Harry Waldock knows the importance of remaining grounded following Gillingham's 3-0 victory against Bristol Rovers at MEMS Priestfield Stadium on Saturday.
The academy graduate was pleased with the level of the performance against a strong Bristol Rovers team, but he repeated the overriding message from manager Gareth Ainsworth, which was to remain level-headed as the Gills continue their strong start to the campaign.
Waldock, who was voted the 'Sponsors' Man of the Match', played in a role behind the striker on Saturday. The 19-year-old spoke on how much he is enjoying playing in that position, but admits he is happy to be out there on the pitch and willing to do any role that helps the team.
Having been with the Football Club since the age of 11, Waldock discussed the pride he felt when he heard the supporters chanting his name, and looked towards Tuesday's EFL Trophy tie with Cambridge United and the importance that trophy holds for younger members of the squad as they break through into the first-team.
Remaining level-headed...
The result itself, a 3-0 win against a Steve Evans' Bristol Rovers side, who have been sort of flying this season, is brilliant, but the way that we played as well. Our performance was really good. Defensively, we were so solid. Going forward, we are creating so many opportunities, but the Gaffer has gone down there and said, 'I am really happy with the result, but don't get too high and don't get too low. If we remain level-headed throughout the season, it is going to put us in really good stead.'
That is what we are focusing on doing.
If you get too high, you become a bit more complacent in everything that you do. Whether that be in training or the game. If we can remain level-headed, then we know that we are in a really good place.
Playing further forward...
I am really enjoying it. I don't mind playing in any position on the pitch. If I am playing, I am playing, then I am really happy. I feel like it gives me more freedom in a way. I love making runs in behind the defence, whether that be once the full-back gets it and I make a run. I feel like that is really helping us as a team as well; breaking the lines.
I am really enjoying it, building relationships and getting that exposure in a different position.
I have played an eight role previously, which is what I have been doing. There have been a few times in the youth team where I did the ten role, but for example, in training, you always understand the role, so being put there for me was never an alien feeling because I knew what it took to play there.
The supporters chanting his name...
The fans have been amazing, and to hear that since coming here from 11 years old, is an amazing feeling for me.
I don't think you can really [describe the feeling]. You sort of feel so many emotions. Pride and happiness, but as I said, I was sitting there as an 11-year-old as a ball boy in games, and even last year, seeing Galey [Sam Gale] getting the success that he did. Pride is the overwhelming feeling.
Looking to Tuesday night EFL Trophy fixture against Cambridge, and the importance of the game for younger players...
I remember coming in as a second-year scholar and playing for 45 minutes, and getting that first-team exposure was massive because you understand the pace of the game, the intensity of the game, and what it requires.
Going into the game, you treat it as any other game. You want to win the game; we want to keep on pushing from where we are, and we are not going to treat it any differently.
Harry's exclusive with Gills TV can be seen here.
