Chris Geddes, as well as this being Hunter’s second season with the armband, but he does not feel that the upcoming season will be any less of a challenge than the last.
“The league is stronger again this season, so I would say finishing in the top half and making a push on the top six would be our aim and what we would regard as a ‘successful season’. It will be tough due to having a very young team that doesn’t have the experience of those round about us but we know that we are more than capable.
We would also like to do a bit better in the BUCS Cup this season on Wednesday nights.”
Entering his final year at the university, Lewis claims that the club has set him well for the future, both on and off the field. “I think the scholarship program is a good way to combine a degree and also having the opportunity to play football almost every day. The facilities are great and it’s a great environment to learn and improve in.”
He feels that the environment at the club at the minute is part of what makes playing for the university so enjoyable, “It’s a good group of boys, probably the best I’ve played with. A good manager who trusts the team and you get to challenge yourself every weekend in a good league.
I, personally, quite like the pressure of trying to get better and winning every single day and I feel that the group shares that mentality.”
Something that may help the team in their search for success this season is a greater number of students attending the home fixtures to support the side. Hunter feels that with the club’s base moving back to Forthbank in Stirling that it should make it easier to get to for those looking to attend, but the university should do more to try and promote the games.
“I think it’s important to get more support and encourage more people to come watch. With the team moving back to Forthbank in Stirling it should be easier to come watch, I would say though that’s something the uni need to advertise more and to be fair from what I have heard they are working on it.”
Those who do go are promised an exciting brand of football, with the captain stating “I think we play football the right way. We are positive going forward and we move the ball fast.” It promises to be an exciting season for the team and with it being right on your doorstep, then why not go along and support the team that represents you.
