Matt Harrold looking to move on from season to forget

The 6ft 1in front man had a tough first season at Reds last year after joining from Bristol Rovers in the summer making just four League One starts and scoring one goal.

The 31-year-old’s stand-out showing last year came in goal for Reds after replacing the injured Brian Jensen in a 2-2 home draw with MK Dons.

Amongst injury problems and a fairly unsuccessful loan spell at Cambridge United, the former Southend United and Wycombe player has put it down as one of those seasons.

He said: “It was tough, I had injuries at bad times. We played one up front a lot of the season and Izale played and scored goals.

“It’s not one of them where I feel it was a ridiculous situation where people were overlooking me, it was just one of those things in football where it doesn’t quite go for you.

“I probably went on loan at the wrong time and wasn’t fit. It was one of those seasons to forget, but hopefully we are going to enjoy this one a lot more.

“I think I have got a good record, I have played a lot of football in my career and I like to think he (Mark Yates) would recognise that and see it was one of those seasons, where things did not go right.

“In myself I was determined to do better and hopefully we can start winning and enjoy a Sunday. I haven’t enjoyed too many.”

And Harrold is well aware that he and the other attacking players will need to chip in with the goals this year in the continued absence of wantaway goalscorer Izale McLeod.

Harrold added: “We relied on him heavily last year. I am sure if he does goes - I do not know the situation with that - but if there is some money available the squad gets a bit stronger and we bring in a couple of players.

“I have kind of been in the situation where a club at a higher level wants to take you so you want to leave, but it’s dragged on quite a long time. I am sure it will get sorted.

“Izale is a goalscorer and done great last season so obviously people are going to have to step up to the plate.”

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