Ahead of United's televised clash with Wigan Athletic on Saturday (16th April), James Brophy discussed life at United, as well as looking ahead to the game...
On United’s season…
“It’s been good, it’s been a really good season and we’re in a really good position right now. We can enjoy the last four games, we’re lucky that the opposition we’ve got in the final four are all big games that we can enjoy.
“The most important thing going into the season was ensuring that we maintained our League One status, and we’ve mathematically done that now.
“Both Wigan and Sunderland away are two fixtures that jump out at the start of the season and it’s nice we can go there and enjoy ourselves without too much pressure. Hopefully we can ruin a few parties!”
On staying fit throughout the season…
“Our strength and conditioning coach will probably argue with my preparation for games!
“It’s nice to be able to play as many games as I have, especially given I got into professional football later than others, so I guess I have a lot of catching up to do. It’s what you want to do, play as many games as you can.
“I think there’s positives to being versatile, but it’s always nice for your momentum when you’re playing in one position throughout.
“The boss wasn’t lying when he said I’d be playing left wing all season! It’s been a nice outcome, I’ve enjoyed it.
On adding more goals to his game…
“My stats returns haven’t been what I wanted them to be this season, I feel like there’s been phases throughout the season where I’ve generated good momentum and chances for the team.
“I do feel like my game is more to create for our team, but I know myself that I have to add more goals and assists to my game if I want to progress further.
“I think it’s been an OK first season, but I’ll be looking to push on more next season to get a better return.
“We need to give huge credit to Joey and Sam especially for their goal output this season, It’s really helped us to lay the foundations of our good season, but if we can get everyone contributing then we can push on even more.
On the memories created this season…
“Newcastle was unexpected, but it was a lovely memory, to be honest I really enjoyed Ipswich last week, I think that was a really nice win with a great performance and atmosphere.
“The memories created this year will be the ones we look back at next season, with the aim of creating more.
“The boss has to take credit for our game plans in our big wins this season, we just have to go out there and execute them! Those two games [Newcastle & Ipswich] we executed them perfectly and made them as comfortable as we could given the challenges we were up against.
“The group arrived at Newcastle actually really confident, I’ve never seen a group so confident of pulling off an upset, and then we did.”