The football programme at the University Of East London has seen dramatic changes in recent times, both on and off the field.
The first team finished unbeaten in the league last year before the season was voided by the unfortunate events of COVID-19.
With two other squads, a second and a third team, the competition within the sport is one of the fiercest on campus.
Aldi Resulaj the trustworthy second team goalkeeper spoke to Rising East about how he has seen his side change over his four year stint at the University.
Aldi Resulaj playing in goal at Crystal Palace’s, Selhurst Park.How was the season last year for the seconds?
“ The season last year for seconds was good we started off really well. However there was a few problems in the second half of the season, mainly to do with the management, and staff so you know training was effected and whatnot so we just fell off towards the end. Ultimately what started off positively quickly turned sour. ”
This is your 4th year at UEL, how have you seen the 2nd team change?
“ The second Team has changed a lot with players and of course management. So it’s a whole, whole new different vibe, like we don’t know each other so obviously it will take time to gel in. So yeah its different but it’s also exciting and stuff so it’s fine. My first year I was in the first team then the second and third year I dropped into the seconds, then this year again I will be in the seconds, it has changed a lot since I joined. But I think the football programme and sport in general at University of East London has changed for the better. ”
You had Adil as your manager last year, now you have Tony what are the differences the coaches bring to the team?
“ Yeah, we has Adil last year and he was a great coach. Now we have Tony personally I know Tony, so it’s fine I know what he’s likes however for the others it will be difficult because they don’t know what he’s like. They will need to learn his football philosophy quickly. I don’t mind Tony personally, he’s just a very different coach to Adil. The only problem I have is to try and adapt my game to suit the way Tony plays, but I don’t see that being too difficult for me to adapt to. ”
As a second team player is there a route to the 1st team?
“ There is a chance to move from Second Team to first team, I think there is definitely a route to first team because there’s been second team players that have moved up. So if you see that in front of you, you know there’s a chance. You just got stand out for the rest. The first team have a very good squad so you must be prepared to transition into an elite environment. That is why it is very important to keep the quality between the standard in the first team and second team as close as possible so when players make the step up they are not out of their depth. I definitely think theres more of a chance this year then there has been in other years. ”
What is the team aspirations for this upcoming season?
“ The team aspirations for the upcoming season is a hard one really. We haven’t seen each other much. However, We are determined to win. So, our main focus will be trying to win the league but he knows. We have to concentrate on ourselves and the quality we possess and then the sky is the limit for this team. ”
The detailed and insightful interview with the 22 year old painted a picture of what it’s been like for a second team player, as well as a look at what the programme wants to achieve in years to come.
We thank Aldi for his time and wish him success for the upcoming season.
