Sam Roscoe spoke to Jamie Megarry of official Linfield media following Saturday’s Premiership decider at Windsor Park against Coleraine.
Linfield Central defender Sam Roscoe was thrilled to taste title success in his first season at Windsor Park when the Blues won a 56th Irish League championship last week.
“I’m buzzing. This is why you come to a club like Linfield; to win trophies. Personally, winning it at the first attempt is good. At the start of the season I struggled to get into the team but then I played a good few games from the middle towards the latter stage of the season which was good. I do feel like I have played a part and hopefully, many more happy memories to come here.”
The 23 year-old – who signed from Ayr United last summer – made 28 appearances this season, scoring 2 goals and helping to keep 14 clean sheets. He was part of a mean defence that conceded only 24 league goals across 38 matches in this title-winning season and he credits David Healy and the staff for their organisation.
“I think we did really well this season to only concede 24 goals which was the best defensive record in the league. We do a lot of work in training on our defensive shape and I feel like it doesn’t really matter who plays because every player knows their job in this team. We all know what we have to do on a Saturday, so whoever steps in – whether it be me, Michael Newberry or Ben Hall – we all know our jobs. Everybody trusts each other here which is good.
“We even lost Trai Hume in January – he has got probably everything that a right back needs, to go and do well. He was a massive part of the success we had early on in the season, so to lose him and be where we are now, standing as champions is a credit to everyone here. We all hope to see him go on and do good things over in England.”
If you rewind to Valentines weekend, Linfield were beaten 1-0 by rivals Glentoran at The Oval as the Glens moved three points clear at the top. However, Sam looks back on it as something of a springboard as the Blues responded in the best way, having gone 10 matches without defeat since then.
“I don’t think we’ve lost a game since. It was a tough night but we responded in the correct manner. I can put my hands up and say that it was my mistake that led to the goal that night. That didn’t feel nice on the night, but for the boys to bounce back like they have with an unbeaten run says a lot about everybody in that dressing room. Everybody is a winner.”
The Mancunian defender – speaking while stood beside the mischievous Stephen Fallon - looks back on his first season at Linfield with great fondness but, having had to settle for a place on the bench through the split fixtures, he says he’s determined to get himself back into the team when the Blues play in the UEFA Champions League in early July.
“The fans are brilliant here and they were magnificent on Saturday. I think once we got the two goals on Saturday everybody started to enjoy themselves a bit more. For there to be almost 6,000 home fans shows the stature of this club and it’s a privilege to be part of.
“Everything about this club is really good. The setup and how they do things from top to bottom is second to none. You go around and see other grounds and then you come to Windsor Park and it’s a different level.
“I’ll be raring to go again next season and hopefully, earn a spot in the team again. Our next focus after the break is on Europe, so hopefully Stevie Fallon manages to fix his hamstrings and then we’ll be a decent team, haha! To play a part in this has been good and we’ll celebrate this success, enjoy a break and then go again next season.”
