Walsall's Frank Vincent: I'm too harsh on myself
Walsall midfielder Frank Vincent admits to being too self critical as he continues to work on his ‘mindset’ as a professional footballer.
The 21-year-old is enjoying his first run at League Two football this season, joining the Saddlers on loan from Bournemouth in January.
He played eight times for Scunthorpe in the first half of the campaign but a quad injury meant his time there was cut short.
Although his recent performances have been promising, Vincent is still demanding more.
When asked how he has settled into Walsall life, he said: “I’m really enjoying it.
“When the opportunity came about I was buzzing to get another crack at League Two and everyone has been really welcoming.
“I’ve had a few starts now and I want to keep that going. My performances have been assured, decent, but I want to step it up a little because I can definitely play better.
“I’ve played alright but there’s more to come. I’m building my confidence.”
When asked if he was being too harsh on himself when describing his performances, Vincent added: “I have been told I am too critical of myself.
“I haven’t got one of those dads that is on to me every game and telling me what I should have done, he’s more chilled and only says his opinion if I ask him.
“He also says I don’t need to be so harsh on myself or beat myself up so much about certain stuff. I’m trying to work on my mindset all the time and sometimes if I make one mistake I worry about it.
“The best players are the ones that make a mistake and you’re not even aware that they’ve made a mistake because they haven’t reacted, they just get on with it.
“That’s what I’m trying to work on.
“Keep working on my mindset. I have got to be nicer to myself too.”
The Bournemouth loanee spent last season with Torquay United in the National League, making 21 appearances in all competitions as he built up his experience of men’s football.
Now with Football League experience under his belt, and more still to be built on, Vincent insists the physical side of the game is the biggest difference.
He said: “The physicality is crazy.
“At the end of every game you feel like you’ve been at battle, it’s not a friendly game. It’s war out there.
“I know I’m privileged to play football for a living but it’s definitely very tough.”
