Jamie Walker says Town can take plenty of encouragement from Tuesday evening’s 2-2 draw with Rochdale as the Mariners prepare to travel to Gillingham in Sky Bet League Two on Saturday.
Walker was on the scoresheet at Spotland, firing Town into a 2-1 lead with an excellent strike from the edge of the box after Kieran Green had restored parity. However, Rochdale found a late equaliser to leave the Mariners frustrated at taking just a point despite creating numerous opportunities.
The midfielder reflected on the performance, discussed adapting to a new role in the side and explained how the squad are responding to the current injury situation. He also spoke about his developing coaching career and looked ahead to the challenge of facing Gareth Ainsworth’s Gillingham.
You can watch Jamie’s full pre-Gillingham interview here:
Here’s everything Jamie had to say ahead of Saturday’s fixture…
On the draw at Rochdale
Walker admitted there was disappointment within the dressing room after Town were unable to turn an encouraging performance into three points, although he believes the display provided a positive response following a difficult run of results.
The midfielder was particularly pleased with the commitment shown by the players, which he felt was reflected in the reaction of the travelling supporters at full-time.
“I think there was a bit of disappointment that we never got the three points, which I thought we probably deserved from the match.
“Obviously, it was great to stop the rot of three or four defeats on the bounce, but overall, there was a little bit of disappointment that we never won the game.
“I think you could see from the fans’ reaction, throughout the game and after the game, that they saw a team that gave everything to win the football match.
“Unfortunately, we didn’t do it in the end, but the reaction from the supporters and the effort and commitment that the lads put into the match could never have been in question.
“Sometimes in football, you don’t get what you deserve, and hopefully come Saturday we can get the three points rather than one.”
On an entertaining contest at Spotland
Both sides created opportunities in an open encounter, with Town twice taking the lead before Rochdale rescued a point late on.
Walker enjoyed the contest and felt the Mariners had done enough to edge the game on the chances created, while acknowledging the quality of the opposition.
“It was a great game for the neutral. I think it was two teams trying to play the game the right way, two teams that wanted to win the football match, with chances at both ends.
“It was an end-to-end game and really enjoyable to play in. I think, on the chances created, we maybe just edged it, but I don’t think you could begrudge Rochdale another point out of the game.”
On adapting to a different role
Town adopted a back three for the trip to Rochdale, with Walker operating in a deeper midfield role as David Artell adapted his system amid the Club’s ongoing injury problems.
The midfielder enjoyed the change and believes the squad demonstrated their ability to adjust to different tactical demands, even with limited preparation.
“I enjoyed it. Obviously, I’ve played that deeper midfield role quite a lot since I came to the football club. It’s something that’s pretty new to me and that I haven’t played a lot of over the course of my career.
“Off the back of past results, we’ve probably needed to change a few things. With the injuries, we probably didn’t have the personnel to play what we usually play.
“We’ve got lads who can adapt and a few lads who are clever footballers. As you saw on the day, for it being the first time we played that shape, I thought we adapted quite well and looked a bit more like our usual selves.”
Walker added that while he naturally wants to get forward and contribute goals, he is happy to play wherever he can help the team.
“I think I’m a pretty intelligent footballer. I try to use my brain when I’m on the pitch, but it is probably a different role or position to what I’m used to.
“Obviously, I want to try getting in the box and creating and scoring goals, but I’m just happy to be playing. I’ve had a run of games in the team now and hopefully I can kick on from here.”
On his goal against Rochdale
Walker produced one of the standout moments of Tuesday evening, finding the net with a superb strike from outside the penalty area to put Town ahead.
The midfielder was delighted to be back among the goals, particularly after coming close with a similar effort against Northampton Town.
“It’s been a while. Obviously, it’s always nice to score. I took the kids to the game and they were waiting to be singing my name, so it’s a great feeling.
“I had one at Northampton on the edge of the box that hit the bar, so I was delighted to see that one hit the back of the net and put us 2-1 up in the game.
“I’m delighted to be back among the goals.”
Walker has always backed himself to score from distance and hopes to add more goals to his tally as the campaign progresses.
“I always back myself when I get into those situations. I think I’ve got decent enough technique, and I showed that on Tuesday night.
“Obviously, I want to try and score a few more goals than I’ve been scoring, but as long as I’m in the team, playing well and helping the team head in the right direction, then I’m happy.”
On the squad’s response to the injury crisis
Town continue to contend with several defensive absences, with Doug Tharme and Edon Pruti among those facing spells on the sidelines.
However, Walker believes the squad has the strength and character to deal with the situation, pointing to the performances of players who have stepped into the side in recent weeks.
“I think a lot of lads have maybe been in this situation before, and it’s not something new within football. We have a lot of injuries, and obviously it’s disappointing, especially the bad injuries that Doug and Edon have suffered.
“But I think we need to remain focused and remain calm. The people who can change the results and performances are the people who are available.
“We’ve still got a good group of lads. Joe came in on Tuesday night and I thought he was absolutely brilliant, so it shows the strength in depth that we have.
“I’m sure everyone who travels to Gillingham will be itching to play and itching to get three points.”
Walker also believes the difficult spell has provided an opportunity for the more experienced members of the squad to lead by example, with both he and Green getting on the scoresheet at Rochdale.
“When you’re winning games, it’s easy. I think when you’re up against it and things aren’t going your way, that’s when you see the true characteristics of a person, a player or a member of staff.
“As you saw on Tuesday, I think it shows the character we’ve got in the group. Everyone gave everything to try and win the football match, but unfortunately, in the end, we weren’t able to do it.”
On taking confidence from Tuesday’s performance
Although Town were disappointed not to claim victory, Walker believes there were clear signs that the side are moving in the right direction after a challenging run.
The midfielder felt the performance was much closer to the team’s usual standards and hopes the Mariners can build on that at Priestfield.
“I think there was a little bit of disappointment. No matter what run you’re on, if you concede a goal late on and drop two points, there’s always going to be that disappointment within the group.
“But I think there was a bit of confidence within the group in terms of getting back to playing how we play. It looked a lot more like us than it had in recent weeks, so that’s a positive to take from the game.
“Of course, we wanted to get three points, but hopefully on Saturday we can go one better.”
On developing his coaching career
Away from his playing responsibilities, Walker has begun to take a greater interest in coaching, working with players in his own Academy.
The midfielder explained how his enthusiasm for coaching has grown over time and praised the support he has received from the Club’s coaching staff, including David Artell and Ray Shearwood.
“I enjoy it. Obviously, I’m a little bit older now. When I was maybe 24 or 25, I didn’t really enjoy coaching that much and never really took that much interest in it.
“But now I’ve got more involved in my Academy and it’s going well. It’s quite busy, we’ve got some good young kids, and I think the gaffer and the coaching staff here have been brilliant with me on that side of it as well.
“They’ve been giving me sessions and little bits of advice, and Ray’s been really good as well. I’m enjoying that side of it away from the game.”
Walker revealed that the coaching staff are always available to offer guidance, drawing on their experience of developing young players.
“More of it comes from me and what I want. I know Ray’s been involved in coaching in the Academy and developing younger kids, and the gaffer’s obviously been at Crewe doing that.
“They’re two good shoulders to lean on. If I ever need anything, from sessions to whatever else, they’re always there to help, and I’m always grateful.”
While he has not yet decided whether coaching will become his long-term career after football, Walker insisted his immediate focus remains on playing.
“I’m not 100 per cent sure. Obviously, I do enjoy it, and as I get older it’s become more enjoyable for me. It’s something I’ve taken a lot more interest in.
“But my full focus is still on playing. As you saw on Tuesday night, I think I’ve still got a lot to give, and when the time comes to hang up my boots, then I’ll make that decision.”
On the challenge of facing Gillingham
Town travel to Priestfield looking to build on their performance against Rochdale, but Walker expects a different challenge against a Gillingham side who have lost just once at home this season.
The midfielder anticipates the hosts will look to put the Mariners under pressure early and use a more direct approach, but believes Town have no reason to fear the challenge.
“I think pretty much what we did on Tuesday. Especially in this league, if you want to win football matches, you need to be committed. You’ve got to work hard and get the better of your opponent.
“When we’re playing like that, we’re a little bit on the edge and everyone’s giving everything. I think that feeds into how we play, and you end up seeing the best version of us.
“Last year, Gillingham were a bit more direct. I think they’ll put pressure on us early. They’ll be at home and, obviously, we haven’t been on the best run, so I think they’ll go a bit more direct and put us under pressure.
“That’s something we’ll need to deal with, but we went there last year and got a good result. There’s nothing to be afraid of, and everyone’s looking forward to it.”
Walker expects Gareth Ainsworth’s side to pose a different test to Rochdale, with Town set to analyse their opponents in detail before travelling to Kent.
“They’re hard-working and like to get the ball forward quickly, probably a little bit more direct than Rochdale. Obviously, we’re facing a different opposition, but we’ll get into the meeting and see where we can hurt them.
“I think they might play the same way because it’s the same manager, although the personnel will probably be a little bit different from last year. They’re on a better run than they were when we went there last season, so those are all things we need to take into account.
“I’m sure the gaffer will do his work, we’ll do our work, and we’ll go there full of confidence.”
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