Ahead of his side’s game at Ipswich Town on Tuesday evening, Cheltenham Town assistant manager Russell Milton has heaped praise on Robins’ star striker Alfie May.
May has netted 15 times in 32 games so far this campaign, with his goal tally the highest ever by a Cheltenham player in a single league one season.
The 28-year-old grabbed four goals on Saturday afternoon in a 5-5 draw with Wycombe Wanderers, and Cheltenham’s number-ten is in the form of his life, with eight goals from his side’s last four fixtures.
Milton was keen to emphasise May’s excellent work-rate as a key reason for the striker’s form, with his brilliant recent form integral for Cheltenham’s fortunes.
“Alfie’s on a high at the minute, long may that continue. He’s worked hard to get where he is and he’s shown the rewards of all the work he’s put in,” said Milton.
“I’ve said to him to just try and stay in this moment as long as you can, because football can kick you down as quick as you come up. Hopefully he can stay in it as long as possible, his infectiousness rubs off on everyone else and he’s contributing massively to the team.”
Cheltenham may be a lowly 15th in the League One standings, but free-scoring May is 5th on the division’s scoring charts, with a record of 0.59 goals per 90 minutes.
With six goals in his first season, nine in his second, and now 15 this campaign, May is having his most prolific year at Cheltenham, after signing from Doncaster Rovers on a two and half year contract in January 2020.
May agreed terms with the club on a contract extension until 2024 last month and Milton expressed the striker’s importance to the team, highlighting that secret formula behind his incredible form.
“We identified that we wanted Alfie a year before he came in. When he was with Doncaster he was a very effective player and that’s proven to be the case with us over time.
“He can play in a number of positions, he’s infectious. His work-rate is first class. He’s now added set-pieces to his repertoire and he’s become a vital member of the squad.
“As he’s got older he’s showing more responsibility with the players off the pitch, which is great, that’s a real testament to how he’s developed.”
Embed from Getty ImagesMay will be keen to keep his amazing form going on Tuesday night, when Cheltenham travel to ninth placed Ipswich Town. While Ipswich are without defeat in their last four games, Milton doesn’t think that will faze May one bit.
“Where he is at the minute is where all players would love to be.
“If you’re lucky enough to be in that position and in that time of your footballing career where everything seems to be going for you, you don’t care who you’re playing against.”
