Vincent hopes to prove his worth
ASHLEY VINCENT is determined to finally make his mark at Cheltenham Town this season.
The 23-year-old forward is on the verge of agreeing a new one-year deal with the Robins.
He has been biding his time over a decision on his future after attracting interest from Coca-Cola League Two club Notts County.
Vincent has been used predominantly as a winger in his previous four seasons at Whaddon Road, but he wants to fight for a regular place up front in Keith Downing's side.
He admits that he was burned out at the end of last season after battling back from a cruciate knee ligament injury, sustained during the 2006-07 campaign.
But he is now feeling refreshed and ready to seize his chance if it is presented to him.
“I like being at Cheltenham and I know I'm going to keep learning here too, so I decided to get my head down and work hard,” Vincent said.
“I'm fitter than I was before the injury and I'm just as quick.
“I feel sharp and strong and if I get an opportunity, I have to fight to keep my shirt.”
Downing is working hard to add to his striking options, but Vincent says he will welcome new faces into the squad and relish the competition.
“If Keith brings in a new striker we will take that, because it's a long season and we will get our games in somewhere along the lines,” he said.
“This will be my first full season in pro football playing as a striker so I am going to have to work harder than everyone else. I am not one to shirk the challenge and I plan to do very well.
“As far as winning the fans over, I have to win manager over first and earn a place in the side.
“I want to play well for Cheltenham I hope the fans understand that we are not always going to be the best in the world, but we try our hardest and hopefully he will get the goals between us to help make Cheltenham Town successful.”
● TRAINEE Josh Emery is set to sign scholarship forms with Cheltenham Town.
The Ledbury-based midfielder went on as a substitute in the second half of Saturday's 1-1 draw with Southampton.
11 Comments
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by martin, cheltenham
Tuesday, July 29 2008, 2:58PM
“I agree with kellie,
Theo lewis is better and hes only 16 sign him”
by Tim S, Banbury
Tuesday, July 29 2008, 12:16PM
“I'm really glad Vincent appears to be staying.
If only because he's one of those players who, when you hear his name spoken out loud by a commentator or PA guy, you have to respond with a zippy follow-up.
Therefore, in the spirit of:
Zinedine Zidane - You're rocking the boat
Sebastian Frei - Hush hush, eye to eye
Torsten Frings - Can only get better
Miroslav Klose - But no cigar
Stuart Ripley - Believe it or not
Etc.
Etc.
We have:
Ashley Vincent - Starry, starry niiiight ...”
by Pete, In2Print
Tuesday, July 29 2008, 11:32AM
“I've seen Ash play many times for the reserves as an out and out striker and he's done very well indeed. Yes I appreciate it's not the same, but give the bloke a chance. He'll bag one tonight against City, another against Oxford and then he'll steam in to the Cobblers a week on Saturday. All players need confidence and we as supporters are constantly berating them, then they're not going to perform. Imagine what it would be like if you're at work and your boss/colleagues or whoever kept telling you you're the biggest waste of time who ever existed? You'd have no confidence at all and just wouldn't perform. C'mon the Robins!!!! CTFC 4EVER.”
by Craig, Cheltenham
Tuesday, July 29 2008, 11:21AM
“Well said, Tom.”
by Tom, Cheltenham
Tuesday, July 29 2008, 11:14AM
“What a marvellous way to encourage the lads - or one lad in particular - ahead of the new season. Which particular group of moaners do you stand with? I suppose you don't like Paul Connor, or Damian Spencer? You probably didn't like JJ Melligan or Martin Devaney either...
I want every single player at cheltenham to perform to their highest and cannot comprehend how such negativity is supposed to encourage this.
It's like the 'fans' who think it's ok to shout obscenities at specific players on matchdays... yeah, that'll boost their confidence. Opposition fans are supposed to heckle, not home ones!
Ash has never had a proper run of games in the side up front and I hope he proves a lot of people wrong, I really do. It will certainly silence a sad group of so-called 'supporters', although that's not a term that applies to them. Actually, it probably won't, they'll find something/someone else to complain about.”