“It was as a surreal moment”, exclusive interview with former Watford goalkeeper Scott Loach

A name that will be fondly remembered by Watford supporters, 32-year-old Scott Loach played over 150 games for the Hornets, in a 6 year spell at Hertfordshire. Loach has also played for the likes of Ipswich Town and Rotherham United, and is currently with Barnet FC in the National League.

I was fortunate enough to interview Scott recently, as we discussed a wide range of different topics such as his time with Watford, playing for his boyhood club and his England call-up.

1.) One year into your time at Watford, you went on trial with Leeds. How close were you to joining them?

I just went there for pre-season to help them out. Aidy Boothroyd was an ex-coach there and as my Watford manager, he sent me there for experience. They were under a transfer embargo at the time and it went really well. They did actually try to sign me but Watford said no.

2.) In the 2007-8 season, you had a handful of beneficial loan moves away from Watford including a spell with Bradford. How much did those loans help you develop as a player?

Those loan moves were the best thing I ever did. I just wanted to play games and I’m the same now. As a Goalkeeper I believe it’s about getting credit in the bank and that helped me.

3.) In the 2008-9 season you established yourself as the first choice goalkeeper at Watford. How did that feel?

It never really sunk in me being first choice at Watford. I was so young and the adrenaline got me through it. I was just riding the crest of the wave.

4.) You had two consecutive seasons with Watford of playing every single league game (46). What does it take to be an ever present for your team?

I just made sure I was available for every game and that’s the way I am now, I’m professional in everything I do, and I think that helps. It also brings on good performances if you are mentally prepared.

5.) A reward for your consistency saw you earn a couple of England call ups. What was your reaction to receiving your first international call up? Was it expected?

I never expected it. I knew I was playing well and I was young so there was always that chance but when I got the call, it was a surreal moment. One I’ll never forget.

6.) You moved to Portman Road in 2012, how do you look back on your time with your boyhood club?

Probably the best moment in my career was saving a penalty at Portman road. I grew up watching them as a kid, and living that dream is definitely up there with everything I have done in my career.

7.) You’re now at Barnet in the National League in what has proven to be a rather disrupted season. How tough has the pandemic been on sides in non-league?

COVID has been tough on everyone and I just see it as I’m lucky to still have a job and still have the opportunity to play football. So although it’s been very stop and start at times, I don’t let it effect me as the situation could be much worse.

8.) You’ve had some excellent performances in your career. Are there any that spring to mind as the best?

The best performances were probably my two games at Watford where we were away to Plymouth and Blackpool. Just one of them days where the ball just seems to hit you and stay out the net. Also playing away to Greece and Macedonia for England u21’s where we won 2-1 and drew 1-1 in the space of four days and I got man of the match in both of them so that was a great feeling doing it for my country.

On his day Scott Loach was easily one of the best goalkeepers in the Championship, and was well deserving of his two England call-ups in 2011 and 2012. It was a real privilege to interview Scott, and I can’t thank him enough for his time.