After sharpening the tools of his armoury during spells in non-league with Solihull Moors and Yeovil Town, Josh Neufville is geared up for the bright lights of Stamford Bridge.
Our number 11 has quickly endeared himself to Wimbledon fans, with swashbuckling performances on the left wing significantly contributing to our unbeaten start to the season – including a memorable win over local rivals – and Josh’s former club - Sutton United.
Now attentions turn to a highly-anticipated London derby of a different kind as we take on the two-time Champions League winners Chelsea in the second round of the Carabao Cup.
After shocking Coventry City in the last round, Josh has sent out a defiant message – we will be ready.
JOSH, IS THIS THE BIGGEST GAME OF YOU CAREER SO FAR?
Yeah I’d say so. In terms of who it’s against and the size of the stadium. It’s a big game for the football club but so was the one we had against Sutton.
WHERE WERE YOU WHEN THE DRAW WAS MADE AND HOW DID YOU REACT?
I was pretty chilled to be fair! I’d just got out the elevator at the stadium with Ali Al-Hamadi and I knew we were ball number 20. Ali was pretty excited but we have to take it as just another game. It’s another chance for us to impress.
DO YOU FEEL LIKE THERE’S AN IDEAL WAY TO APPROACH A GAME LIKE THIS AND HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT IT AS PLAYERS?
In terms of the preparations of what we do from day to day, there’s not much difference. Tactically we may have to make a few tweaks in relation to the opposition and how good they are on the ball. We know about how much money they’ve spent on young players, that’s probably the difference between the two teams but in terms of going into the game there’s nothing different for us.
CUP UPSETS ARE SYNONYMOUS WITH FOOTBALL IN THIS COUNTRY. HAVE YOU GOT ANY FROM THE PAST THAT STICK OUT IN YOUR MIND?
I remember when Bradford City beat Arsenal at their place. Our focus has to be on putting in a performance and then the result will take care of itself. We’re there for a cup upset and we want to do our fans proud.
The supporters have been a massive part of what we’ve done so far this season. Coming away with us on tour, turning out at the home games, the away games – the numbers that turn up, it’s so beneficial for us. Over 4,000 tomorrow night will drive us on.
YOU’RE PLAYING WITH A SMILE ON YOUR FACE. HOW WOULD YOU RATE YOUR PERFORMANCES SO FAR FROM A PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE?
I think I’ve started off well. It’s about understanding how your teammates play and getting the best out of myself. There’s always things I need to work on and improve in order to perform better. I’m content with my start but there’s things I’d like to be happier with. It’s been a very easy environment to settle into.
HOW MUCH DID THAT WIN OVER SUTTON UNITED MEAN TO YOU AND OMAR BUGIEL?
It was a win over our former club and we knew what it meant to our fans. It meant a lot to the team because that was our second win of the season. It topped off a good week of back-to-back wins. I also knew personally how tough it is to go there and get a result. I was a convincing win, 3-0 away, it’s hard to top that.
YOUR MUM AND DAD ARE YOUR NUMBER ONE FANS. HOW DO THEY KEEP YOU GROUNDED?
They’re what it’s about for me. They’ve travelled up and down the country to watch me throughout my career. Their support is invaluable to me.
I always told them that I wanted to be a footballer when I was younger but Dad probably wanted me to dabble in athletics a bit more than I did but it was always going to be football that I’d go for.
HOW DO YOU SWITCH OFF AWAY FROM THE PITCH AND HOW HAVE YOU FOUND THE HOUSE SHARE SO FAR?
I’m sharing with Ryan McLean at the moment. Off the pitch for me is more about recovery in terms of being ready for the next game. It’s crucial when you’re playing so many games in such a small period. I had a bad injury a few years ago which taught me to be more disciplined with my recovery.
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