Joe Broad has gone from one extreme to another in the space of a fortnight. The Walsall midfielder spent the early part of this season on loan at Redditch in the Conference North in a bid to regain his match fitness after missing pre-season due to a knee injury. It paid dividends as Broad was recalled by Saddlers boss Paul Merson and has played in their previous two league fixtures against MK Dons and Huddersfield whose Galpharm Stadium is arguably the most impressive in League One and was in stark contrast to some of the stadiums that Broad played at during his loan spell with Redditch. And, as he told Givemefootball's Ian Clarkson, he is delighted to be back in the Football League.
Q:HOW DID YOU ENJOY YOUR SPELL AT REDDITCH?
A:The gaffer was checking on my progress and we both agreed that I needed to get out on loan. The gaffer said Redditch were interested in me and it was purely to get games under my belt. However, it is far better playing for Redditch rather than the reserves because the tempo is different and it is a competitive game where there is something riding on it. You also get used to playing with different players and it is good for your fitness.
Q:WHAT WERE THE MOST NOTABLE DIFFERENCES?
A:There is a big difference as obviously the pitches are generally much better in League One and that allows for better football. It isn't very sheltered at Redditch, so when the wind picks up it is difficult to get the ball down and play. Non-league is a good standard now and it might surprise a few people. The strength of football in this country means players have dropped down the league. Sean Flynn and Scott Rickards are two examples of very good players and the squad is full of good players, but the team is struggling with confidence at the moment.
Q:DID YOU HAVE TO CHANGE YOUR STYLE OF PLAY AT ALL?
A:I had to adapt my game slightly but I played in a more advanced role than I do at Walsall and I grabbed a couple of goals. This allowed me to make more runs, which was particularly beneficial for my fitness. I was working from box to box and that is what I need to do. With missing out of pre-season the fitness you lose is massive so this spell at Redditch gave me a chance to catch up. I was grateful to Redditch for giving me that opportunity.
Q:WHICH STADIUM WAS THE COMPLETE OPPOSITE OF HUDDERSFIELD'S?
A:It had to be Alfreton! It was wet and windy and, let's just say it wasn't particularly nice. The changing rooms were small and the lads were sitting on each other’'s laps. It was hard to say if it was a hostile atmosphere as there weren't that many people there! The pitch was soaking wet and it was very windy. There were some small stands but the game won't stick in the memory banks for long, especially as we lost 2-0!
Q:HOW HAVE YOU FOUND IT SINCE YOU RETURNED TO THE BESCOT STADIUM?
A:I think I acquitted myself quite well. My fitness is very good, as I have done quite a bit of running with Jon Witney (physiotherapist) and worked hard on my fitness and looked after myself. I think I am in good shape. It is a big chance for me and every opportunity that comes along you have got to try and take it.
Q:WITH THE TEAM HALF WAY IN THE TABLE ARE YOU LOOKING UP OR DOWN THE LEAGUE TABLE?
A:No-one within the squad is looking down we are all looking towards the top of the table. We could have been so much higher but for a few dropped points here and there and with a couple of extra wins we could be sitting in the top four or five and talking about promotion. You have to be ambitious.
