by Martin Shaw » Tue Aug 09, 2022 3:10 pm
the interview hasn't been written up anywhere else, so I've transcribed it for the News archive:
Anthony Hartigan talks to iFollow Stags
Q: Why did you come here?
"The staff worked hard and showed a really keen interest to get me in. I want to be part of a successful team.
"It was a difficult decision to leave AFC Wimbledon. But I needed a change, a different working environment. A different test for myself.
"I want to get back to my old self and hit the levels I know I'm capable of.
"We had a few good cup runs (at AFC Wimbledon), and playing at Wembley against Tottenham was a highlight.
"The relegation last year was the lowest point in my career, something I never want to happen again.
"Last season was a stop-start season for me. Up to Christmas was really good, I had good performances. But we couldn't seem to get a win after Christmas. I had a few injuries after Christmas and it was stop-start for me.
"I see myself as someone who likes to be creative, get on the ball, work hard.
"I played quite deep in midfield last season. I can play in the holding role, but I can also see myself getting forward and using my energy to get up and down the pitch.
"I take massive pride in my set pieces, it's a big part of my game. I try to practice and practice. We scored from a load of free kicks last year. Also from a direct shooting position as well.
"I've been training with a Strength & Conditioning coach, one of my friends called No (?spelling), I've been training with him 5 times per week.
"You can only do so much training by yourself but I feel that I'm at a good place physically to get straight involved."
Q: What's your aim here?
"To get promoted."
"Four points clear as Lincoln are McCaffreyised", CHAD headline, April 1975