Guttridge left frustrated by spell on sidelines

The 33-year-old has been a major player during his two seasons at Kenilworth Road, particularly when helping the club to promotion from the Conference.

But he hadn’t featured at all until last Tuesday’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy win over Leyton Orient, before keeping his place and scoring a stunning 40-yard chip against Cambridge at the weekend.
Guttridge said: “In the politest possible way, it’s been frustrating for myself. I’ve been 100 per cent fit, training really well and disappointed I’ve had to wait as long as I have.

“It’s difficult when you’re out, you’ve got to bide your time, but I didn’t sit in the stands thinking ‘I hope we lose’ or wish anybody bad.

“I’ve always said, if I’m not starting I want to be involved and if I’m not going to be involved, it’s a waste of space for myself really, that’s what I think.

“So thankfully now through injuries and suspensions and international call-ups, I’ve managed to get an opportunity as I’ve gone from being in the stands, nowhere near the team, to given a chance.”

Guttridge admitted he did seek out boss John Still for a conversation about his lack of playing time so far this term, saying: “I’ve had one or two chats. It’s been disappointing, as I don’t think I could train any better.

“If you’ve been training as best you can and the manager says ‘I pick off what I see in training’ and you still can’t get near the team, you sort of question what’s the need of me being here?

“So it’s nice to step in now and get some games and hopefully that can continue.”