It’s been a month or so now since Tom Hopper returned to his native Lincolnshire after he left Southend United arriving at LNER Stadium in the January transfer window and the 26-year-old is enjoying being back closer to home.
“It has been nice because I know the area, I haven’t had to worry about that side of things but there is still a settling in period in terms of the football and the staff. It is a very welcoming club and I am enjoying it.” Tom said.
Although he’s yet to notch his first goal in a City shirt, Tom says he’s close to being back to his best and it’s just a matter of time before he’s on the scoresheet. But, rather than keep things to a personal level his aims are team based as he and everyone in the squad are looking to put right some wrongs from the defeat at Accrington Stanley last weekend.
“Last Saturday I felt good in the game and I’m hoping it is something I can build on now. We scored three goals but unfortunately conceded four so that is something we need to build on.
“We will improve over time to take the sting out of a game, we are looking to improve fairly quickly now. It is a good group to come into, I get on well with everyone and I am learning the lads’ game so that can only help as time goes on.
Tom continued: “The goals will come for me, but it isn’t something which bothers because as long as my performances help the team. I want to finish the season strongly; I am feeling comfortable now and the club will look to pick up some wins and see where it takes us.”
Our visitors this week are in good form, but Tom is keen to point out that those runs do have to come to an end at some point and he hopes it’s this weekend against a side managed by someone who he knows well from his days at Boston United as a youngster.
“Every unbeaten run comes to an end so hopefully we can do that, but Gillingham are a good outfit. As a manager you know what Steve Evans is like with the teams he builds. I played against his son in the local leagues (as a youngster) and I am well aware of him, it would be nice to win against Steve on Saturday.”
Tickets are still available for City supporters to purchase ahead of tomorrow’s game against The Gills at LNER Stadium, they are available from the club store in person or online via Eventbrite, to purchase your tickets online click HERE