Player Interview: Sarah Archibald

Posted on 23. Jul, 2012 by Stephen Kennedy in Features

Before the weekend friendly between Spartans and Hamilton Accies, I requested a couple of players for interview purposes from the home side. One was selected by me and the reason will become apparent when her interview appears on the site later and the other was up to the club to select.

To my delight, the coaching staff selected a girl who was one of three I had hoped for based on her performance on the day. A skilful player despite her young years, with great control and passing technique, which made her stand out amongst the crowd.

Name: Sarah Archibald

Sarah Archibald by Stephen Kennedy

Age: 22

Home Town: Prestonpans

Time at club: I first joined the club in 2008 but was out for some time with an injury and recently started playing for them again

Position: Central Midfield or Centre Back

Occupation: Registered Nutritionist

Previous Clubs: Edinburgh Ladies which moved into Spartans, so really only Spartans but played with Hibs Girls till I was 17

Favourite Food: Pasta

Favourite Drink: Green Tea

Favourite Film: Sister Act 1 & 2

Tell me about the Ice Bath: After a lot of laughter Sarah continued: We have all been told we will going for an ice bath after every game from now on. It’s basically a huge inflatable bath filled with freezing cold water and we have to jump in and remain there till told to get out, which I think is three minutes. It should be good for us for we have had a lot of hard sessions during training and heavy legs should benefit from the experience. It will be a good laugh too

Looking at the side today, you have some very capable players on display. What do you think they can achieve? We haven’t had a great start as the first half of our season hasn’t gone particularly well. But we have bolstered the squad during the close season and the talent brought in should see us challenge for a top three or four finish.

This is my first visit to Ainslie Park although I saw Spartans in the recent League Cup Final and at Kilmarnock last season. However, many of the players are unfamiliar to me so tell me who your star players are, not including yourself of course: I think I would have to say Rachel Harrison, our goalkeeper. Recently she has been in fantastic form and even today, you have witnessed some outstanding saves from her. Her communication is exceptional and she controls her area well. She offers a little banter to the team which is great for morale – so yeah, I think Rachel would be my star player.

I have selected some players I thought have done very well today. Would you care to comment: Bobbie Beveridge yes she has had a very good game despite left back maybe not being her natural position, however she has filled the role well. Some of her decision making has been fantastic whilst playing full back and she is fast and gets us forward down the flanks, providing us with that ability depending on out tactics on the day.

Alana Marshall – she has just recently joined us from Rangers and is a wonderful player. Her movement on the ball is exceptional and I think she will be an inspirational signing for the club.

The number 12 eh? Is that your get out of jail fee card being played there? Actually I have been out for a while with two anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, one occurred whilst playing with the national squad. I have just returned to the Spartans squad so playing football is my main goal just now. Am I enjoying it though.

Yeah we have a great squad and I hope we can continue on from here and have a good season. We enjoyed a good run out against Newcastle on Saturday and we hope to take that forward and get ourselves further up the league.

Any players missing from today’s team: Yes we were missing our striker Di Barry and one of our centre backs Vicki Farquhar along with a full back Louise Magilton. So yes we have a few absentees but it speaks volumes for the girls who have to play out of position or to step up a level to fill the gaps.

Who is the club comedian: Oh well…. that has to be Claire Crosbie our number four. She has us in stitches on a Monday with tales from her exploits from the previous Saturday evening. She is a very funny girl and keeps us entertained.

Tell us something about the club people may like to know: I believe that Spartans have the best facilities to offer players within the women’s game. We have two pitches here and as you can see we are extending the facilities even further with the building work that is going on around us. The club put in an incredible amount of effort whether it is from the administration, the coaches and management or the players, everyone gives their all. We are very much a community club and you will often find local kids here supporting us on a match day. The club put on lots of events for the local people, especially the youngsters to attract them and encourage those who come along to get involved with the club.

Many thanks to Sarah for being so open during our chat. A great girl to talk to and let’s hope that those injury woes and put firmly behind her. All the best for the future Sarah.