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Taylor Gardner-Hickman, a rising star in football, shares insights into his journey from West Bromwich Albion to Bristol City. He discusses his training regimen, game strategies, setbacks he has faced, and his integration into the team at Bristol City. Taylor also talks about the influential coaches in his career and his aspirations as a player. He highlights the differences between West Brom and Bristol City and describes his memorable goal against Middlesbrough. He expresses gratitude for the support of fans and discusses his standout performances. Overall, Taylor is excited about his future in professional football and looks forward to the upcoming season. Hi, I'm Taylor Garda-Hickman and you're listening to the Sports Insider Podcast. Enjoy! Welcome back to the Sports Insider Podcast with me, Amy Georgia. The podcast where we dive into the world of sports with exclusive interviews, getting behind-the-scenes insights, personal stories and expert analysis straight from the athletes themselves. Today we have an exclusive interview with one of football's rising stars, Taylor Gardner-Hickman. From his early days at West Bromwich Albion to his recent permanent deal with Bristol City, Taylor's journey in the world of football has been nothing short of inspiring. With a knack for versatility and an impressive goal-scoring ability, he's captured the attention of fans and critics alike. On today's episode, Taylor will be sharing insights into his training regimen, game strategies and the invaluable role of fans in his career. So whether you're a football enthusiast or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes of professional sports, this episode promises an insider look into the life of a Championship League athlete. So let's get straight into it, here is the interview with Taylor. Hi Taylor, how are you? I'm good, thank you. How are you? I'm great, thank you. So Taylor, when did your football journey start? Talk us through how it all began for you. Yeah, so it was a long time ago now. I was about four years old and my mum took me to a place called Footy Coaching, which was like a summer camp for kids and stuff. And it was funny because my dad always said, he's too young to do stuff like that. But no, after the first session, they said like, you've got to keep bringing him back, he's got something. So yeah, it started from there really. And then obviously it went into like Sunday League and stuff like that, the usual route into the game. And then I joined West Brom when I was seven years old. So I was there for 14 years, I think it was. So yeah, it all started there. And then you initially joined Bristol City on a loan, but recently signed a permanent deal. Can you talk us through that transition and what influenced your decision to commit long term to the club? Yeah, I think it was, I don't know, I feel like it was right for it for a change. A change of scenery, a change in, I suppose you could call, chapter in my life. And the transition was, it was really, it was quite easy for me, to be honest, because, you know, I've always said it since I've been there, that the staff and the players around me made me feel so at home. And that made it really easily like settled for me straight away. But yeah, I've really enjoyed it. And, you know, hopefully I can kick on next season with a full season under my belt. So, yeah, I'm looking forward to it. Did you experience any setbacks in your rise to the club? Yeah, I did. Yeah. So there's been a lot of setbacks and, you know, no journeys ever straightforward, as we all know. But yeah, there's been a lot of setbacks in terms of injuries and stuff outside of football as well. And, you know, it's just you've got to find a way of coping with that. And I suppose as you get older, you realise what works for you and what strategies work for you and what don't. So, you know, you need to know yourself first more than anyone to be able to help you continue on your journey. And how have you found adapting to the new environment at Bristol City, both on and off the pitch? Yeah, it's been the most challenging and rewarding part of this sort of transition. I think challenging, obviously, different city, new city. Obviously, I've never really been to apart from playing there. But, you know, the city is unbelievable. People are unbelievable there. And, you know, like I say all the time, it's like one big family around the area. And, you know, our fans are amazing. And even the people who aren't into football, you know, make you feel so at home there. Everyone's so friendly and stuff. So, no, it's been really good. And, yeah, the hardest part was probably just moving to a different place really and settling in. But, yeah, it's been made quite easy for me, like I said, with the people who I have around me and support me. So I'm fortunate enough in that way to have people like that. Definitely. And I think you've made a massive impact on the team with, you know, 24 appearances and that crucial goal against Middlesbrough. And how do you feel you've integrated into the team's dynamics and overall strategy? Yeah, I feel like I settled in well, to be honest. Obviously, when I first went in, it was under Nigel Pearson. And, you know, he's such a top, top guy. And he gave me my opportunity in the first place to go there to basically challenge me to something new. You know, I'm forever grateful to him. He's a really good guy. I feel like I've settled in well, especially with the new manager coming in now. Obviously, he's got half a season under his belt now, so he knows everyone. He knows how the players work. He knows what he wants to do and the way he wants to play. And, yeah, I'm really looking forward to next season. I think we can do something really special, hopefully. But in terms of my game and stuff, I feel like it suits how we play well. You know, I like to get on the ball and create chances going forwards. And I also like to do the not-so-nice side and go the other way and defend and stuff. So, you know, yeah, I'm quite like a box-to-box midfielder, I'd say. OK, OK, interesting. And you talk about coaches. I'm just wondering who has been the most influential coach, do you think, in your journey to where you are now? Yeah, that's a good question. I think every coach has played. Cliché answer, but honestly, every coach has played a massive part in who I am, not only as a player but as a person as well. I mean, I can think of a couple from my time at West Brom in the youth system. There's a man called Mike Scott who, you know, knew me as a person inside out, really. And I went through some difficult times, like obviously in the youth system, in terms of, like I said to you before, about off the pitch as well as on the pitch. And he really helped me and, like, kind of made me believe in myself again, if that makes sense. And, yeah, he played a massive part growing up for me, along with loads of other coaches there as well. And then obviously when you step into the first team environment, literally every coach has played a massive role. They've taught me different ways of playing, like different ways of being as a man as well. So, yeah, I've learned a lot, a lot from everyone. I think each little bit is slowly making me into, hopefully, a good person and player. Yeah. Do you have any, I'm just curious, do you have any aspirations to be a coach yourself, or are you more of a player than a coach? It doesn't interest me, to be honest, but I think, obviously, so early and stuff into the career, I'm kind of just fully focused on playing at the minute. Yeah, and see, hopefully, how high I can get in terms of playing-wise. And I just want to go back to what you were saying about West Brom. So, what would you say are the key differences you noticed from going to West Bromwich Albion to Bristol City? What are the key changes in how they operate? Yeah, so, obviously, the main change was the place itself. I was at West Brom, like I said, all my life. That's all I ever knew, really. So, I think the main change was that different environment again and meeting new people as well, which was something I was really excited about. So, I think those were the main differences for me. But, like I said, I just really felt like it was the right thing to do in order to take that next step in my career. And, yeah, hopefully, next season I can kick on even more. I just want to go back to that really memorable goal for you. Your curling effort against Middlesbrough was spectacular. Can you walk us through that moment and what was going through your mind as you took that shot? Yeah, thank you. Yeah, it was surreal, to be honest, especially to get my first goal for the club like that as well. I just kind of, it's something I've really wanted to, I've always kind of had in my game is scoring goals. But, I want to show it at this level, obviously, and it's something I'm really looking to do next season. But, the ball just, I remember nighty Jason Knight just landed on the ball. It just fell nicely for me and I went past a few players and everything just opened up. And, I heard a few people shout shoot from the crowd. So, yeah, I did that and luckily it went in. And, yeah, it was such a surreal feeling. And, you know, I think it seems that the fans agree that you're an outstanding player, because you were obviously voted Player of the Month in November, which is a significant achievement. How does it feel to have the fans' support and what do you think contributed to your standout performances? Yeah, honestly, the fans are unbelievable. Win, lose or draw, you know, they play a massive part to our success. And, yeah, it was such an honour being voted Player of the Month. And, it's a, I don't know, it's a weird feeling because you're kind of focusing on each game at a time. But, then, when you do get an achievement like that, it kind of takes you back and think, oh, like what you have done and what you have achieved. But, yeah, it's an amazing feeling to get that. And, yeah, I think I was just in a real good moment in the season, particularly, like, towards November and December that time. So, I was really, I don't know, kind of flourishing under the new manager, I suppose. And, I just felt my game was in a really good place. So, yeah, I just wanted to obviously pay back the fans in terms of, and the club, in terms of them bringing me in, trusting me to go and play and perform. And, yeah, hopefully the fans enjoyed it. You talk about your relationship with the fans. I'm just wondering about your relationship with the players. Is there a particular player that you feel particularly close with in the team? Yeah, to be fair, all the boys are, honestly, they're such top lads. And, it's so hard to single out one. But, you know, I have the likes of Rob Dickey, who's obviously quite a bit older than me. But, he's kind of put me under his wing. And, you know, we do stuff off the pitch together in terms of playing pool and going for games of golf. And, you know, it's just something really nice in terms of you see them, obviously, every day. But, you also have the relationship off the pitch as well. Again, I could name loads, Mackie Wells, Jason Knight, Harry Cornick. Yeah, there's loads of players, to be honest, that I'm really close with. Obviously, with Bristol City, is there any legends in that team that you aspire to be like? Yeah, I think that's a good question. So, I think, in terms of Bristol City, we have the kit man there now. His name's Scott Murray. He's such a legend. He, honestly, keeps the lads together through the tough times. Yeah, and he's such a good guy, honestly. So, all the fans and staff and players absolutely adore him around the club. So, he's good to have around. And, obviously, he's got experience with playing for Bristol City. So, it's good to hear his stories and stuff. But then, in terms of myself, I've always said Cristiano Ronaldo. I just love how hard he works and how much he dedicates himself to the game. And, in terms of playing style, I think I like to kind of almost play a little bit like David Beckham in terms of set pieces, those long passes he always had in his locker as well. So, yeah, there's a combination of people there, but such great people. And they've inspired me to work that little bit harder and try and get where they were and still are. And has it always been your goal to be a professional footballer? Yeah, it has, actually. I went through a phase for some reason when I was younger wanting to be a fighter pilot. Don't ask me why I got that idea. Yeah, I used to wear the leather jacket. I used to watch Top Gun on repeat and stuff like that. So, that was going back some years now. But, no, yeah, definitely always something that I've, you know, I love the game. And, yeah, it's such a, you don't realise it until, like I said earlier, you take a step back and you think what you have achieved, that you do kind of, kind of take a moment to settle in. But it's such a relentless game that you're always, like, focusing on, like, what's coming next. What does a week look like for you as a footballer? How would you structure your week around sort of workout routines? What does your diet look like, that sort of thing? Yeah, so, very, very strict, obviously, as you have to be, especially, obviously, during the season. A typical week, in terms of myself, would be, for example, say we just have the one game on the Saturday. We'll go in on Monday, train on Monday, train Tuesday, usually maybe get a day off Wednesday, and then Thursday and Friday we'll be preparing for the game on Saturday. So, that's a typical training week. In terms of what I do, I do do a lot of extra stuff in terms of, for example, training finishes, I'll stay out on the pitch a little bit longer, like many of the lads do, to be fair, and kind of work on, like, your own skills and trying to perfect certain things to prepare yourself for the game coming up and just to work on yourself, really, and try and improve. And then in terms of in the gym, yeah, I'll go in and do my own routine, and the staff obviously put a routine in place for us as well. So, you kind of mix, have a blend of the two, so a bit of your own, a bit of theirs. And it's good, you know, it's so important. It's not just kicking a ball on the field, obviously. It's a lot more behind the scenes, those little 1%s, and they all make a big difference come on the Saturday. And in terms of diet and stuff, I get prep meals from a chef, and I'm really, really close with him. He does quite a lot of the Aston Villa players. And, like, it's just all those 1%s that, in my head, all add up and make a big difference and hopefully make you achieve your goal of playing higher. And you talked a bit about staying on the pitch and working on your own specific goals. What are those specific goals that you're trying to currently improve on? So, at set pieces, I take a lot of set pieces, and, like I said, I want to show I can do the scoring goal side, especially this coming season, because I've had it since I was growing up, and maybe sometimes I haven't quite shown it. I know I haven't really, so that's something I'm really looking to improve on. But, yeah, just instead of working on, obviously, what you think your weaknesses are, obviously you've got to work on them, but I try and work on what my strengths are and perfect them. So, come game day, whenever I'm in that situation, I'm fully prepared and confident to go and execute it. And you talk about your role as a midfielder. Obviously, you're trying to work on attacking. And, obviously, as a midfielder, it involves both defensive and attacking responsibilities. So, how do you go about balancing these duties? I think it just comes naturally, I think. But in terms of balancing them, it's just finding what I said earlier, what works for you. That's the main thing. And I feel like, especially last season at Bristol, I really found kind of what was working and what wasn't for me. And, you know, that goes a long way in terms of how you are off the pitch as well as on it as well. And, yeah, you've just got to find what your position needs. For example, centre midfielder. If I'm a boxer, I can't just go and work on the fun side and go and do attacking work. I've also got to do the other side, which is just as important. So, yeah, it's just finding a blend and a good balance of the two. And, obviously, with your training, it involves a large amount of mental training. How do you sort of manage your physical and mental health to stay fit and ready for every match? Yeah, that's a really good point, because I've always said, you know, it's literally the most important thing, I think, in football is up here in the mind as well. And I think there's so many different ways, and especially, like, the new generation, shall we call it, there's so many things out there that can benefit you in terms of a psychologist or a mental performance coach. And, again, it's those little 1%s that add up. And in terms of myself, I find myself visualising a lot in terms of on, for example, the Friday night before the game, I'll try and visualise, like, scenarios that's going to happen in the game so when they kind of hopefully do happen, I'll be even more ready. And, yeah, it's such a massive part of the game, having self-belief and the confidence to go and, you know, show what you can do and help the team. And do you have any sort of pre-game bizarre behaviours or superstitions on how you prepare? I think every footballer would be lying if they said they didn't, to be honest. Yeah, there's... I'm trying to think of one. So, for example, like, I'll put my right boot on first and then my left, just little things like that. Half the time, unless, like, someone asks you the question, you don't even know you're doing it, because it's, like, become that much of a routine and you get so used to it that, yeah, it's just... It's bizarre when you think about it and you think, well, why do we do that? But, yeah, I think every player has one, at least. That's so funny. And looking into your game preparation as well, you obviously spend a lot of time reviewing your past games, so what do you look for when you're analysing past matches? So we'll have, like, a team meeting after the game, analysing the game, obviously, we just played, and that will be on what we've done well, what we could have done better, and there'll be certain points, and then we'll work on whatever those points are if they're required for the next coming game during the week in training. And then there's an individual way as well where the gaffer might call us up one by one to go through individual clips. That's really helpful as well. You get an idea of what he's looking for from you and you get an idea of what you're also doing well and what you need to keep working on. But, yeah, away from the club, I do quite analyse my games quite a lot just to, again, try and give me that little bit of an extra edge and try and improve as much as I can. And for Bristol City as a club, would you say that competing in the Premier League is a realistic prospect for them, or is it just thoughts to get into the play-offs and hope to qualify? No, for sure. I definitely... I said it all last year. I said, you know, I really think this group that we've got now, especially staff and players and fans, everything we've got in place, we are ready to take the next step, and I really believe this season we can have a really good go at it and hopefully do something special. You know, everyone obviously wants to make that next step into the Premier League, but, like, we're so determined and ready to go for it this season, and I really do think we have a good chance. So, hopefully, with a bit of luck as well, we can achieve that next season. And you talk a bit about the fans. I'm just wondering how, you know, how do you engage with the fans outside of match days? Is there, you know, any particular activities or events that you participate in in Bristol City? I think I saw you did a ticket giveaway quite recently. Yeah, so the club has a good way of interacting, the two of us together. So, for example, like, little videos. For example, calling the lady who won the three-season ticket. That was quite a cool moment. And then there's... Yeah, there's loads of different stuff. For example, we go and visit a children's hospice quite often, once a month. And, you know, it kind of makes you realise how fortunate you are. But, you know, the kids and the families there, like, you can just see the joy on their face. And it's little things like that that make you realise how important, you know, not just our role is in terms of performing each week, but in also helping and trying to have an impact in people's lives. Even if it's just small, just putting a smile on someone's face, especially, like, our fans at the hospice, you know, it's something that we really cherish and love doing. And I just wondered if you had a final message to give to the Bristol City supporters who will be cheering you on and the team for this season. For sure, yeah. Well, I definitely think stick with us. I know you will. You'll be with us right until the very end of each game. We will do something special this season. I'm almost certain of it, so let's hope we can do it together. Well, thank you so much, Taylor. It has been great to have you on the podcast. Guys, I hope you've enjoyed this podcast. And if you did, make sure you rate it five stars and hit the follow button. And I'll see you on the next episode.
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