During the week, we sat down with new signing Jack Sterling, to find out more about him, how his path has led from the academy of a local National League South team to TTFC and his aspirations for the upcoming season. Jack is sponsored by Dan Austin and The Rising Sun in North Bradley for this season.

SM: Jack, thanks for joining us today. You join The Bees for the upcoming season having made a brief cameo for us at the end of last season. Tell us a bit more about your footballing journey so far?

JS: I went and played for Chippenham Town Academy full time for 3 years at the age of 16 when I left school. That opportunity ended just as the Covid lockdown hit, so I didn’t play football for almost 18 months. I then decided I wanted to play again, and joined Hilperton, moving with them over to Westbury as their reserves. Ryan (Baggs) approached me as Trowbridge had several lads that I knew from Hilperton, and it was a no brainer for me. I’d played against a lot of the squad previously when they were at other clubs, so I knew them well. 

SM: As mentioned previously, you had a brief cameo at the end of last season against today’s opponents, Kintbury. You opened your account for Trowbridge straight out of the blocks with a hat-trick – what are your goals for the upcoming season, and where do you see yourself fitting into the team?

JS: I’m not someone that gets too caught up in personal goals, such as setting scoring or assist targets – as long as the team is doing well and getting results, that’s all that matters to me. Of course, scoring goals helps the team, so I’d love to get on the end of a few deadly crosses from Liam (Milburn). In terms of where I fit in, I see myself mainly as a number 10, which the gaffer has made clear he feels is my best position – but I can play elsewhere in midfield when needed, as I have experience across the park.

SM: It’s well known amongst the players that you are a Newcastle United fan, a side that has been home to some great players over the years – from Malcolm Macdonald to Jackie Milburn and of course, Alan Shearer. Who would you say is your football idol? Someone that maybe inspires your style of play?

JS: As I’ve said, I have played numerous positions so far in football – so it’s hard to pinpoint one idol based on that. However, the fact me and my family are all Newcastle United fans means Alan Shearer will always be one that comes to mind.

SM: Thanks Jack. Last question – What impact will having proven, experienced goalscorers in Kobacs and Rustell around you this season have, in particular with your growth and development?

JS: Yeah obviously learning from experienced players like them is always helpful, also players like Milbs and Foxy in the squad I’m sure will help me too. There is always room for improvement of course, but compared to your average 22 year old, I feel like I’ve played a lot of senior football already, having been thrown straight into the men’s game at 16 back in my Chippenham days for various clubs.

We would like to thank Jack for taking the time to speak to us, and hope our supporters enjoy watching him over the course of the season.