Bullen exclusive - part 1

Last updated : 17 January 2006 By Andy Parsons

Lee Bullen was chuffed to pieces after Wednesday's win against Leicester at the weekend but the club captain does admit that frustration for himself is slowly creeping in.

The Scotsman, a massive crowd favourite with the Hillsborough faithful, played every single game of the league campaign last season although opportunities this season have been few and far between.

Bullen has mainly been used as a substitute in a number of positions from attack to defence and even in midfield against The Foxes on Saturday but he remains positive and is still happy to be part of the team.

And in the first of a two-part interview with Footymad, Bullen, as honest as ever, tells all…

Bully on Leicester win...

"We did need that win; we dug in and deserved it. Earlier in the season we would have lost games like that but feet, heads and bodies were all put in at the right time and it proved to be the type of result that can make or break a season, so it was a massive three points for us against a team who are around us in the league.

"Nicky pulled off an outstanding save in the last few minutes, absolutely blinding and there’s no comeback from that so it saved us the game. But praise for him, a couple of times he has been here, people have got on his back for a few mistakes he may have made but that makes up for it because the difference between three points and one point against a team that is around you is massive.

"There are also some unsung heroes in there like John Hills: the amount of work he puts in on the left wing, which is not his natural position, is absolutely fabulous. Graham Coughlan and Richard Wood were outstanding at the back and then we have Peter Gilbert who was playing against his old team and he was also superb."

Bully on new squad role...

"When you go from an ever-present to play more of a squad role, as in individual it’s frustrating. You are paid as a professional footballer so you obviously want to play football so it becomes difficult at times. It comes a time when it becomes mind over matter and you have to keep your head high, you have to be professional about it, that’s the way I look at it anyway.

"But I love the club, I enjoy being here but it would be much nicer personally to be playing first-team football. But when the team is winning, you have to hold your hand up and acknowledge that the team are playing well."

Bully on being the utility man...

"A lot of people would say that’s a bonus that a player can play so many positions so there is a chance of you getting on here, there and everywhere. I would say though it can have a detriment personally because it could be an option to leave you on the bench. It’s great for a manager to have someone like that on the bench as it can sometimes mean bringing someone on with experience who can cover various positions.

"In the last week for example in the reserve and first team games, I have played in six different positions. It’s difficult but it is a role that is essential – given the choice I would rather be a regular first-team player.

"My contract is up at the end of the season, what will happen we just don’t know and we will cross that bridge when we come to it but at the moment I am absolutely delighted to be here and involved with Sheffield Wednesday. You never know though, one day I will get a chance if someone gets suspended or injured, touch wood that they don’t though. But I AM happy to be here."

The rest of the interview with Lee will be on this site tomorrow.

In other news today from Hillsborough, Richard Evans has had his contract terminated my mutual consent as he bids to find another club - the Welshman has not played for Wednesday since 2003.