Image courtesy of Cheltenham Town
“I nearly got emotional when I scored because it was a big moment and an important milestone for me.”
A beaming smile ran over George Lloyd’s face. Four months on the sidelines left him crestfallen but each day of his recovery has propelled him to this moment.
Michael Duff introduced Lloyd on the hour-mark for his first home appearance since his loan spell at Port Vale was cut short by injury in November. Lloyd capped his return with his first League One goal to help Cheltenham Town come from behind to win 3-1 over AFC Wimbledon.
Despite his optimism, even Lloyd feared that his season may have been over.
“At one point I didn’t think I’d see the season again so to get a goal is such a pleasing feeling,” Lloyd told Cheltenham Town.
“I went away, got a bit of sun, which was nice but you just want to be playing football. The off-season is the time for that. I recharged and I was raring to go and I’m here now!
“I’ve put in so much work and Gavin [Crowe] and Jimbo [James Redman] have been brilliant with me in the physio room. I can’t thank them enough and its nice to get the rewards for it.”
The Robins have become a clinical force in the final third, scoring 23 goals in their last 10 games.
Kion Etete, Dan Nlundulu and Charlie Brown are all out with injury, leaving just Alfie May, Andy Williams and Lloyd available for selection.
“I went away, got a bit of sun, which was nice, but you just want to be playing football.”
GEORGE LLOYD
Lloyd is already looking to the future and hopes that he can enhance his chances next season by finishing the season with a flourish.
“There’s obviously opportunities all over the pitch,” Lloyd says. “No matter who’s playing, I’ve just got to do my best and fight for the shirt, whether we have six strikers or just me.
“Having a few injuries will give me more games but if I’m honest I don’t think I’d even be in the squad if we still had five strikers fit because before Saturday I’d trained twice.
“I’m already gagging for pre-season. I just can’t wait to get going again after this sticky year. There’s eight games to go and I’m going to do all I can to show how much I want to be here next year.”
