Andy Lindegaard is relishing the prospect of a new challenge after leaving Yeovil to sign for League One rivals Cheltenham. The 26-year-old was surprisingly released by the Glovers at the end of last season, despite playing a major role in the club’s success in recent years- in fact his last game for the Somerset outfit was in the play-off final defeat at Wembley against Blackpool. But Yeovil’s loss is now Cheltenham’s gain and, as givemefootball’s Mark Shail found out, Lindegaard is hoping to challenge for promotion again – this time with the Robins.
Q:HOW HAVE YOU SETTLED IN AT CHELTENHAM?
A:Really well. Pre-season has gone pretty smoothly, although we have picked up a couple of injuries. We played a couple of games in Germany and also had some tough matches against Wolves and Leicester. Now we’re just waiting for the season to get started and we’ll all looking forward to it.
Q:WERE YOU DISAPPOINTED TO LEAVE YEOVIL AFTER EIGHT YEARS?
A:It was strange leaving after so long at Yeovil, but I was ready to move on and it was the right time for me. Professionally, signing for Cheltenham is looking like the best thing I have ever done, so I can’t wait to get going. I still keep in touch with a number of players from Yeovil and I wish them all the best – but moving to Cheltenham has really opened my eyes.
Q:I SUPPOSE IT WILL FEEL STRANGE LINING UP AGAINST YEOVIL WHEN THEY TRAVEL TO WHADDON ROAD IN OCTOBER?
A:It will feel a bit strange but things move on in football. I then have to wait until March before we travel to Huish Park – that will be an emotional day for me - but there’s a lot of football to be played between now and then.
Q:WHAT ARE YOUR EARLY IMPRESSIONS OF YOUR NEW TEAM-MATES?
A:I’ve been very impressed and they have all gone out of their way to try to make me feel welcome. This is a new challenge for me and I’m excited about the season ahead of us. It’s important to get off to a good start and we’ll be looking to do just that against Gillingham on Saturday. Having said that, I always say the league table doesn’t really start to take shape until at least ten games have been played.
Q:HOW DO YOU THINK CHELTENHAM WILL FARE THIS SEASON?
A:We have to do as well as we can and we will go into the season wanting to win the league. If you don’t start the season wanting to do that, there is no point participating in it. I have looked at the squad and there are a lot of good lads and we have a good chance of doing quite well.
Q:ARE YOU EXPECTING TO PLAY AT FULL-BACK OR ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF MIDFIELD NEXT SEASON?
A:I am happy on the right side of midfield and if I can keep scoring a goal or two there it will keep me more interested. I have played at right-back for the last couple of seasons, but the gaffer has signed me as a right winger and he has full confidence in me doing that job. I am looking forward to performing for him.
