After two months away from action, Mason Winter is ‘raring to go’ again after making his return to training this week. In our latest interview, we spoke to the defender who is poised to make his big return when Bristol Manor Farm head to Melksham Town on Saturday 16 December for their next league fixture.
“You work all week to play to football on a Saturday because that’s what it’s all about, and when you can’t, it’s a killer,” Winter expressed. “Of course it has been difficult not playing, but it only gives you that buzz to get yourself back ready and playing again. Based on our recent results, You can see we’re a young, attacking side that can be inconsistent at times, and that’s something we can all admit to, but there’s real quality there.
Due to Hamworthy’s dismissal from the Southern League and Frome Town’s progression in the Isuzu FA Trophy, the Farmers have been forced to sit-out the last two Saturdays from action but the break has given Winter the opportunity to familiarise himself with the club’s surroundings.
“For me personally, this break has given me two weeks to train and get used to being back out there again, and hopefully be available for selection for the Melksham game. All I want to do is get back playing again, and my weekends haven’t been the same without it.”
Since joining in 2018, Winter has been a consistent name on the team sheet, and must now call upon his experience to help guide the Farm’s younger players in the ‘relentless’ Southern League.
“Lee always knows that I am going to give 100%, and with some of the senior lads moving on, I am considered to be one of the more experienced players at the club now. Supporters can see that there has been a massive change in age across the squad over the past 18 months, where I’ve gone from being one of the youngest ones, to probably one of the oldest.
“I’m definitely going to relish the challenge because I’ve had older lads to look up to for advice, and I know in myself that I can talk to players and explain how the Southern League works because it’s a relentless league. You have to be consistent and stick at it as there will be highs and lows.
Manor Farm will also get a chance to test their mettle in several other derby matches besides Melksham, including Winter’s former club Larkhall Athletic at Plain Ham and Yate Town on New Years Day.
“Even though we’re in a reset period, we know how busy the Christmas season can be with all of the matches, and the next thing you know, there are games to catch up on in January. You’ll see where people really are after Christmas, and we know that a couple of wins would put us right up there. We’ve got three of four derby games where we’ll need to be 100% at the races, and this two week period has allowed us to rest some legs, work on a few things and get our team fully prepared.”
Everyone at Bristol Manor Farm will be delighted to see Mason back in action for the Farm, and we look forward to seeing everyone at Melksham Town on Saturday 16 December.