A Conversation with...Harri John
- cleddaucasuals
- Sep 27
- 7 min read
Harri, Harri John, Harri, Harri John!
Harri was an obvious choice to ask when we decided to do this series of "A Conversation with..." We have seen Harri grow from a young Academy product to a first-teamer. Unfortunately, Harri left in the last transfer window and is now plying his trade with fellow Cymru Prem side, Cardiff Met. Despite this we all love Harri John and are incredibly grateful for him to spend time to do this. Harri, you are a diamond. Thanks buddy!
Harri, we are still gutted you have left. For those who don’t follow the Blues or your goings on as much as we do, fill everyone in on what you’re currently doing or about to be doing?
HJ: I was gutted to leave to be fair, thoroughly enjoyed my time there, and the fans were a big part of that. It’s an exciting time for myself right now. I will be starting a 3 year sports performance analysis course soon, and have just moved up to Cardiff which is where I’ll be studying. In regards to football, I decided to make the move to Met in the summer after speaking to Jenks and Chris over the phone. I’m really enjoying myself up here, I’ve settled in well and get along great with the management team and players, and looking forward to the next couple of seasons I’ve got here. With all that being said, it has been emotional saying goodbye (for now) to family and friends though. I hope to see you all around sometime!
Who were your favourite footballers growing up and have they inspired you in any way?
HJ: Lionel Messi definitely goes without saying. He’s an absolute pleasure to watch, and I remember watching Barcelona every chance I got as a kid. Mesut Ozil has definitely been another one I’ve adored watching. His creativity is incredible, and he’s left me stunned on a handful of occasions when he was at Arsenal. I’ve got to mention Pedri as well. He came around a lot later into my childhood, but his play style and the way he controls the game is what I aspire to be like. How good he is for his age as well, I can only imagine how good he will be when he reaches his prime!
Take us back to how you started. How did you start your love for football and what was your experience like getting to the Haverfordwest Academy?
HJ: It’s hard to put it into words, but I’ve just always loved having a football at my feet. There’s photos of me kicking one around when I was 3! Playing with my mates in grass roots and trying to learn tricks were my favourite parts, and some of the memories I cherish most. Playing for the academy was the highlight of my youth career for sure. To be truthful, I can’t remember starting out. It’s just felt like something I’ve always been apart of. I enjoyed the challenge of playing at a good standard, and I played under some great coaches who really helped me in my development as a player. I definitely wouldn’t be here today without, so I am forever grateful to the club for helping me get here today. I’ve also played with some top players there as well, and I’m excited to see where they’ll go in their careers.
We remember your debut away at Caernarfon. Explain how you were feeling before and during this game.
HJ: I was pretty chilled before the game. That quickly changed when I knew I was coming on. Didn’t expect to come on at all to be honest, so it caught me off guard a bit, and I remember how slowly time moved when I was getting stripped. I was almost dreading it cause of how nervous I was, but within a minute I was back to being calm and my head was just on affecting the game now. Felt a lot of pride after the game, although we did lose which dampened the mood a tad. Nonetheless was a great day for me personally, and I appreciated all the support that day.
For anyone who has watched you or played with you, everyone says how gifted of a footballer you are. How do you feel when you hear compliments like this, and what’s your favourite part about playing?
HJ: It’s nice to hear. I’ve got a lot of supportive people around me which I consider myself very lucky to have. I love playing the game a certain way as well, so it’s reassuring to be complimented, in a way that it makes me feel like I’m doing the right things. It definitely helps playing with some of the players I’ve played with though, who are so talented and have helped me out lots during games. I’d say my favourite part of the game is having possession of the ball. I try to get myself into little pockets when we have good possession of the ball, and it’s even better when I can get on the half turn and play forward. I used to love a 1v1 as well, but it’s a lot tougher getting past people in senior football!
You’re obviously a twin, who happens to be a good player also. Do both of you playing help each other?
HJ: For sure. He’s a top player, and it’s class to play with him. Can’t wait for everyone to see how good he is in the next couple of years. But yeah, he helped me a lot last year. He knows me very well, and he’d position himself well to suit me, especially for one twos for example. Sometimes all I needed to do was put it in behind, because of how quick he was and how well he could fight for the ball. His dribbling goes under the radar a lot as well. It meant that I didn’t have to get too close to support him at times, which allowed me to peel away and get into good spaces when we were going forward. But yeah, we always talk about being able to play together, and I can’t wait for him to return to Met.
What was your reaction first hearing your name being chanted by us crazy lot?! Does it spur you on?
HJ: It always brings a smile to my face, and it’s been a massive part of getting the feel of the club right. My chant has really stuck as well, some of the boys in Met even sing it when I walk into the changing rooms, and we all have a laugh about. You lads have been incredible throughout the time I’ve been here though. Massive props to helping us turn the Meadow into a fortress over the past few years. The best part is definitely when we scored, and then hearing you boys on our way back to the centre.
What is your pre-match routine? Do you have any superstitions?
HJ: I’m not too caught up in superstition. Although I normally switch my shin guards out if we go on a bad run, which is pretty superstitious come to think about it. As far as pre match routine goes, I just like to eat good food, plenty of fruit, electrolyte tablets and so fourth. I drink watermelon juice every game day as well, as it’s great carbs and really refreshing! During the day I’ll hop on my compression boots, and just watch telly for most of the day. Getting outside for a walk is always an essential for me as well, and the most important of all is sitting down for a coffee before hand!
We can see that you and Tony Pennock have a father-son-like relationship together. How important has he been in your development as a player?
HJ: Tony really took me under his wing when I first came to the club. It’s pretty fair to say I wouldn’t be here today without him, and I’m forever grateful for the opportunities he gave me over my 3 years at the club. Him giving me that exposure is what helped me establish myself as a first teamer, and it’s always great to see managers putting trust in their youth. He demanded a lot out of me in training, which kept me on my toes, and is what I needed at times. He loved me asking questions as well, which was great for me because I didn’t have some of the answers when I was younger. So yeah, I think it’s fair to say he’s played a massive part in getting me here to today.
What are your goals for this season and what can we expect from Harri John in the next few years.
HJ: I just want to try play week in week out for now, and really impact games as much as I can. I want to try get the ball a lot, and be someone who can receive it in areas that are dangerous and get out of them to kick start attacks. So yeah, my goals are mainly to perform in a way that is suited to my strengths, as I feel like I’ll get the best output from that. I’m quite ambitious in where I want to take my football career as well. I’ve got a fair bit to tidy up on before I’m ready, but I really want to give professional football a go at some point in my career, and play as high a level as possible for myself. I try not to think about that too much though, and more on how it’s going for me at the club I’m at in the moment.
Short Burst Questions/Answers
Messi or Ronaldo?
HJ: Messi. Might be an unpopular opinion, but I almost think he’s underrated!
Sir Alex Ferguson or Pep Guardiola?
HJ: Much respect to Sir Alex, but Pep edges it for me.
Would you rather win the Champions League with your club or the World Cup with your nation?
HJ: You hear a lot of people say it, but World Cup will always be the ultimate crown.
Chinese food or Indian Food?
HJ: Chinese
Who would win in a fight, a gorilla or a monkey with a knife
HJ: Probably a lose-lose situation, but I think the monkey would come out on top, but barely.
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