Nick Wright previews this weekend's clash between York City Knights and Hull FC
Alex Reid looks at whether the once ever-present appearance of English clubs in the later stages of the Champions League is set to become a thing of the past
Craig Dobson looks at QPR's decision to sack Neil Warnock and replace him with Mark Hughes
James Tompkinson reviews an excellent pre-season victory for the York City Knights against Yorkshire rivals Leeds Rhinos
The Yorker caught up with winger Henry Smith and goalkeeper Andrew Emmerson as they took lunch; both wary of the importance a good diet can play when preparing for a big game, they humbly shared a vanilla slice. Such an act of fiscal modesty seemed a rare occurrence for the outlandish Emmerson, who’s oversized, brash wristwatch hinted at an attention seeking guy who’s on field antics have sometimes infuriated players and fans alike.
One such incident was the 3-2 loss at home to UCLAN, an even game marred by two howlers from Emmerson, the second of which gave the away team a winner just minutes from the 90th minute. He was honest in his assessment saying “I’ve been thinking about last time, and sure I may be a little nervous on the coach tomorrow. Even in training I was making sure my technique was right and I didn’t let any in through my legs. But I’m a better, more experienced player now, as is the team, so I’m confident”
Smith agreed with this sentiment adding “We’re a whole different team from earlier in the season when we were dropping points regularly. The players are the same but we’ve clicked”
As for the opponents both players went to watch them beat York St John 3-0 in the previous round but Emmerson said they couldn’t suss out much: “The conditions were really windy so it wasn’t a great game, and St John made 2 defensive errors for 2 goals and the other was a screamer so we’ll have to see what they’re like”
BUSA Plate is bigger than Roses
Henry Smith, who’s only just returned from a calf injury, warned: “Their right-back was perhaps the player who stood out most so we’ll hope Alex Cooper is at his best to pin him back”
Much talk was made over whether Varsity held any significance compared to Roses, with obvious conclusions, however when the Yorker asked if this could compare to Roses, Smith was adamant that “this BUSA Plate is bigger than Roses. It means more to me; we’ve fought hard to get where we are in this nationally recognised competition and it could be my last ever BUSA game”
Emmerson believes “The NUL Cup is good, we won it last year, but it’s the BUSA cup that we care about most. These combined into one fixture mean it’s at least as big as Roses”
As for the key players tomorrow both Smith and Emmerson highlighted “Johnny Mac (McWilliams), Brummy Matt (Witherwick), and Gouland” as form players though Emmerson is keen to prove his worth. Gouland is currently the club’s top scorer with 12 but with the 2nds and 3rds also playing their NUL Cup games tomorrow the pressure could be on the striker with few games to go. His most likely competitor is 3rds player Tam Sherif who said “I’ll score to tomorrow, definitely. Insha’Allah (God willing)”
The Yorker will bring you news tomorrow of how all three teams get on, with match reports to follow later in the week.
Emmerson has been torn to shreds in this article, sounds to me like he's lucky to be wearing the number 1 jersey.
Observing the interview today I can confirm that NO vanilla slices were consumed by either Emmerson or Smith.
comment deleted by the author Yeah, I agree, no doubt Gardner was the writer of the first comment!
It was vanilla slice all round. But, to Smith's dismay, they were all out of scones...
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