Talking Tottenham with Harry Winks

A  very special Talking Tottenham where the India Spurs members were recently given the opportunity to question one of our own players. Harry Winks our exciting young midfielder was in the hot seat before joining up with the England Under 20 side this week. Harry has become a regular in the Spurs matchday squad this season and played in our Europa League group stage opener against Qarabag, helping us claim a 3-1 win. His first team debut came last season, also in the Europa League, in a 1-0 win over Partizan Belgrade at White Hart Lane. Details of his full profile below.

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How did you personally rate your performance last season and what was the highlight?
I thought I did well but obviously the highlight was my debut against Partizan Belgrade, all day long! It was a great moment – the best moment of my life. I was really honoured to be given the opportunity to play.

With a Cup Final and fifth place last time what would be a successful season for the team this time around?
I'd say getting to another final and hopefully trying to go one step further and win it.

Have you set yourself (or has the boss) set you any targets or areas to work on this year?
Just to try to break through, get as many games as I can, as many opportunities as possible and try to gain more senior experience.

Playing for Spurs and going to Hotspur Way every day would be like a dream to most of us, what is the downside of being a professional footballer, apart from being asked stupid questions?
Not playing or not getting selected. That side of it is difficult but you have to be patient and work hard every day to get your chance.

Do you have any match day rituals or superstitions?
No, I can’t think of any!

Who were your heroes as a lad?
Steven Gerrard. I loved everything about him. I've read his book and he had a similar early period to his career as me – he was quite a short player when he was younger and had a big growth spurt. He supports Liverpool and I support Tottenham so I feel like I can relate to playing for the team you support and trying to break through.

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There appears to be a very good spirit within the squad, who are the jokers in the pack?
I wouldn't say there is a specific joker, there's just a great group of lads here. If I had to pick one I'd say Sonny (Heung-Min Son) – he's a great character!

Do you have a nickname with the lads and how did it come about?
Just Winksy – quite an obvious one!

What’s the funniest thing you have witnessed during a game?
That's a tough one! I've seen a couple of players go through one-on-one with the keeper but trip over the ball before they could shoot down at a lower standard, although I won't name names!

And what is the best goal you have scored or witnessed?
I'll have to go with one of my own – when I came on for England Under-18s and scored the winner against Germany. It wasn't a great finish but it was a fantastic moment.

What’s the best advice you have ever been given that you can pass on to a young player?
Just to stay with it, remain patient and keep working hard. You've got to give as much as you can if you want to get anything back.

What did you think when you learned India has a thriving and growing Spurs fan base?
It’s fantastic . As we saw on the tour to Malaysia and Australia at the end of last season, the club has got an enormous fan base all over the world and that’s really something special.

When are you coming to India on holiday and what is your favourite Indian dish (apart from chicken tika masala)?
I love Indian food – I do enjoy a Lamb Bhuna! I've never been to India before although I'd love to go there one day.

If you were going backpacking, which one of your team-mates would you take with you and why?
That's a tough question! I'd probably say someone like Eric Dier. He’s a big lad and is stronger than me so he could do all the hard work!
 
A massive thank you to Harry for taking the time to share his thoughts with us. I know there will be extra interest in following his  career here in India. Thanks also to Stacy and her team at THFC for making this possible. Not forgetting of course the members who submitted the questions. 

Harry’s full profile can be found at
http://www.indiaspurs.com/blog/hotspur-towers-harry-winks'
You can also keep up to date with him on twitter-   @harrywinks_

Dont miss our other interview specials with Marina Sirtis http://www.indiaspurs.com/blog/talking-tottenham-with-marina-sirtis
And Daniel Wynne -  http://www.indiaspurs.com/blog/talking-tottenham-with-daniel-wynne

COYS
Keith Harrison.
t- Keith 16024542
f- peter shearman (old non de plume)
 
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