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It's no surprise to find Ricky Shakes in good form when we meet. The Brixton-born midfielder has become a regular in Andy King's first team, while fans recently voted him the club's best new summer signing in a local newspaper poll.


Shakes' defection to SN1 from the Reebok Stadium has certainly been a successful one so far. The youngster joined along with Charlie Comyn-Platt in the summer after opportunities under Big Sam Allardyce were limited, that despite Shakes making his first team debut and scoring against Tranmere Rovers in an FA Cup third round defeat last year.

Starting life at Charlton Athletics's academy Shakes was tipped for big things in Bolton. Unfortunately his route to the top was blocked despite some impressive performances in the Trotters' reserve team, but he has since made the right-hand side of midfield his mown since joining the Robins. Not only that, but an international call-up could be on the cards, Coventry City striker Stern John recommending our Ricky to the Trinidad & Tobago management team. Great Shakes indeed

As someone that supplies crosses, do you feel under pressure to supply good quality balls when there's only one striker to aim for?
There's definitely more pressure on the wide men to get pinpoint balls in. But don't forget, playing with five in midfield you have the opposite wide man coming in from the wing, albeit later than the forward. But yes, to cross, often with your first touch and with just one target to aim for, it's hard.

When you outplay sides and then see them in the top six, does that frustrate you or spur you on - do you think our luck will change?
Walsall are now up there and they weren't that good. Even Tranmere; you expect them to be up there but in the first 10-15 minutes against them we had so many chances you thought, 'We should be beating this lot'. It's just not happening, but it will - but it is frustrating looking at the table as it is because the teams up at the top are not better than us.

You started to make the right-hand side of midfield your own, you must be pleased with how it's gone since you joined the club?
I think I've started okay. I came here to play first team games and I'm just happy to be doing that.

The fans seem to agree; did you know you've recently topped a poll of the club's most promising new signings? That must be a great confidence booster?
I didn't know that, but yeah, that feels nice - I'm chuffed!

You've recently had Andy Gurney slot in behind you in the right-back position, what has he brought to the side and to your game in particular?
He's topped up my confidence. He's done really well for me, keeping me going, encouraging me and telling me to be positive - it's great.

We know the Gaffer is good mates with Sam Allardyce, is that how your move came about, or did he spot you in a reserve game?
I think Sam told the Gaffer about me, that I was available and he invited me down for the last reserve game of last season. Unfortunately he wasn't here for the game, but Reevesy gave me a good report and here I am.

And how much help was it to have Bolton team-mate Charlie (Comyn-Platt) join as well - how have you both settled in to the area?
Knowing someone really helps you settle in, makes you feel more comfortable. I like to meet new people, but you can't underestimate what it's like having someone you know around. And for Charlie too, I'm sure it's helped him - he's moved here from Manchester, so it made sense we live together. It's been good fun so far.

Does it help being closer to your family in London too; you're a Brixton lad aren't you?
Yeah, my family come to watch me play and it helps.

Why do you think first team appearances weren't forthcoming at Bolton?
I thought I had a chance; it just didn't work out for me. But here at Swindon I've got the chance to show people what I've got and I intend to do that.

After scoring against Tranmere in an FA Cup game, did you think there was a chance you might make it at the Reebok?
I did, but then we lost the game and I always thought that if we'd won it, it would have looked a lot better. It certainly lowered my chances being part of a losing team.

And what's Bolton's secret - people are surprised by the success Big Sam has achieved in the last few years?
The team have bonded well; everyone gets on. Not only that but there are loads of staff members as well. There are loads of people there to help the players - there are even three or four physios! It's a big team, a big family and there are always people to talk to. There's a good vibe there.

How do you think they'll get on in Europe this year?
They'll do okay. It's an achievement in itself getting there, but they'll be okay.

You've been on loan twice before (with Bristol Rovers and Bury) and sampled Nationwide football, what did you learn from those experiences?
They were both good experiences, although I played more at Bury and scored a couple of goals. I learned a lot from both experiences.

Are you looking to score goals this year and have you set yourself a target? You scored a hat-trick against Cheltenham in the reserves in quick time this year.
I would like to score a few more, yes.

I've been told to ask you about attending Notting Hill carnival as carnival king for someone? Please explain!
I've played in a band every year at the carnival and played in the king's section, the bit that leads the band. They wanted me to play again this year and it was the first year I've missed it [because of the Tranmere game]. The guys were okay about it, they know my life's football and they were pleased I was playing.

Finally, I read in the Trinidad and Tobago Express that you could be in line for a call-up to the under 20's. Tell us a bit about that.
That's for the future. I have spoken to them, but I think they were waiting for the season to start at the time, I spoke to them towards the back end of last season. Now that we're under way and I'm playing, I hope I can do enough to get a call up.