James Tilley has already been ripping it up in his short time as a Wimbledon player, with the man himself feeling that he has finally reached the right destination after a career on the road.
Four goals and an assist in his opening four League Two outings is a return that shows how much our number seven means business – and he feels this is only the beginning for our new-look squad.
During the third episode of our Official Podcast, James discussed the influence of his football-mad family, modelling his game on the world’s best and much more in a wide-ranging interview.
YOU CAN LISTEN TO THE EPISODE – WHICH ALSO FEATURES JOHHNIE JACKSON AND KEVIN FOSTER – BY CLICKING HERE.
BREAKING THE ICE
I’ve settled in really well. Everyone has made me feel really welcome, with the trip to Spain really helping that.
WHY WIMBLEDON?
I spoke to a lot of people before coming here. Wimbledon’s a big club, with a massive following and history. Craig Cope outlined what we wanted to do this season, provided an overview of the players we’d brought in – the whole thing excited me.
CAREER ON THE ROAD
I’ve travelled a lot. I’ve been living out of a suitcase from a young age. I never felt like I’d reached my potential. It’s hard to move away from home that young. Football is not an easy profession.
The move to Grimsby probably wasn’t the right move for me. I was on loan at Yeovil Town with Terry Skiverton – maybe I should’ve stayed there. I decided I wanted to play League football. I made my debut when I was 16 at Brighton and I thought that was going to be it.
It was under Chris Hughton and I thought I had a real chance there. It all fizzled out. I found myself stagnating in their Under-23s, I thought it was time to get out and have a fresh start. I was at Grimsby for two months and then COVID hit, so that stopped everything.
AN UP AND DOWN TIME
There were a lot of changes. There were a lot of things that the players (at Crawley Town) had to go through, it was very mentally draining at times. Last season was tough, we went through five managers.
All of them wanted to play different styles of football, which meant we never had a settled team. They all had their preferred players that they wanted to bring in. We managed to stay up which was the main thing in the end.
A FOOTBALL FAMILY
My Dad is the chairman of Billinghurst Football Club, he loves it, he’s always over at the club cutting the pitches. He’s never at home! Whenever I go round to see my parents it’s just my Mum at home, I don’t even have to ask where he is.
My Brother played in the county leagues for Billinghurst and other teams at that level. I used to go with my Mum to watch him when I was younger. We’ve always been a proper footballing family. My Mum and Dad have travelled god knows how far over the years. I’m thankful. I’ve been in football since I was really young, I’ve never thought about anything else.
MODELLING MY GAME
Wayne Rooney was who I idolized. He’s a different player to me but Rooney, Ronaldinho, those two were always my favourite players growing up. Obviously I always watched a lot of left-footed players like Arjen Robben and Lionel Messi. You watch them and try to pick up little bits from their games.
I’ve always been a winger/number 10, I’ve always been an attacking player. I’ve played wing-back for some managers as well and I can play central midfield if required.
A STRONG START
I’m buzzing. It’s been a really good start. The song given to me by the fans has given me extra confidence to be fair. I think it’s the group that has really helped me to settle in and express myself on the pitch. I’m not the loudest off the pitch but on it is where I do the talking.
It also comes down to the gaffer, Terry and (Rob) Tuvey putting us in a position where we know exactly what to do. We have clear pictures in our head about how they want us to play.
THE CHANGING ROOM
There’s a wide array of personalities. I’ve gravitated towards a lot of the news boys, people like Omar (Bugiel), Reevsey (Jake Reeves) and Johno (Ryan Johnson), but to be fair I get on well with everyone. I can be myself.
THE NEUFVILLE CONNECTION
Josh is class. When you get him one v one I just go and get into the box to be honest with you. I know he’ll beat his man and get it into the box. That’s a massive thing for wingers, you need to make sure you get in back post as there’s a lot of tap ins.
OMAR THE TERRIBLE
He’s the scariest player I’ve played against. I’d hate to play against him. Imagine being a centre-back playing against him! You wouldn’t want him breathing down your neck! Off the pitch he’s a lovely guy but as soon as he steps on it he’s a different man. He’s like a man possessed!
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO ACHIEVE?
I want us to have a successful season. We know within the dressing room that we’ve got the ability to push on up the league. The players coming off the bench are affecting games. That’s what you need to be a good squad. For me personally I want to enjoy my football.
