Jordan Lam: Returning Archers winger excited to showcase ability on the European stage

After recently returning to the fold at Cardiff Metropolitan, Jordan Lam has spoken of his excitement ahead of the club’s Europa League preliminary round match against FC Progrès Niederkorn.

The Students are preparing for the first leg of their tie with the Luxembourg side, which takes place on June 27, before hosting the return leg at Leckwith Stadium a week later on July 4.

The winger went on trial with Newport County last summer, playing 90 minutes against Welsh League side Llantwit Major.

Describing his time with the Exiles, he said: “It was a really good experience, it seemed a really good club. I got on with the players instantly.

“It was just a bit unfortunate I think. I carried a few illnesses and it didn’t quite go for me.”

He then departed the Archers a month later to link up with Hereford, before joining Gloucestershire outfit Bristol Manor Farm.

But now he is back with the club he describes as “the perfect place for me”, and is looking to help them in their maiden European campaign.

The winger is delighted to be back with the Cyncoed club, and revealed that he stayed in contact with the players.

“It’s great. I’ve obviously known the boys throughout the whole season.

“I’ve been talking to them ever since I was at Hereford and Bristol Manor Farm, so I’ve always been close with them.

“I’ve been with them for the whole journey, but ever since I came back in February and started training with them, it’s felt perfect.

“The standard has got better since I’ve come back, so I’ve had to work hard to get back into the team.”

Lam discovered parallels with the Welsh system during his time at Hereford, which helped to maintain a level of consistency.

“At Hereford, I thought it was quite similar to the Welsh Premier League

“It [Welsh Premier League] is a really good standard, and it’s quite professional as well. That professionalism blended in with the high playing standards were a big benefit.”

When asked why he thinks the Archers have been able to be successful in recent times, he points towards a number of factors.

“I think it’s a combination of things.

“The facilities are good, as well as the environment that you’re in.

“The players and the staff. These factors are huge for the success of the club. They all want to be here. We’re not financially motivated but we’re motivated in that we want to do better, we want to improve.

“It’s not just the football but our studies as well. It’s an enhancing environment to be in.”

The MSc Sport Psychology student admits that he missed being involved in the game, as he looks to re-establish himself in Christian Edwards’ squad.

“I’ve been away from football for quite a while now, I’ve really missed it.

“This is the perfect place for me, I absolutely love this club so hopefully I’ll be here for quite a while and that starts this summer.”

With the game against FC Progrès Niederkorn just one week away, Lam has highlighted the feeling within the squad ahead of what promises to be a stern test.

“I’m really excited for it. We’re taking it very seriously.

“We’ve got a lot of belief in this squad that anyone we come across ,we can beat them.

“I don’t know too much about this team but we’ll prepare right and hopefully we’ll get a result.

“It’s a great to showcase our ability and see how our standard compares to theirs, and how much of a jump it is.

Lam was speaking at the club’s media event, which was held at Cyncoed Campus in Cardiff.

(Featured image: Matthew Lofthouse)