Gilmour : Fri Apr 24, 2009 7:44 am
good interveiw with him on saints website about tonights game and how he adapted to playing centre, learning from Gid's
LEE Gilmour says he is surprised by his former team’s form but expects them to find their consistency sooner rather than later.
Since he joined the Saints from Odsal in 2003, the 31-year-old has made 156 appearances for the Club - scoring 48 tries - and has notching up 356 apps in his career to date.
“Yes, I am surprised at Bradford’s form,” he said, “but they have had bad luck with injuries and that has played a part.
“They have a good squad who have shown how well they can play – especially against Leeds at Odsal on Good Friday.
“But we can’t be worried about how they will play. We need to continue to do the things we have been doing and prepare well. We are expecting the team that played Leeds to come to the GPW and it will be a tough game.”
Gilmour spent three seasons at Bradford and admits he still has a soft spot for them.
“The players were great to be around, the fans were superb and the Club had a family atmosphere – a lot like St Helens. There are some good people there and I would like them to do well.”
Saints are currently sitting top of the tree and are beginning to hit their straps... something Gilly believes bodes well for the rest of the season.
“In seasons gone back, we have started off well defensively and it has taken time to get out attacking form right. But we have got out of the blocks this time around and I think the weather has helped us. We are a quick team and the dryer pitches help.
“Tony Puletua has been a great player for us and the way the kids have been brought through – you have to be proud of the Club for what it has achieved.”
Gilmour has switched to centre this season to replace Willie Talau who moved to Salford and admits he's enjoyed the role so far.
“Yeah, it’s been interesting,” he added. “I need to get plenty of ball as I can get bored just being defensive! I still see myself as a back rower in the long term though.
“It took me a while to get my head around it at first; to get it right positionally, and the three games in pre-season helped me to prepare.
“I have also done a lot of work Matt Gidley and looked at how to quick pass to the winger and look at overlaps that other teams can create.
“Gids is World Class. He was the best centre in Australia and is head and shoulders above people in this league. He is known for the flick pass to Gards, his footwork and skill, but he does the tough stuff as well.
“Defensively he is very sound and that does go unnoticed sometimes.”
