Shot stopper Ross Fitzsimons gives an insight into his impressive start to the season.
The Iron’s strong start to the campaign has led the side to be table toppers after six games played: “It’s a great start, it was really important that we did so, and we’ve only lost one game so it’s really good.”
Since joining on a free transfer from National League play-off finalists Chesterfield, he’s made several standout performances and some incredible saves which have allowed the Iron to collect 13 points from a possible 18.
He stated this when asked how he personally feels he has performed: “I think I’ve done well. It’s difficult sometimes as a 'keeper because you’re not as involved as you perhaps want to be. I just need to stay focused in every game and then when I’m called upon, I can perform.”
Fitzsimons has competition for places between the sticks, as Aaron Chapman is more than capable to perform at this level. When questioned if there is added pressure to perform as a result of the competition, he responded by saying: “There’s pressure. It’s the weight of the football club and the expectations, after recent years put massive pressure on the both of us but it’s shown throughout the lads as well."
Chants of "super Fitzsimons in goal" have been ringing around Glanford Park of late. When asked how it feels to know that he already has the fans backing he replied by saying: “It’s really nice and it does help.
"There’s obviously nothing worse than when the fans aren’t on your side and I’ve been in situations like that before, but we’re all doing really well at the moment so hopefully it keeps on going.
Iron manager Jimmy Dean has mentioned on numerous occasions how key momentum can be throughout the National League North campaign and Fitzsimons who has gained vast experience over the course of his career knows exactly what it takes to gain the promotion. He continued: “Of course it is. In this league anyone can beat anyone, and it’s just really important that we keep putting in the good performances.
“I believe that we’re one of the only full-time teams in this division so we need to ensure we use that to our advantage as much as we possibly can this season.”
The Iron have had a busy summer in which 12 additions have been made to bolster Jimmy Dean’s squad.
Given the positive start to the season, Fitzsimons was asked if he believed that the current squad has what it takes to achieve the goals that have been set for this campaign: “Definitely. If we keep doing what we’re doing and don’t take our foot off the gas, then I don’t see why this team couldn’t compete in even the league above.”