On 25th August, young goalkeeper Mason Terry signed for Isthmian Premier League side Concord rangers on loan from Premier League West Ham. Whilst the team’s form hasn’t been great, the 19-year old has made a brilliant start to his first season in men’s football and has been a shining light in a dark time for the Beachboys.
Photo courtesy of West Ham United
It hasn’t been all plain sailing however for Terry as he has had to adapt from academy football to men’s football which has been tough: “It’s definitely been challenging for me stepping up from being in an academy since I was 8 to playing men’s football. I think the biggest thing I’ve noticed between youth team football and men’s football is style of plays. I’ve been used to play out from the age of 8 and now going into my first season on loan at concord is different. I remember my first game away to Hastings I couldn’t believe how many times from goal kicks, free kicks in our own half I had to go long, I was learning a new style of play”.
The style of the play hasn’t been the only difference Terry has noticed as he says he’s had to learn how to switch off from the fans around him. “One of the things I haven’t been used too from playing at an academy is fans, other than the youth cup final last year I haven’t played in front of fans and being able to deal with fans chanting and giving me some stick. Being able to switch off from it and continue to concentrate and focus throughout the match”.
Terry was a crucial part of the West Ham u19 side who won the FA Youth Cup back in April with a dominant display coming back from a goal down to win 5-1 at the Emirates Stadium and now believes that Concord do have what it takes to beat the drop this season although it’s not going to be easy. “We’ve built a great togetherness down at concord so I believe the way we’ve been playing the last few weeks we need to continue to be playing this way and I think we can get out of the relegation zone.
Terry with the FA Youth Cup trophy - courtesy of West Ham United
“The second half of the season is going to be a real test of character and resilience. How many postponements we’ve had for the first half of the season there is going to be a lot of games. Playing 2/3 times a week will be tough for all the boys. I think one of the problems for playing 2/3 times a week will cause a lot of fatigue and injuries which may affect us in different ways. During that busy period it’s important everyone looks after their body’s and recovers properly as games will come quick and fast.”
Photo by Euan Rourke - Concord Rangers
Concord find themselves 9 points from safety at the bottom of the table however have as many as 5 games in hand on some of the teams around them.
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