The Emirates FA Cup took centre stage for academy goalkeeper Stan Amos on the weekend, as the youngster made his debut for Wolverhampton Casuals in the historic competition.
Amos, 17, has signed for the step five outfit for the season and made his competitive bow against Sutton Coldfield Town on Saturday. Although a 3-1 defeat signalled the end of the cup run at the extra preliminary round, Amos has spoken about the feeling of playing under pressure in a men’s first-team environment while explaining more about his loan with the Cassies.
On how the loan came about
“There are a few goalkeepers in the under-18s squad now, so the coaches asked if I was interested in going out on loan. I said yes as it’s a new experience for me.
“Wolves Casuals were interested so I went there for a bit and enjoyed it. I fit in well and I’m looking forward to the season with them.”
On playing men’s football
“It’s a big step up from 18s to first-team. The standard might not be as good football wise, but physically and mentally there are differences.
“There are fans behind your goal giving you a bit of stick and you don’t get that in under-18s games. It’s going to be a big part of my progression as a goalkeeper.”
On the differences between men’s and academy football
“In our first friendly we won something like 14-0 so I didn’t have much to do really. We then played Chasetown who are a league or two above us and that was the first game where I thought I was going to be challenged.
“They put the ball on us and every set piece was on the goalkeeper, so it was good for me to get that experience. It gets me used to being out of my comfort zone and having to come for crosses.
“They train at a high intensity for a shorter period of time and there’s a focus on set pieces and getting the goals in.
“They can rely on the goalkeeper and defenders to do what they do, but it’s more about putting the ball in the box and practicing set-pieces.”
On playing in the FA Cup
“I didn’t actually know that I was going to be part of the FA Cup a couple of weeks before. On the night before I was a bit nervous and struggling to sleep.
“I made sure I had enough to eat and was looking forward to it, but nervous at the same time.
“When I got there, the environment was good and we had the music on – everyone was ready for the game.
“I enjoyed it and it was a big test. Because it was the FA Cup, there were more fans and it was good for me to get that nervous feeling playing under pressure.
“A few of my family and friends came down and it felt good to be able to say I’ve played in the FA Cup. It was enjoyable and a really proud moment for me.”
On his aims for the season
“It’s my second year as a scholar so I’m pushing for that professional contract. Hopefully I can get one.
“With Casuals, we want to get promotion and go into the next league. I think we’re good enough to do that and that would be a big impact on my career if I could say my first loan ended in a promotion.
“That would be a great step for me, alongside working on my other goals here at Wolves.”
