Cambridge United official website reporter Josh Dixon talks to striker Adam Marriott about his stop-start season and his hopes for the year ahead.
Adam Marriott has been one of the most talked-about Cambridge United players of the season. His prolonged spells on the sidelines have placed the young striker under the microscope like never before.
United fans have speculated about his attitude and work-rate, basing their views on the 20-year-old's apparently moody demeanour, but he insists the self-proclaimed body language experts have misinterpreted the signs:
"If it comes across that way, I don't mean it to," he says apologetically. "I think that's just my body language. If it does come across like that, I'm sorry, but I can't change it because that's the way I am."
The warm glow of the August sunshine cast a favourable light on 'Maz' and his prospects for the season ahead.
Many were tipping him for a productive campaign, certain he would flourish under Jez George. The U's manager, who played a key role in Marriott's development as head of the youth system, handed him a start in the opening-day draw at Wrexham.
Marriott signs
It wasn't until the trip to Grimsby, the fourth game of the season, that things appeared to take on a new twist.
Marriott, left out of the squad, was put through his paces out on the pitch, working alone with the fitness coach. He cut a frustrated figure, but many fans mistook this for disinterest, rather than disappointment at not being selected.
He started the next game against Hayes & Yeading but has played just three time since.
In December United were in FA Trophy action and many believed this would be Maz's chance to prove himself, but he was omitted from the squad and the opportunity passed him by. Later it was revealed that he was doing extra training sessions in order to get himself into a better physical state, and he accepts this was the best thing for him.
"I've been working with the fitness coach, short and sharp, just to get me a bit stronger and fitter, which is very important in this league. It's helped me out quite a lot."
Jez has always recognised the potential possessed by the man who scored regularly for CRC, but it seems Marriott is beginning to develop an understanding of the areas in which he must improve.
He explains: "I think around the box I need to be a bit sharper, so I've been practicing my finishing after training.
"In the gym I just need to get stronger as that's probably my biggest weakness at the moment but hopefully I can get stronger and prove it on the pitch."
The preconceptions of Maz as a petulant and aloof young man soon fade as he discusses his time out of the team.
"It was very hard, but Jez kept telling me if I worked hard I would get my chance. So I've been trying to show that in training and obviously he's seen that, and had the faith to pick me now so hopefully I can keep my place."
Marriott in action against Braintree
The 2-0 Boxing Day victory over Braintree marked his return to the starting line-up and many, Jez included, were pleased with what they saw. He laid on the second goal for Luke Berry and admits it was a relief to be back amongst it.
"It's been a long time coming, I've had to work extra hard in training over the last couple of weeks.
"Jez and Nolan (Keeley) have stressed the importance to do that, but they've always had belief in me so I knew my chance was going to come at some stage.
"Hopefully now I can push on and have a few more appearances."
Interestingly, he felt no additional pressure for the Braintree match, even though many were citing it as his big chance to prove himself.
"I don't often get nervous to be honest," he explains. "Obviously I haven't started in a while and I was mainly wondering whether I could play 90 minutes but I did that, and I think I came through it okay.
"I think the more games I play the better I'll get."
Having not played for such a lengthy period, Maz relished being back at the R Costings Abbey Stadium with the fans fully behind the team, and believes they can have a huge impact on the United's fortunes.
"For the Braintree game they were unbelievable, I think there was about 3,700 or so - they make a big difference.
"We played well but partly because they got behind us so it's a massive difference, but it's down to us to perform and make them stay with us."
Prior to his introduction to the senior team, Marriott was a huge success with CRC. He was a prolific scorer, bagging a remarkable 90 goals in three years.
United's unique approach to youth development meant he was playing against men and he admits this has held him in good stead.
"It was massively important. It gave me great confidence because I did score quite a few goals at that level.
"I started playing there when I was 16 so it was quite tough as you play against men. We're only young lads who have come from the scholarship so it was tough to start with but when you get used to it, it certainly gets you ready for the first team which is the main importance."
And he also hints that he is now fully adapted to the Blue Square Bet Premier, revealing he has "come to terms with it" after 17 starts and 32 substitute appearances.
Marriott closes in on goal
Following his amazing record at CRC, for whom in his second season he managed to notch an astonishing 31 goals, it was inevitable big things were to be expected of the youngster.
Maz confesses that pressure played a part in his first years at senior level, but believes that he has now learnt how to deal with it, and hopes to add consistency to his game.
The club's renowned youth set-up has paved the way for many talented youngsters this season to come in and fight for a place in the starting 11, with several cementing their places. Berry, Josh Coulson and Rory McAuley are just a few examples, and Maz believes he can take confidence from seeing others go from strength to strength in the first team.
"I think it's great that there's so many youngsters doing well, obviously it inspires all the other youngsters to do well.
"Hopefully I can (do what they have) over the next few months."
Currently, Marriott holds the not-so-coveted record for the most substitute appearances in a season with 27, obtained last season, but he hopes that his bench-dwelling days are nearly over.
"Now I've got my chance it's all up to me really. I need to get on that pitch and to do that I need to do the business when I am on the pitch, but I do believe I can have a big say in the second half of the season."
In the last few weeks there has been much talk about United's need for a 20 goal-a-season striker, but Marriott is confident he can fulfil that role.
"That's the aim for me," he states. "It's about creating goals as well though not all about scoring, but I do like scoring goals as I did for CRC.
"In the first couple of years I scored a few, but it hasn't worked out so far this season but hopefully I can kick on in the next few months."
He is yet to open his account this season and for a striker that can become an increasingly heavy burden to carry. Maz, however, remains optimistic.
"When I get my first one hopefully a few of them will start to come but as long as I keep working hard I know I will score goals at this level.
"I've got belief in myself and I know that I can score, so hopefully it'll come soon."
He closes with a note of praise for his manager, whom he still holds in the highest regard.
"He's helped me loads throughout my career here and at City, he believes in me and so does Nolan and I obviously believe in them and trust them 100%. No doubt about it."
By Josh Dixon
Cambridge United: YOUR CITY - YOUR CLUB
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