PERS. INFORMATION

CLUB HISTORY

• Bohemian FC | Youth – …

INTERVIEW

Introduce yourself…

First of all thanks very much for having me.
I’m Josh Harpur, I’m 16 I live in Cavan, Ireland and I’m a footballer

Can you share your earliest memories of playing football and what drew you to becoming a centre-forward?

My earliest memory of football actually starts with me as a goalkeeper, only then at the age of 11 I started to drift further out the pitch and settled as a centre-forward.

How do you balance life outside of football, family, rest, hobbies, with the demands of your professional career?

It’s a fine line! Finding things you enjoy outside football is crucial! For me it’s playing golf, playing the guitar or just spending time with family.

What do you consider your biggest strength as a striker, and what’s the one area you’re working hardest to improve?

Personally I think my biggest threat is when I’m Infront of goal, id back myself to be the best at my age for that part.

I look to improve every part of my game but like every footballer you have specific areas that need more attention than others, for me over the last while has been my hold up play and I feel like it’s improved a lot!

Who have been the most influential people, coaches, teammates or family, in your development to this point?

From young until now I’ve had very good mentors and coaches the first of many and one of my favourites was Finbar Heffernan who coached me at my local intercounty team. He was a coach who made me instill a real self-belief about myself and I’ll always be grateful for the time I spent playing under him.

But most importantly I’d say my family specifically my partners, I would be nowhere near the level I am today without the help of both of them.

It’s a 3 hour round trip for me to get to training everyday and with me being under 18 I can’t get myself there so my parents always help which has been vital to my development, also I have to mention Abbie my girlfriend, she’s always there for me when things are going well but more importantly when things aren’t. She’s really supportive of me and my aspirations so I couldn’t ask for more of the people close to me.

How did it feel when you signed your first professional contract with Bohemian FC?

Definitely one of the highlights of my life and since that day I’ve tried to enjoy and fully experience what it’s like to be classified as a “professional”.

Even as a young player, how do you contribute to team morale and unity?

I feel my role with the under 20s team has definitely shifted recently. I feel more responsibility on and off the pitch. I’d say I’m young but still experienced so I feel like I can help the lads around me especially the younger ones who come up to play with us.

What’s the relationship like with your strike partners and midfielders in creating goalscoring opportunities?

Yes the relationship with your teammates is critical, especially as a centre forward.

It’s as simple as this, you can’t score if you’re not getting chances created for you, so your teammates are vital for that.

What was it like progressing through the Bohemian FC academy and making the jump to the first team at such a young age?

It’s been amazing! No one could have made me believe less than a year after joining Bohemians under 15 side that I would be making my professional debut in front of thousands.

What are your personal goals for the upcoming Bohemian FC season?

We have a really strong squad this year a mix of youth and experience. We are capable of winning this league. Also all the lads have great hope for our European success.