New signing Alex Wall, who joined us on loan from Luton Town yesterday, met and trained with his new team mates for the first time this morning.
He has two main aims whilst he’s here, playing games and scoring goals!
“I haven’t been playing very much at Luton, and I told the gaffer that I would like to go out on loan and get some games under my belt. I know I can achieve, and score goals, at this level so when the opportunity to join Rovers came along I jumped at the opportunity.”
He knows manager Darrell Clarke having played against him for Maidenhead United.
“I played against him a couple of times when he was at Salisbury. However and I didn’t realise he was in charge here until I signed, but it’s good to link up with him.
There was, though, one familiar face in the camp when he turned up for training.
“I know Dave Martin very well; we got along quite well at Luton and we were room mates when we went to Portugal last year and it was nice to see someone I knew.”
His Luton career, which has taken in 26 games since he joined them in March of last year, doesn’t really appear to have taken off and he spent time on loan at Dartford earlier this year.
“I think my Luton career can best be described as stop start. For one reason or another I don’t seem to have got going during my time at Kenilworth Road, though when I went out on loan to Dartford last season I I proved that I can score goals playing at this level.
“I did play a few games for Luton when my loan spell ended, at the back end of last season, and scored a couple of goals and, to be honest, when I play I want to score in every single game.
“I do know what this league is all about and I know I’m joining a club that’s on a decent run, having lost only one of their last 15 league games. Rovers, like Luton, is a club with big expectations and I know that the aim is to get back into the Football League as quickly as possible and I hope I can help get them back there.
“As far as my own personal expectations, I just want to play and score goals and as that helps me and the team, both parties benefit.”
Although he has only featured in four league games for the Hatters this season, his fitness levels are up to speed.
“I’ve only started one game and been substitute in three more, though I did score against Stevenage last month. I don’t think there are any problems with my fitness as I’ve been playing in the reserves at Luton and have trained every day.
“It has been frustrating being on the sidelines, though, and since I knew I was signing for Rovers I’ve been buzzing. I couldn’t wait to get down here this morning and I’ll be raring to go tomorrow.
“I’m really looking forward to the game tomorrow and to playing in front of a big crowd. I’m told that the supporters here are very passionate about their club and in that respect they are similar to the Luton fans.”
Alex is the third striker signed by the manager in a week, so he is well aware that there is strong competition for places.
“Competition for places in the side is good and we will all push one another, knowing that if we don’t score then there is someone else waiting to come into the side.
“My objective while I’m here is, first and foremost, to score goals and to win games, simple as that.”