This interview with Brakes captain Arron Parkinson is courtesy of Trinity Mirror's Colin Stoner:

"Arron Parkinson has become Leamington's Captain Fantastic so far this season and it's all down to the fear of losing his place.

Skipper Parkinson, a summer signing from Woodford United, has been a regular man of the match award winner in the Brakes' ascent to top spot in the British Gas Business Midlands Division in their first season back in the Southern League.

Such is the run of collective form that the defender will lead the team out today with Jason Cadden's men seeking a ninth win in a row and claiming a second successive FA Trophy giant-killing when Margate visit the New Windmill Ground for today's second qualifying round tie.
While Parkinson says he is enjoying every minute, he says the key to Leamington's success is the quality of the players snapping for their chance to play.

 "When the season started we had six centre-halves so I knew I had to perform from the off," said Parkinson. "After moving to a new club, you know you have to play well to make a good impression.

"While [Leamington assistant boss] Darran Tank had seen me first-hand, Cadzy hadn't really seen me too often.

"But I had a good pre-season under my belt, which is something I hadn't had in the previous couple of seasons, and the last few months have been superb. It's been very enjoyable. The better players you play with the better you play as well."

One-time Banbury United and Brackley Town player Parkinson had caught the attention of Leamington last season when initially they had been running the rule over his Woodford team-mate Russell Dunkley, who has made an equally valuable contribution to the Brakes' campaign.
 But Parkinson, a 28-year-old builder, admitted it was a wrench to leave Woodford. Not only was he club captain and had led them to promotion as the 2006 United Counties League champions, but he also lives in the Northamptonshire village of Woodford Halse.

"I didn't think I would leave Woodford but I felt they couldn't go any  further. Leamington can," said Parkinson. "I fancied the challenge. I've got no regrets.

"Leamington have got a good team, especially with the nucleus of the young players. If the club can keep them together, and keep adding, they can definitely go higher.

"I think Leamington have got the resources. With cup games, you can end playing 55-60 games in a season and you need to have the squad to deal with that."

Consistency is vital, though, and despite the absence of injured defensive duo Martin Hier and Andy Gregory over the last month, Parkinson has formed an equally granite-like backline with Ryan Parisi and Adam Cooper.

Tuesday's Errea Cup win over Bedworth United was their tenth clean sheet of the season and Parkinson says such security at the back has provided the foundation for their successes so far.
 "As side, we have done well defensively," said Parkinson. "I think it helps that we have had a settled 16-17 over the last few weeks. Everyone knows there are players champing at the bit ready to come in but when you are winning and playing well you don't need to make changes."        
While today's opponents Margate play in the Ryman Premier, one level higher, Parkinson says Leamington will not be overawed.

This the Brakes' first season in the Trophy for 20 years and they have comfortably disposed of Marlow and Banbury so far.

"They will be a good side but we are at home and we are looking to win." said Parkinson. "There's so much confidence in the squad that we don't fear anybody."

5 November 2007

Our thanks to both Colin and Arron