Despite securing the Western Tier Three league title on Wednesday, University of Gloucestershire men’s football club captain Joe Littlewood is still fully focused on the club’s varsity match-up with rivals Worcester.
“It’s very important. It’s the biggest game of the season for us.”
Gloucester will face Worcester on Monday, April 7 at the Tiger Turf Stadium – the same venue as when UOG last won varsity in 2021/22. After falling short the last two years, this game means a lot to the players.
“From the start of the year, we’ve been thinking about it, thinking about how we can win, what we can do.
“Personally, it’s very important, the lads will agree with me – everyone wants to win it!”
If Gloucester do win varsity, it won’t be their first piece of silverware this season after winning the Western Tier Three league title on Wednesday. The men’s first team cruised to victory in what was an invincible season, rounding it off with an impressive 8-0 away win over the University of Plymouth.
Littlewood, who plays as a centre back for the first team, was delighted with his sides league campaign.
“I don’t think there’s many feelings that beat it, to be honest.
“The boys are really happy as well, we’ve worked really hard all season, so it’s well deserved I think.”
A massive part of UOG’s success this season has come thanks to head coach Ivor Gumm who joined the club at the start of the season.
Littlewood highlighted how crucial Gumm’s role has been.
“He’s had a massive impact. He’s completely come in and changed it all around.
“He’s just really taken over. Really, really positive.”
Gumm is a UEFA A licensed coach and has history working for the FA, so it’s no surprise he’s popular among the players.
“The lads really like him, he gets on well with everyone. He’s just made a brilliant impact.”
After a title-winning campaign, Littlewood reflected on his season on a personal level.
“Yeah it’s been good, I was working hard in training (for the second team) and thankfully I got moved up to the ones, Ivor noticed the hard work.”
After being called up to the first team halfway through the season, Littlewood has shone for Gumm’s side.
“In the ones I’ve scored a couple of goals, kept a clean sheet yesterday, had some really good matches and we’re unbeaten so yeah, I’m really pleased.”
If you want to support the boys at varsity this year, click here for tickets!
