Exclusive: Dom Telford Interview
Dom Telford is a name Stoke supporters should get familiar with if they somehow aren’t already. The 19-year-old striker/attacking midfielder signed for Stoke from Blackpool last summer and got off to a tremendous start, knocking in 13 goals across all competitions for the Stoke U21 side over the course of the 2015-16 season. The Bear Pit TV had a chance to sit down with him (I was sitting on my couch in America, I can’t confirm whether or not Dom was sitting) to talk briefly about his first year in The Potteries and his thoughts about the future.
The Bear Pit TV: How have you enjoyed your time in Stoke so far?
Dom Telford: I absolutely loved it. Great set of lads, great staff, and great facilities! I couldn’t be at a better club.
TBPTV: How does it differ from your time playing for Blackpool?
DT: It’s a massive difference from Blackpool. I can certainly appreciate all of the facilities and extras that you get by being at a Premier League club.
TBPTV: What were some of your personal highlights from last season? Both in training and on the pitch.
DT: I think in training it was going away with the first team in pre-season, which was phenomenal. I wasn’t used to anything like that, to playing with players I’d watched as a kid. I loved it! On the pitch I had many: going to Hong Kong, scoring in the league (every goal is great), being involved in Wilko’s testimonial, scoring at St. James’ Park as half my family are from Newcastle. I have many!
TBPTV: That goal you scored against Wrexham in pre-season was excellent.
DT: Thanks mate! That was a great moment for me to cap off a great pre-season. I was delighted just to get on the pitch.
TBPTV: Have any of the senior players on the squad taken you under their wing?
DT: Yeah, they’re all top lads and really look after me. They’re all very good examples to learn off.
TBPTV: Anyone in particular? Supporters love a bromance.
DT: I wouldn’t single anyone out as they’re all really good with me but Odemwingie was really welcoming and helped me to settle easily when I first joined. Top bloke!
TBPTV: Who are some players you try to model your playing style after?
DT: Stephen Ireland and Bojan are the best examples I can learn off for a no.10 and I watch the likes of Joselu, Crouch, and Walters for finishing.
TBPTV: How have you felt about the Stoke supporters so far?
DT: The Stoke fans have been great with me! I love reading the positive comments and there’s plenty of them! The U21 games always have a few people there and it’s great to see the same faces.
TBPTV: How are you spending your summer break?
DT: I am spending 6 days with my family in Greece but apart from that I have been working hard to make sure I go back as fit as I left.
TBPTV: Happy to hear it! What are some of your hopes and expectations for next season? For yourself and for the club in general.
DT: My main goal is to break into the first team. For the club it has been on the rise for the last 3 years so hopefully to maintain the momentum.
Big thanks to Dom for taking time out of his holidays to talk to us. I think we can all agree that we’d like to see Mark Hughes give some opportunities to Academy players this season, so hopefully we’ll get to see Telford score some screamers in the 2016-17 cup competitions!
Interview conducted by our American friend, Zach (@NolaStokie)
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