Despite working with a limited squad, as well as having to contend with a multitude of off-field financial problems, Bournemouth boss Sean O'Driscoll continues to work the oracle on the south coast, with his side handily positioned within just six points of the top six. O'Driscoll has been forced to blood a number of inexperienced players this term due a horrendous injury list but the Cherries' youngsters have stepped up to the plate in impression fashion to help the club to their current league position. One of the few experienced professionals in amongst all the youth at the club is 32-year-old defender Neil Young, who was voted the PFA Fans' Player of the Month for November in League One, and givemfootball's Mark Shail caught up with him to get his reaction to receiving the award as well as his general thoughts on the campaign so far.
Q:YOU MUST HAVE BEEN PLEASED TO WIN THE AWARD?
A:I was surprised but chuffed to bits – it's one of the few things I've actually won in my career. It's strange because I'm 32 now and have played almost my entire career at left back but because of all our injuries I've been playing as a centre half this season and things have gone really well. Ironically, I might never had got the chance to play there had we not had so many injuries to our defenders. I can't get up and down the flanks like I used to as a right back so moving to the centre was probably a good career move for me.
Q:WHAT IS THE LATEST ON THE INJURY LIST?
A:There's actually a game been organised today for a few of the players who are on their way back. Considering all the problems we have had the team has done very well and I just hope I can do enough to keep my place in the side when everyone is back fit.
Q:BEFORE LAST SATURDAY'S DEFEAT AT HARTLEPOOL, THINGS HAD BEEN GOING WELL, HADN'T THEY?
A:Yes, the first half against Hartlepool was one of our worst performances this season and we'll be looking to make up for it this weekend. Before that, we had a good win against Blackpool so it's important we get back to winning ways and try to climb into the top six.
Q:THE LEAGUE IS PRETTY TIGHT THOUGH ISN'T IT?
A:Swansea aside, all the teams seem to be beating each other so if we can get a good run together over Christmas we could put ourselves in a strong position. It's good because we've now got a few players returning from injury and we are going to need them over the next few weeks.
Q:WHO DO YOU FANCY TO WIN THE LEAGUE THIS SEASON?
A:Swansea are far and away the best side we’ve played in this division and I could see them running away with it. They are strong all over the pitch and when you've got a striker like Lee Trundle in your side you're always going to score goals. As far as I'm concerned if any team finishes above them they'll win the league.
Q:AND IT'S GILLINGHAM THIS SATURDAY?
A:Yes, we owe them on because they beat us 1-0 at their place earlier in the season, so it's a revenge mission for us. They won 3-0 last weekend and seem to be improving under Ronnie Jepson so we're expecting nothing less than a really tough. I'm looking forward to the game because I will be coming up against an old Bournemouth teammate of mine - Ian Cox - and it will be nice to catch up with him.
Q:WHAT DOES THE CLUB'S CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE LOOK LIKE?
A:After the Gillingham game we play Yeovil just after Christmas, have another game on the 28th and then we travel to Southend for the New Year game. It's just as well that we've got a few youngsters in the team because they can some of the running for the 'old uns' like me.
