FC St. Pauli

Scott Banks on…

...his first few weeks at the club: “I’ve really enjoyed it. It’s obviously a big change from what I’ve been used to, but I have to say I couldn’t have asked for a better group to join. The players have been absolutely brilliant in welcoming me into the squad and making things as easy possible for me. The lads have helped me find my way around and when they see me walking out they’ve invited me to go for a coffee – they’ve just been a very welcoming group.”

...adapting to the ideas of head coach Fabian Hürzeler: “I’m trying to get up to speed as quickly as possible. I think it can be really exciting place to play in the system because it gives me lots of opportunities to have an impact on the game from the wing. Obviously, I’m still getting used to working off other players’ movements when it comes to where I’m going to go, but I’m getting to grips with it, and it will be to my benefit in implementing myself in the team.”

...his first experience of playing at the Millerntor: “It was great. I said when I came here that I couldn’t wait to play my first home game. The fans were exceptional. To get my first minutes in the closing stages was really enjoyable. Ultimately, we didn’t get the win for the fans, but it was still a great experience for me personally to enjoy the atmosphere. The fans are louder than they are at home and seem to be more active. You don’t take it in as much when you’re on the pitch, of course (he laughs), but when I came out and was sitting on the bench and looking around  it was really exciting, so I obviously want to be in the team and soak up that atmosphere when we’re scoring.”

...differences to his previous clubs: “There’s a real diversity in the group and that makes it a great thing to be a part of. The training here is different, it’s more intense, but I’m getting up to speed with it. For me being in a different country and playing football is obviously something very special. There are players here from lots of different background, and it helps that a lot of them speak English.”

Scott Banks under challenge from Magdeburg’s Jean Hugonet.

...his targets as a loan player: “My goal is to be as effective as I can for the team, whether that’s scoring or providing goals, and hopefully have an impact on the season as an individual as part of that team. It’s a real opportunity for me to gain experience in the second division here. Working with Fabi and the players is going to improve me as a player, and not just in certain areas. I think my all-round game can improve and that’s what I want. Fabi is known for making players better, as was the case with Elias Saad, and I think I can make that jump, too. The fourth tier in England is a tough league, there are lots of games and lots of good players. Obviously to come to Germany, I feel, is a step up, but it’s something I’m ready for.”

...three league games without a goal: “That can happen during a season. We know we have to score goals and we’ve created a lot of really good chances. We have a really impressive squad and have been playing really well, but we need to be more clinical. We know that, but we’re not worried. We keep working hard in training and if we keep creating chances, the goals will come.”

Photos: FC St. Pauli/Witters