There aren’t many players who know KPR better than Mikey Wicherek.

Having grown up in Guildford and joined the club back in 2013 while still at Kings College School, Mikey is now getting ready for his tenth season in black and gold. Since then he’s made 130 appearances, scored 32 goals and gone from one of the youngest players in the squad to one of its leaders.

His journey reflects what KPR has always been about: giving local players the chance to develop, enjoy their football and grow with the club. Having been part of league titles, cup wins and plenty of memorable moments along the way, he’s also seen KPR grow both on and off the pitch.

With a new management team, a fresh-look squad and an exciting move to a 1500 capacity ground at Westfield FC ahead, we caught up with Mikey to look back on his journey and ahead to what’s shaping up to be a big season for KPR.

Keep an eye on our social media for details of our first home game at Westfield FC on 22nd August – we’d love to see as many of you there as possible. (Subject to confirmation.)

Q&A

 

Q: Since you have been with the club 10 years+ you obviously have experienced KPR through a lot of different stages. How would you describe the club now compared to when you first arrived?

‘Starting my 10th season at the club, other than feeling old, I look back at how many great moments we’ve had. Winning the cup way back when I was still at school. Winning back to back leagues with a really tight knit team that remains close to this day. Captaining the side was a real honour and cementing ourselves in this division. All this from training on a sandy hockey pitch in Golsworth park to now being on a 4G at Kings College. Our new home ground of Westfield FC will now be the next step and the club just keeps moving forward!’

Q: We welcomed Kenny and his assistant Del to the club this summer. How have the first few weeks working with them been?

‘They’ve set their stool out and made it very clear what they expect of us. Firm but fair, and we all have a goal to work towards this season.’

Q: There’s been plenty of change within the squad this summer, with a number of new faces coming in. How has the group come together over the last few weeks?

‘Obviously lots of players have left the club which is always a shame, especially for a group that has been together for so long. Regarding the new faces, it’s been brilliant how quickly they’ve bought in to the club and have already gelled brilliantly’

Q: From everything you’ve seen in pre-season, what can KPR supporters expect from this team when the season starts?

‘I expect us to challenge up among the top again. We will be a different side, but one with plenty of pace and energy from a group of really young and exciting lads’

Q: What’s been the biggest thing Kenny and Del have been trying to get across to the players since they came in?

‘Biggest thing so far has been working hard for each other. As long as we all pull in the same direction we will be there or thereabouts’

Q: Finally, with a new season and a new home at a 1500 capactity home ground at Westfield FC, what would you say to the KPR supporters ahead of the campaign?

‘Really exciting times to be playing our home games at Westfield. This new group of players will thrive off the great support KPR has always shown. Hope the same support can come and get to know the new lads and maintain the same atmosphere the club had thrived on for as long as I can remember’