It was a horrible season for those involved in the lower leagues of English football, with COVID stopping and starting the season multiple times, before in the end voiding the season altogether. Dimi Christou is an attacking midfielder for Ilford FC, an Essex Senior League side in the 9th tier of England, and he spoke to Rising East to discuss the season just gone and the upcoming season.
With restrictions starting to ease how happy are you to be back playing?
“I’m buzzing to be back playing, football is such an integral part to how I function day in, day out. Everything I do revolves around football, so without it anything I do seems pointless without it. I can’t wait to get back competitively.”
Do you start training with Ilford again soon or will that not be until next season now?
“I believe we’re scheduled to go back in June, so that’ll be in preparation for next season. As of now, I’m just playing Sundays to maintain sharpness and fitness.”
Do you have any plans to do any other football related stuff outside of Ilford?
“I currently work in the academy set up of a step 3 club as a fitness coach, so much like I said earlier my life revolves around football and ideally, I want a career in this industry. Whether that’s as a player, or something else.”
How frustrating was the stop start season just gone? Was it difficult to find a rhythm yourself with such a stop start period?
“It was extremely frustrating. It was my first season in senior football, and I was delivering on a consistent basis with a good goal and assist return. Thankfully I managed to maintain my form across the season, despite the lockdown.”
Do you think it’s hindered any potential chances to play at a higher-level next season?
“Unfortunately, I do believe that it’s hindered any chance of me playing higher next season. Whilst I feel I’m definitely at a level to progress and play higher, clubs will look for your experience at a certain level – and whilst my numbers and the output was good statistically, it’s not across an entire season which will put me at a disadvantage compared to those who are more experienced.”
With all things looking good for next season, what are your hopes going into it? Is the plan to still be at Ilford or do you have any potential moves/plans to move up a level?
“The plan is to go back to Ilford! I’m looking forward to working with the gaffer Peeky (Adam Peek) and building on what we had this season. I had a talk with him and we both appreciate that it’ll be important to iron out the inconsistencies we have, if we want to progress as a club going forward and reach the levels that most of our squad is capable of doing.”
Wherever it may be what are you hoping for personally?
“I’m hoping for a consistent, injury-free season where I can hit double digits in both goals and assists. I feel like I was on course to do that this season, which is why it was so frustrating that it was brought to a premature end. I’ve gained the experience I needed and I’m raring to go.”
Do you set any targets for yourself or do you not like to add any pressure?
“I set targets but don’t like to think about them too much across a season. In fairness I don’t think much about games until I’m warming up prior to kick off or even till kick off! I used to get worked up about games and it would affect my performance – I try and keep a cool head and go about things in a calm manner prior to games.”
Fingers crossed by next season COVID will be a thing of the past, and players, managers and fans alike can get back to football every week.
