As part of our ‘Celebrating Success’ series at Stockport County Academy, we caught up with our April Player of the Month winner: Dan Birch. In the interview, we spoke with Dan about his recent performances, and his targets going forward!
Dan congratulations on winning April’s Player of the Month. How do you feel?
DB: It’s a great feeling to see my hard work and good performances recently have been noticed by the coaches, and to have been awarded player of the month award. I’m very happy.
You’ve been getting quite a lot of praise recently from your coach Paul Turnbull, how does that make you feel to hear compliments like that from your coach?
DB: Being praised by Bully definitely gives me lots of confidence to express myself in matches, and I definitely think I have improved a lot since he became my coach.
So the end of your first year is fast approaching. What are you looking to do at the end of your time here, what will be your next steps? A career in sport?
DB: Well, it’s always been my dream to be a professional footballer and so it would be amazing to achieve that dream at Stockport County but if not I could look elsewhere or even choose a different career in sport like being a coach or a physio.
With your time here at the academy so far, what would you say has been your favourite moment?
DB: During my first year at the academy, my favourite moment was definitely the goal I scored in a win against Halifax (pictured) for the top first year squad, that one meant a lot and it was great to celebrate with my teammates.
And lastly Dan, what are your expectations and targets for next season?
DB: My targets for next year would definitely be to push on into Michael Raynes’s first-team and make an appearance in the FA Youth Cup. I will also aim to keep getting merits on all my assignments off the pitch too.
Thanks Dan! It’s been great catching up with you today, and we’re all looking forward to seeing how you get on next season!
