Patience pays off for Blackpool defender Calum Macdonald
Calum Macdonald says his run of seven straight starts for Blackpool shows his patience is finally paying off.
But since impressing in the thrilling 4-3 win against Peterborough United last month, Macdonald has been a regular fixture in the Blackpool team.
“I think it’s down to patience,” Macdonald said. “I didn’t come to Blackpool just to make up the numbers. I really wanted to make my mark on the team.
“So it’s just about playing consistently, playing well every game and, more importantly, not giving the gaffer a reason not to pick me for a match.
“It’s been going well recently and I hope to stay in the team for as long as I can.”
While Macdonald was delighted to turn professional with his boyhood club the Rams, the defender believes the decision to leave for regular football has paid off.
He added: “It’s a great feeling for it to finally happen (to turn pro) and I’m guessing it’s the same for every player.
“The hard work you put in as a youth player has finally paid off but the real thing you want is regular first-team football.
“It never quite happened at Derby for various reasons but I had the opportunity to come here to another massive club, so I took it with both hands.
“I think it’s been a successful season for the team so far. We started off really well.
“Then I came in and we had a it of a bad spell! No, in all seriousness, we had a few too many draws a few weeks ago but I think that was due to the injuries within the squad.
“Since the creative players have returned from injury, I think you can really see results and performances improving and more goals being scored, so long may that continue.
“For me, I’ve been happy with my game-time and more importantly the performances I’ve put in.”
Macdonald has found himself playing slightly further up the pitch since coming into the team at left wing-back, rather than in his more familiar left-back role.
“It’s definitely something I want to progress,” Macdonald explained. “It’s not a position I’m familiar with as I’ve been more of a left-back by trade so far.
“Having said that, I’m really enjoying it and I have more freedom. I’ve got good cover around me and behind me, which I like as well.
“Having James Husband playing left-sided centre-back near me is good and I feel we’ve got a good little partnership brewing down the left.”
Blackpool’s FA Cup third round tie at Reading has been confirmed as a 3pm kick-off on Saturday, January 4.