Marriott On Kings Langley Loan: “It Has Made Me Better As A Goalkeeper And A Person”

By: Watford FC Staff

Watford Under-23 goalkeeper Alfie Marriott has thoroughly enjoyed his loan spell at Kings Langley, having spent the 2021/22 campaign at the Orbital Fasteners Stadium.

The 18-year-old shot-stopper made a fast impact by winning the Kings’ Player of the Month award for August, and went on to play a key role in the club’s successful battle against relegation in the Southern League Premier Division South.

On the final day of the season, last Saturday (April 23), Marriott’s growth culminated in a critical contribution to Kings Langley’s survival, with the Young Hornet saving a penalty to keep his temporary side ahead in the second half.

With the Kings needing at least a win to remain in the division, the stop maintained Marriott’s clean sheet with the score 1-0 at the time, before Erin Amu notched a late winner to seal the points for the 10 men that ultimately proved enough to avoid the drop.

“We came into the game knowing it was a must-win and all the lads were up for it,” said Marriott. “It was tough for the penalty to be awarded against us, but I was overwhelmed to make the save.

“I was just thinking, ‘I need to do what I’ve been doing’. I dream about these moments, so for it to happen is unbelievable.”

Marriott explained how the Kings waited for news on the other matches that decided their fate, before celebrating survival.

“It was crazy,” he continued. “We all waited around on the pitch for the other teams to finish their matches after our game had ended.

“We waited and didn’t know what had happened yet. When we got confirmation, it was crazy. We went around celebrating, the fans were screaming and having a great time.”

Having featured regularly between the sticks at non-league level Marriott has no doubt that some of his Watford teammates could profit from similar loan moves, while he is now looking forward to showcasing his progress back at Vicarage Road.

“It’s very different to youth football because you’ve got three points to play for and it means everything,” Marriott added. “When you lose it’s like the end of the world and when you win, it’s amazing.

“I would 100 per cent recommend it, especially to the other goalkeepers. If they do get the chance, I think they should take it. It’s only going to make them better.

“It has made me physically better, tactically better, mentally better and it’s been positive all the way. It has made me better as a goalkeeper and a person.

“When I first went to Kings Langley I was nervous, but the lads welcomed me and helped me push through, and after the first game it was all positive. To sign off in such a good way, with the penalty save and survival, is brilliant.”

Photo Credits: Kings Langley FC

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