Scunthorpe Utd: Thompson aims for games and goals after opening account
Focused forward Garry Thompson has set himself the target of scoring 20 goals for Scunthorpe United after revealing his relief at ending his year-long wait to find the back of the net.
The former Morecambe man slammed the ball home from close range as the Iron equalised for the first time in last week's 2-2 draw at Walsall.
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Garry Thompson's goal at Walsall last week was his first since the opening day of last season. Picture: Carl Gac.
The strike was Thompson's first goal since the opening day of last season, when Scunthorpe won 2-1 at Reading.
And after spending the past 13 months flitting between the training ground and the treatment room, the 30-year-old is determined to use it as the first step to rebuilding his career.
"I've felt all I've needed was a goal to kick me on. It's a long season and there's a lot more games to play," Thompson told the Telegraph.
"I want to go on and score 15 or 20 goals, then we'll probably forget we had this conversation.
"I've had six weeks of pre-season and I've got to be looking to go full tilt now. I'm there or thereabouts
"I've been out long enough to know if I've got any niggles I need to speak up rather than try to play through.
"I'm feeling good. I played for the reserves last week to step up my fitness and I was looking forward to getting back onto the pitch last Saturday.
"It's pleasing to have contributed to us getting back in the game."
Thompson's plans to 'kick on' mean trying to force his way into the Iron starting XI, but he now faces extra competition following the arrival of Nicky Ajose on loan yesterday.
Seven of his nine league appearances in 2011/12 have come from the bench, but the winger-cum-striker has no complaints.
"Every time I've been on the bench, I've got on," he added.
"If I wasn't doing that and performances hadn't been there, I'd be knocking on the gaffer's door to find out why I wasn't playing.
"It's been a difficult time, but I feel I'm ready to kick on now.
"But I've got to be shown to be working hard to get my chance and I think I'm doing that.
"Hopefully I'm in the gaffer's thoughts for Yeovil and hopefully I'll get a start. If not I'll continue to work hard and wait for my chance."
United manager Alan Knill also hopes last week's goal will spur Thompson on.
He publicly questioned the player's work rate a fortnight ago, fuelling speculation Thompson might be on his way out of Glanford Park, but has revealed how a 'frank' discussion has benefitted both parties.
"I had a good chat with Thommo because we all know his attributes and what he's got," said Knill.
"What he has to give if he's not in the starting XI is impact off the bench and I was pretty frank in telling him he wasn't giving us what we needed.
"The goal last weekend was the best impact of all. It put us back in the game."
11 Comments
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by David0461
Friday, September 23 2011, 5:09PM
“Lets hope he keeps his fitness up now. Sad to of see him suffer with his injuries.”
by ToryLording
Friday, September 23 2011, 2:24PM
“Global warming = better strawberries and even english wine ... and bothersome coastal towns being underwater. Gotta love those Chinese and Indian economies. Soon be "Sub-Mariners"
HEY
HEY
DID YOU SEE WHAT I DID THERE”
by GTFC83
Friday, September 23 2011, 2:23PM
“There as in - at the game, I didn't specifically say at Yeovil or Glanford Park. Please accept my apologies for using what you lot would describe as 'Cod talk'. In fairness your next 3 games should be your easiest fixtures - Sat 24-Sep-11 Scunthorpe V Yeovil - Sat 01-Oct-11 Stevenage V Scunthorpe & Sat 08-Oct-11 Scunthorpe V Leyton Orient.
These 3 games will shape your season and probably Knill's fate........ how many points are you lot realistically targeting as anything less then 9 will put you in a relegation battle.”
by oscarmoggy
Friday, September 23 2011, 1:54PM
“'Yeovil will be a test of character and panic will surly settle in if you fail to get a win there!"
GTFC83 if you want to contribute to this site please check your facts - Scunthorpe are at home tomorrow, so very little chance of them getting a 'win there'”
by GTFC83
Friday, September 23 2011, 1:00PM
“Ironite - nice to see you online!
I wouldn't worry about the Mariners, we are re-structuring from the top down mate, new chairman on it's way with money to invest in the most successful team in Lincolnshire. 2 good up and coming managers who are building an exciting style of play to get us out and back in to league 2. If the patterns continue to unfold we'll be playing each other in league 2 quicker than you think. Even if our managers go head to head it'll be Grimsby 2 - Scunthorpe Knill. Good luck with your team of crocks - I heard that only 12 first team players were training the other day due to injuries. Talking about the Lincolnshire cup....... did your lot forget to turn up or did you get lost on your way....... bit like your forwards trying to find the goal ha ha ha?
Rivalries aside I wish you all the best at the weekend - Yeovil will be a test of character and panic will surly settle in if you fail to get a win there!”
by hotdog11
Friday, September 23 2011, 12:51PM
“So good GTFC83 he had to put it twice!
I agree, I havent played football in 3 years, could I go back and score 20 goals.....Well yeh, I could actually because I am really good :)
But we still need a big front man, passing it around isnt going to get us out this devision...Wharton has given Knill loads of money and nothing from it!”
by ironite
Friday, September 23 2011, 12:13PM
“GTFC83
Love hearing from you mate, means your joke of an outfit have parked themselves up S**t Creek again so you have nothing better to do in terms of self preservation than look for petty and frivelous digs are your local rivals. Is it comforting knowing that the only place in the world where any of your critique's mean a thing is in your own depraved psyche. Everywhere else there's frank and chronic realism and acknowledge in the fact that our supposedly "rival" outfits, will probably not play each other in a competitive match (not including the Lincolnshire Cup) for at least fifteen years.
Your move Sherlock”
by ironite
Friday, September 23 2011, 12:06PM
“GTFC83
Love hearing from you mate, means your joke of an outfit have parked themselves up S**t Creek again so you have nothing better to do in terms of self preservation than look for petty and frivelous digs are your local rivals. Is it comforting knowing that the only place in the world where any of your critique's mean a thing is in your own depraved psyche. Everywhere else there's frank and chronic realism and acknowledge in the fact that our supposedly "rival" outfits, will probably not play each other in a competitive match (not including the Lincolnshire Cup) for at least fifteen years.
Your move Sherlock”
by Iron123
Friday, September 23 2011, 11:59AM
“He's hardly played in a year, only been back a month - but they wont cover that in the non league paper.
Up the Iron!”
by GTFC83
Friday, September 23 2011, 11:26AM
“Ha ha ha - he's not scored in over a year..... scores 1 goal and thinks he can bag 15-20 a season. It's doubtful he'll score 15 by the end of his career!”