Chris Gunter has played with some of the greats of the modern game - and he can see real potential in two of our academy graduates.
Having joined us last summer, it’s already been a landmark season for Gunts. He passed 700 career appearances and went to the World Cup in Qatar as a member of the Welsh squad, where Gareth Bale went two better and overtook him as their most-capped player on 111. He’s also helped us keep seven clean sheets in League Two so far this season.
While Gunts will have some special memories to reflect upon one day, especially when representing his country, right now he’s impressed by the next generation of defenders in their breakthrough season with us.
“You wouldn’t know it was Jack Currie and Huseyin Biler’s first taste of first team football,” said Gunts. “They look the same as anyone else at this level with their performances. I think JC set a real marker down for a lot of people at this club and younger players for taking his chance. I think he’s been superb all season. His level of performances have been amazing.
“That’s probably had a knock-on effect with Hus, seeing that JC can do it and setting that standard. Those two have been superb and will go on to have really good footballing careers because they don’t get carried away with doing well.
“They want to learn and are open to learning, so I'm keen to help whenever I can. One of the most important things for young players is their attitude and those two have certainly got it.”
“There’s a lot of good people in and around the club, everybody is really humble. They want each other to do well and when you’ve got that in a club, it’s a powerful thing.
“The next goal for me is the weekend and after that the game on Tuesday. From experience, if you look too far ahead you can never predict what’s going to happen. I’ve always been a real short-term thinker.”
“Whatever happens, happens. The most important thing is Saturday and after that it’ll be the next game and then rolling on like that. All that looking back will be for when I’m long retired.
“For people to say it’s amazing to have reached a certain number of games – you’re a footballer paid to do that. So, I never see it as a huge pat on the back because that’s my job and I put everything into it. It’s a nice landmark to reach, but wins are more important to me.
“With football, you play a game, you enjoy it for a short time and you’re instantly looking at the next one. There’s no time really to take in what’s going on. You’re always looking forward. At the moment, there’s always another game.”
Photos: Pro Sports Images.
Listen to an in-depth interview with Chris Gunter below, via the link to our official YouTube channel, in which he also talks about playing for Wales.