PUMPED-UP signing Simon Church can’t wait for his Huddersfield Town derby debut against Barnsley tomorrow and promised the fans: “I’m here to score goals, that’s what I’m about.”
The 23-year-old Reading and Wales frontman trained with his new colleagues for the first time yesterday after completing a one-month loan deal which could later be extended.
Manager Simon Grayson is delighted to have landed Church, particularly as James Vaughan (thigh) and Jermaine Beckford (hamstring) continue to be plagued by injuries, and his squad is bolstered further for the Oakwell clash by the availability of Jack Hunt after suspension.
Church, however, simply can’t wait to pull on the No20 shirt and told me: “I know this is a massive chance and hopefully I can grab it with both hands.
“This is a really important spell for me at this stage of my career, it’s fantastic to be here and I just want to play football.
“I’ve been sitting on the bench as a spare player all season and I need to play week in and week out – which is why I’m going to be giving 100% for the club, the manager and the fans.
Click on the link below for a gallery of Simon Church in training with his new teammates
“I’m here to score goals – that’s what I’m about – and if I’m given the chance against Barnsley I’d love to get on the scoresheet and help us win, because that would be a perfect start.”
Church immediately felt welcome at the Canalside training complex and went flat-hunting as soon as the session was over.
“It was a really good atmosphere at training and everyone is looking forward to the match at Barnsley,” he added. “I know the Championship well and how tough it can be, but the club have made an excellent start and everyone wants to keep that going. From my point of view I just want to play my part, and if I can help the team do well and score some goals along the way, I’ll be more than happy. I’m certainly fit, strong and ready to go.”
Church revealed he’d asked Sean Morrison for the lowdown on Town before choosing them ahead of other clubs, including Barnsley.
“Sean didn’t have a bad word to say about the place,” said Church. “He loved it up here and told me that I would too because of the set-up, the people involved and the supporters, who were brilliant to him.”
