Forward hoping to kick on after Gillingham brace
Gary Madine is hoping to continue his recent form heading into the festive period after netting three goals in two appearances.
The Wanderers targetman got on the score-sheet with two emphatic headers in a pulsating 4-0 victory against Gillingham at the Macron Stadium on Monday night.
Relived to have put his recent frustrations in front of goal behind him against the Gills, Madine was delighted to help the Whites climb back up to second in the Sky Bet One League table.
“I think I was due a bit of luck in front of goal,” he told bwfc.co.uk after the final whistle. “I’ve been feeling a little bit sorry for myself to be honest.
“I’ve had quite a few chances recently that I haven’t taken but I’m glad tonight that they’ve gone in.
“The gaffer said don’t get frustrated, I know you’re not scoring but you’re playing well.
“I can take that, but I want to be scoring and getting the headlines and thankfully I did that tonight.”
He continued: “I probably shouldn’t have done, but I read a few things online at the start of the year about us needing a proven goalscorer and I was sat there banging my head against the wall.
“I’ve scored 18 goals, three years in a row in this division and I’m a lot better of a player than I was then.
“I think it’s a testament to my character to be able to take that on board and react in the way I have.
“Sometimes people don’t see the dirty work I’m doing, winning headers closing down and not making it easy for defenders. Everyone is playing well so I’m just happy to be able to help.”
Monday’s win moved the Whites up back into the automatic promotion places, just a point behind league-leaders Scunthorpe United.
And with a mouth-watering clash with Iron looming on New Year’s Eve, Madine is confident that Bolton can continue to go from strength to strength.
“We’re full of confidence at the moment. Sammy and Zach create so much space and just run at defenders while Josh can run all day too.
“We can afford to throw so many people forward when our back five are performing so well.”
Most of Madine’s admiration however, is saved for Phil Parkinson and his coaching staff, who the striker believes have changed the whole ethos of the club.
“I can’t compare the manager to anyone else I’ve worked with previously here, its chalk and cheese,” he concluded.
“The whole coaching staff have got me working harder, got me fitter and have everyone playing for each other.
“The gaffer is so respective towards the lads and you want to work hard for him because he’s so genuine.”