New right-back Kane Vincent-Young felt his Town debut couldn’t have gone much better as the Blues hammered Bolton Wanderers 5-0 at the University of Bolton Stadium on Saturday.
Vincent-Young, who joined the Blues from Colchester for £500,000 a week ago, particularly impressed with his attacking play as Town romped to a very comfortable victory over the crisis-hit Trotters.
"It couldn’t have gone much better,” the 23-year-old said afterwards. "The boys to a man were very good, everybody that came on as well. It was a perfect debut.
"I was happy with my performance, I was blowing off some cobwebs because it’s been a couple of weeks since I last played, but some positives there to take forward.
"Five goals and a clean sheet, it’s a perfect afternoon, both strikers scoring and a good all-round performance.”
While the five goals claimed the headlines, Vincent-Young believes the clean sheet was similarly important.
"Yes, of course, as defenders that’s what you pride yourself on, and big Tomas as well, and it’s something that we need to take forwards,” the full-back added.
He admitted that he had been frustrated not to have been able to make his debut in Tuesday’s game with AFC Wimbledon, a toe injury having kept him out.
"Of course, you want to be playing as soon as possible," he added. "It wasn’t Tuesday but it was today so I’m just delighted it’s done and I move on to the next one now.
"It was just a little niggle, it took a bit of time to settle down but it’s all good now.”
Vincent-Young says he noticed the step up in level from League Two to League One during Saturday's game: "It’s a bit more intense, especially from our boys, the expectation levels, everybody’s expected to perform to the best our abilities and that’s exactly what I have to improve going forwards.”
Similarly the standard in training is higher: "I’ve noticed a step up, I’m having to do things quicker. All the boys are very, very good on the ball, so it’s something that will help me improve in the long run.”
The right-back’s forward-thinking approach at Bolton, particularly in the first half, caught the eye and he says that’s typical of the way he plays the game.
"That’s what I try to do now,” he continued. "I try to attack and get forward as well as defend but that’s the main strength of my game.”
Fans also noted his stepovers which were reminiscent of a Town right-back of the past, Fabian Wilnis.
"I’m not familiar with him, but I’ll take it as a compliment!” the former Tottenham youngster joked.
Position-wise, he says he can play a number of roles but with right-back the one he expects to play most regularly.
"I’ve played further forward before and I’ll do whatever the manager wants me to do. Today I played right-back,” he added.
"I played most of my games at Colchester at left-back. Either side isn’t really a problem. It’s good to have more than one string to your bow.
"The manager’s brought me in to play as a right-back, I can play other positions, but that’s what he’s brought me in as, he’s made that clear and I’m more than happy.”
He says his defensive game has come on over the last few seasons: "Yes, it’s definitely improved and it can only get better here. I’m sure I’ll be tested much more throughout the year.”
Vincent-Young says he had a good grounding at Colchester, having joined the U’s in 2015: "Absolutely, I can’t thank them enough. I made plenty of mistakes there, had plenty of good games, plenty of bad games but it’s taken me to where am now and it’s stood me in good stead for what’s next.’
He says he felt this summer was the right time to make a move up with reports that Championship sides Luton and Charlton were interested prior to their transfer window closing earlier in the month.
"I did and I’ve said this before, I think this is the perfect step to have taken,” the one-time Banbury player added.
He says the rivalry between Colchester and the Blues didn’t come into his thoughts when he was weighing-up the move to Portman Road.
"I get that, but for me there was no doubt it, was quite an easy decision with all due respect to Colchester,” he admitted.
"I loved my time there but having the opportunity to come to this size with the quality of players here, I couldn’t turn it down, as well as the staff and the manager as well.”
He says U’s manager John McGreal, a former Town centre-half, wished him well: "Yes, of course, I understand he’s a legend here and he was very supportive me coming here and he told me that I’d love my time here and so far he hasn’t been wrong.”
The Camden-born defender’s family are also pleased that the move hasn’t taken him too far away.
"I’m not on the other side of the world, so it’s good for them, I’m sure they’ll be coming to Portman Road some time soon,” he said.
Vincent-Young was reminded that he was on trial with the Blues last summer during Paul Hurst’s time in charge of Town.
"It’s funny how things work out,” he reflected. "With hindsight, obviously I'd have come had it worked out, but I got another 40 games under my belt and I felt more ready to come this summer.
"What was the issue then? I don’t really know. I think it was just one of those ones that just didn’t materialise. But I’m delighted that the manager here has decided to take me this year.”
He says he’s a better player for that additional year in League Two with the U’s: "I think the experience I had playing another 40 games is invaluable, so it’s stood me in good stead to make this step.
"Games are invaluable. I had a good campaign last year and felt more ready to make the step up into this league.
"I think everything’s much more organic this time around, the way it came about. I’m delighted to be here.”
Vincent-Young says it’s been helpful that there are one or two familiar faces at Portman Road from his days at the Spurs academy, including Anthony Georgiou, who signed on loan the day after his own move was confirmed.
"Yes, I think the boys are giving me a bit of stick because we’re sticking together,” he laughed. "To be fair, I know a bunch of them from my time here last year but everybody’s been very welcoming and I’m looking forward to getting to know them much more.”
Another Tottenham old boy, Grant Ward, released by the Blues in May, is also still working on his fitness at Town following the ACL injury last season.
"I know Grant very well, he’s hilarious, he always puts a smile on my face. It’s nice to have familiar faces around," the new Blues added.
"He’s coming back from injury but he’s still good old Grant, smiling and joking around the training ground.”
He says once Ward is fit someone will get a good player: "Absolutely and obviously I can only wish him all the best, I know what he can do so I’m sure he’ll improve anybody’s squad.”
Asked whether he’d welcome Town offering the 24-year-old new terms once he’s fit, although there's presently no suggestion that might be on the cards, he added: "That would be nice, like old times.”
Vincent-Young played for Blues’ academy head of player and coaching development Bryan Klug time at White Hart Lane.
"I knew Bryan, he coached me at U16 level, so it was nice to see him on my first day," he said. "Like I say, a lot of familiar faces, it helps you settle in.”
The right-back dismissed suggestions that he has something to prove to Spurs, who released him at 18.
"No, not really,” he insisted. "That was a period of my life that I loved. I went over to Colchester and got my grounding there, played my league games there, so I don’t see anything to prove. I just set out to enjoy myself and do what I know I can do.”
Saturday’s win took the Blues to the top of the League One table, albeit ahead of four other sides also on 11 points on goal difference alone, and he hopes they can build on what’s been a solid start to the club’s first third tier campaign for 62 years.
"Yes, absolutely, and hopefully we can keep that momentum going,” he said. "Saturday was a really good win and we recover and regroup in the week and get ready to go again.”
He says Town need to claim a third successive win when Shrewsbury visit Portman Road on Saturday.
"I think once you start building up momentum it’s important to keep it going as long as you can,” he continued.
Having made his first appearance for his new club away from home, Vincent-Young is looking forward to making his home debut next weekend.
"It’s exciting," he enthused. "I was there on Tuesday night and it was amazing. I haven’t seen much like it so I can’t wait to play in front of that crowd.”