Player Focus on Ian Fleming

Another impressive display in right midfield by Ian Fleming saw him awarded the Fountainbridge man of the match in the defeat to league leaders United Edinburgh last Sunday. Since joining the club pre-season Fleming has proved to be a versatile player, taking up positions on both flanks as well as in attack. One of the most consistent performers for The Bridge spoke today about his feelings on playing for the club;

“I’m delighted to be playing for Fountainbridge and also delighted to be back playing competitive football again after a good few years out. I think the team so far this season has done reasonable well when you take into account it is our first season and some of the guys - including myself - have not played for some years. One thing that does stand out for me though is the team spirit and togetherness that we have and that was one of the main reasons I signed for the team.”

And when asked about how he thinks the side can do this season Ian replied;
“I think our main aim is to avoid finishing bottom of the table, but I think if we keep playing the way we can then we should be looking to get as close to mid table as possible. The reason I say I say that is that the difference in the team now compared to a few months ago is massive - and in the second half of the season I can see us picking up a lot more points.”

Ian also had some kind words for the staff who work behind the scenes at the club.
“The set up at the club is great and the work that both John and Laurie put in is fantastic and very much appreciated by all the squad. Also the website is great and adds a little glamour to the team.”

Ian has made the right midfield slot his own so far this season, but he is capable of playing on either side of the midfield as well as through the middle. When discussing his favoured position on the park and his where he is most effective he replied;
“To be honest I don’t really have a preference between the different positions and I am more than happy to play where needed and will always try my best to help the team. If I had to pick my ideal position I would have to say it would be just behind the strikers but in front of the midfield - in the “hole” as they call it - as I like the freedom of moving from one side to the other and also a strong part of my game is my set up play, so that suits that position. At the moment I’m playing right midfield and I am very happy there, although strangely enough even though I am right footed I prefer to play on the left as I feel stronger on that side. But like I said I’m happy playing wherever needed - although I don’t think I’m much of a defender!”

Ian impressed during pre-season in attack, although one thing a lot of his team mates wouldn’t let him live down easily was a penalty miss against the Brig Inn. When asked if Ian would be prepared to step up and take another penalty if need be he said;
“I would take another one no problem. I am actually quite good at penalties but I don’t think I’ll adopt the “laces through it approach” as it doesn’t really work for me. If I had the same penalty again I would probably do exactly what I did the last time but making sure I hit it cleanly with the inside of my foot instead of the inside of my heel - which is why I missed last time. But I can always thrive on the 25-yard goal I scored pre-season and say penalties are too easy for me, ha ha.”

This weekend The Bridge take on The Stand in a match which will take place pretty close to home for Ian in Musselburgh. When asked about how he was feeling about his side’s chances ahead of the match he said;
“I am quite confident ahead of the game because the reality is that we have played 5 of the top teams in the league and with the exception of one team we gave all the rest a real good run for their money, even though sometimes the score line didn’t suggest it. I think it’s very important for us to pick up points from the teams around us in the league and I feel that we have some really strong, good players in out team and there is no reason why we can’t beat the teams around us."

Being that the pitch at Fisherrow is literally 30 seconds from Ian’s front door he was also asked about what he knew on the surface and conditions there.
“The pitches there are actually quite good and a lot better than some we have played on. They are very open and the wind may cause problems, but if we stick to what we are good at and play the ball on the ground then we shouldn’t have many problems with the wind."

Finally Ian spoke of targets and goals for both the team and himself, about the league and also the cups this season.
“As I said before the aim has got to be not to finish bottom but I’m aiming for close to mid table. For me the cup games are a bonus and I don’t think we should concern ourselves too much with them as the teams in the cup are a bit of a mix and match so it’s hard to judge yourself against them.”
“For me so far I have been pleased with my contribution to the team and I feel I have played pretty well in most of the games, but I would like to improve my finishing as I could add more of this to my game. Something which I am already working on is my heading of the ball as this is probably the weakest part of my game but I will get better at both these things with the more games I play and training sessions I do. I just want to get out thee every training session and every Sunday and play well, contribute to the team as much as possible but mostly enjoy the football.”

Everyone in tangerine and black on Sunday will certainly hope it is an enjoyable day for Ian and his team mates.

Other Player Focus
Laurie Dunsire
Barry Fearn
Keith Alexander