Banjo Hails Team Spirit Ahead Of Opener
Speaking ahead of the ‘Gers opening competitive fixture with St Mirren this weekend, midfielder David Banjo has heaped the praise on the squad of players Manager Colin Cameron has put together, reserving particular praise for the club’s new captain Jonny Fairbairn.
Banjo admitted: “Berwick had shown some interest in me when I first left Arbroath, but that never worked out. I’d actually heard a few rumours that the atmosphere in the changers wasn’t great.
“But I have to admit, I couldn’t believe it when I started training with the boys in pre-season. There’s not a single sign of discontent.
Banjo in action against Kilmarnock during pre-season
“Everybody is pulling in the same direction – it was the positivity coming from the lads that was most striking.”
Banjo accredits the great team spirit to two of the squad’s natural leaders, declaring: “The boss (Colin Cameron) has to take a lot of credit for the group he’s put together.
Colin Cameron and his assistant Jason Dair in the dugout at Hibernian
“A big part of the reason I wanted to join Berwick was because I wanted to impress him from the minute I spoke to him.
“Everyone is here for the same reason, trying to get as much game time as they can, but we all know it’s a team game and it’s amazing to see the lads driving each other to do better.”
And the midfielder also believes that centre back Jonny Fairbairn is undoubtedly the best man for the job when it comes to captaincy, explaining:
“I’d actually heard of Jonny last season. People spoke of him quite positively as a player. But as soon as I met him, it was clear that he has the personality to match his ability. He’s a really genuine guy.
Local lad Jonny Fairbairn was recently made captain and is making a name for himself in the Ladbrokes SPFL
“He’s constantly making sure the lads are alright both on the pitch and off it. He sets the example to follow and the lads are really buying into it.
“You can tell he really cares about the club – he’s always got Berwick at his forefront. It’s rare in the modern game that you have a captain who cares so much about his club. I think he’s a local lad too, so it’s great all round.”
The team spirit Banjo talks of will undoubtedly be put to the test this weekend in Petrofac Cup Round One action at St Mirren Park, where the ‘Gers head into the game as underdogs against Championship opposition.
Seats for the Travel Club’s bus (leaving 10am from Shielfield Park) are still available and are priced at just £10 per person. These can be booked by calling George on 07764 189983 or Ali on 07969 808732. Pickups en-route can also be arranged.
