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| Luke Graham Being Interviewed At Grimsby Last January |
In an extended interview with BBC Hereford and Worcester, Luke Graham has said that he pleased that he's signed another contract with Hereford United and is looking forward to his extra responsibilty at Edgar Street.
"It's always good to get things sorted out well in time before the season starts," said Graham.
"I'm going to enjoy my responsibilty as captain, I'm going to enjoy my extra responsibilty of coaching which I think is coming at the right sort of time for me.
"I think Hereford is one of the bigger clubs in this league and I didn't want to swap that for a club with new surroundings, new managers. It's never guaranteed to work out.
"As a person, as a footballer, as a coach, I think the right place to be is at Hereford this season."
Terry Goodwin then asked Graham 'how the coaching thing came about.'
"I've known Martin (Foyle) for a few years and he's well aware I've done all my badges and my licence.
"I like to learn about the game and keep learning. I've always been keen to add strings to my bow.
"Last year I had the task of getting everyone on board and getting the team spirit going and there were a lot of times when I had chats with the management over certain areas. That was above the normal role of a captain. I think the gaffer knew I could add value and he could trust me.
"It's not going to be a massive role that takes me away from my football but at 27 I've hopefully got my peak years ahead of me.
"It's a bit of defensive coaching, I love keeping clean sheets and keeping it tight at the back.
"The defenders we are bringing in will be very young, we can't afford experienced players, that's where my job comes in, trying to pass the experience I've had to the younger players.
"If the gaffer needs me to watch a game and I've got the time, then I will do."
Graham feels the club has turned the corner after last season when finances reached rock-bottom and players and staff had to wait for their wages.
"Season ticket sales have been amazing.
"When we all left in April and everything was up in the air, when there's uncertainty you really need to stick together.
"The fans buying so many season tickets has helped the players. 900 people already coming to games makes a massive difference to decisions.
"Knowing how small the wages are going to be this year and the budget is not going to be as big, if there is a shortfall we're only taking of a couple of thousand whereas last year there were times when we were £30K short."
Next Graham was asked about his call up to the University squad which is going to Russia next month.
"I heard about it quite a while back and I went over it with the Gaffer.
"There will be a massive rang of players, there might be a few gems there in our university squad who might be looking to move up to full-time level.
"By time I come back I could have played in eight games, I might need a little rest. I'll miss the first few weeks of pre-season, there will be three or four weeks left."
Finally with all his committments including studying at Stafford University, Graham was asked if he had any time to rest over the summer.
"I went to America with my girl-friend. We did a road trip from San Franciso to Vegas.
"Not getting paid wasn't the right time, I probably spent a bit too much that I didn't have!
"But I needed it after last season."
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