Dave Kitson speaks to Yellow Player about his move to Oxford United
Following his signing yesterday, striker Dave Kitson spoke to Yellow Player about his decision to join the U's.
“I felt it was a very good opportunity. It’s fantastic; I played here last season, good crowd, good stadium, good people, I’m looking forward to it. I love playing football. I’m very fortunate to play football for my job as well; I would play football if nobody even paid me. It’s what I’ve been doing for the last 12-14 years and the longer it goes on for the longer I appreciate it. Your time is limited, so this is a great opportunity for me. I feel good. I just want to get a good pre-season in me and get on the pitch and get playing."
David started out at Cambridge United in 2001 and he explained how different things are now:
“It’s all changing even in the time that I’ve been playing. When I started sports science was a really new thing, now clubs at this level and even below have got a sports scientist; it’s all about nutrition, it’s all about looking after yourself, it’s all designed to get the maximum out of your squad, which is what it should all be about. I’m very lucky; I came into a club like this when I was at Cambridge well over 10 years ago and it’s completely different to how it is now, it’s completely changed, it’s so more professional."
When asked about United's chances for next season, David gave a typically thoughtful and erudite response:
“Every club should have ambition. There are only so many places up for grabs and you have to be one of the best teams to get up, that’s how it is. If you don’t get there then you are where you are. We found that at Sheffield United, I found that at Portsmouth, you are where you are and you have to deal with it. We’re in League Two, we want to get out, we’ve fallen short a couple of times and hopefully we’ll get a few more goals, keep a few out at one end and get a few more in the other end, and get a bit more of a buzz around the place.
“I’ve never had any protection from referees for some reason, so I don’t expect any now. I used to play with Dubes [Michael Duberry] at Reading and he used to say then that because he has a reputation people try harder against him. He’s right; I’ve found it more and more since I was 30 and started coming back down the leagues. I found that you still score, you still do okay. Dubes I’m sure did very well, so if anything I think it brings out the best in you.”
Hear the whole interview in Yellow Player right now.