9th August 2019

The 6’4″ utility man who’s currently playing at the back for Darren Sarll’s side was one of the first to arrive in pre-season and has started the opening two Vanarama National League fixtures. 

Playing a vital role in helping the green and whites secure a 1-0 win over Eastleigh, Skendi is adapting quickly to life as a professional footballer. 

“I’ve been waiting for this,” he told YTTV. “I’ve never played here or at this level, but mentally I have. I’ve been training every day and playing and my mentality has always been at this level even though I’ve played at lower levels.

“The way I go about games, the way I take care of myself with my body and training, it’s always been ready for this moment and now I’m here, it feels like I’ve been here forever.

“I’m pleased for the fact that we got the win in our first home game and got such a good crowd behind us and it made a big impact. We just have to carry that on into Saturday now. 

“For me, to get Man of the Match it was an amazing feeling really – my first game here, new to the club, new to this standard of football, I’ve adapted pretty well and I feel comfortable now for the rest of the season.”

Arriving from Stratford Town in the summer, the Albanian looks set to play an integral part in 2019/20.

Now targeting back-to-back wins when Stockport County visit on Saturday, Skendi is looking for of the same winning mentality.

“We want the same again, but have to be a bit more clinical up front. The character we had on Tuesday night was amazing really, to fight for most of the second half, it takes a lot to dig deep and do that but you can’t teach teams that fighting and winning mentality and we’ve got that.

“Now, if we all gel together – and it’s only going to be our third game – it’s going to be great when we all mould in.

“For the fans, they travel all over the country in Rain, snow, sun, whatever the weather. They miss time off work and they pay so we need to give 110% at all times. that’s the least we can do, give everything we have.”