Post by Hugo Admin on Jul 18, 2014 12:28:37 GMT
MIDFIELDER Stuart Sinclair is tipping former Salisbury team-mate Jamie White to solve the problems that beset Bristol Rovers in front of goal last season.
A shortage of goals was cited as one of the reasons why Rovers succumbed to a last-gasp relegation at the end of last season and manager Darrell Clarke moved to bolster his front-line with the addition of White earlier this summer.
Sinclair was soon to follow White, pictured, from Salisbury and believes the ace marksman, who scored 38 times in 76 appearances over two seasons at the Raymond McEnhill Stadium, will continue his hot streak in front of goal at the Memorial Stadium.
"Jamie has an instinct to sniff out an opportunity and when he gets in the positions he is a clinical finisher," said Sinclair.
"He was injured for a lot of last season, but when he returned at the back-end of it he still managed to score 11 times in 20 appearances at a time when he was having to refind his match sharpness.
"If he is in the penalty area and the service is forthcoming, I will guarantee that he will score a lot of goals. In the play-off final that saw Salisbury win promotion to the Conference, he scored a wonderful volley from outside the box.
"It was a chance that he made for himself out of nothing because of the great touch he has – and that is the sort of instinctive goalscorer that he is.
"Jamie is working hard on his fitness and the sharper he gets the better he will be."
Sinclair, meanwhile, will be embarking on what will only be his second season as a full-time professional after having to work his way back up through the non-league scene after being released by Luton Town as a youngster.
"I went into the fitness industry as a personal trainer working mainly with young athletes," said Sinclair. "I used to get up at 5.30am to go and train my clients and then have to be playing for Salisbury in somewhere like Basingstoke in the evening.
"I'd get home well after midnight on occasions and that could be really hard work at times. That's why I appreciate every day I come into work as a full-time professional footballer."
He added: "It's great to be at this football club. You wonder what the mood will be like when you sign for a club that has been relegated, but it has been a fantastic environment to work in."
Sinclair is expected to get another run-out when Rovers continue their pre-season programme with a friendly against Bath City at Twerton Park tomorrow.
Clarke is also expected to offer his four first-year professionals some game-time, while he has also hinted that he may cast his eye over some new trialists.
Striker Ryan Brunt is expected to sit the game out, while Michael Smith could also be rested as a precaution after feeling a minor knee problem earlier this week.
A few places still remain for supporters who wish to attend a Q&A session with chairman Nick Higgs at the Memorial Stadium on Monday night (7pm). Those who wish to attend must register their interest by email at: admin@bristolrovers.co.uk. Questions for the chairman must be submitted at the same time.
Read more at www.bristolpost.co.uk/Stuart-Sinclair-backs-Jamie-White-Bristol-Rovers/story-21655009-detail/story.html#ObvtJeE67I5rXBJX.99
A shortage of goals was cited as one of the reasons why Rovers succumbed to a last-gasp relegation at the end of last season and manager Darrell Clarke moved to bolster his front-line with the addition of White earlier this summer.
Sinclair was soon to follow White, pictured, from Salisbury and believes the ace marksman, who scored 38 times in 76 appearances over two seasons at the Raymond McEnhill Stadium, will continue his hot streak in front of goal at the Memorial Stadium.
"Jamie has an instinct to sniff out an opportunity and when he gets in the positions he is a clinical finisher," said Sinclair.
"He was injured for a lot of last season, but when he returned at the back-end of it he still managed to score 11 times in 20 appearances at a time when he was having to refind his match sharpness.
"If he is in the penalty area and the service is forthcoming, I will guarantee that he will score a lot of goals. In the play-off final that saw Salisbury win promotion to the Conference, he scored a wonderful volley from outside the box.
"It was a chance that he made for himself out of nothing because of the great touch he has – and that is the sort of instinctive goalscorer that he is.
"Jamie is working hard on his fitness and the sharper he gets the better he will be."
Sinclair, meanwhile, will be embarking on what will only be his second season as a full-time professional after having to work his way back up through the non-league scene after being released by Luton Town as a youngster.
"I went into the fitness industry as a personal trainer working mainly with young athletes," said Sinclair. "I used to get up at 5.30am to go and train my clients and then have to be playing for Salisbury in somewhere like Basingstoke in the evening.
"I'd get home well after midnight on occasions and that could be really hard work at times. That's why I appreciate every day I come into work as a full-time professional footballer."
He added: "It's great to be at this football club. You wonder what the mood will be like when you sign for a club that has been relegated, but it has been a fantastic environment to work in."
Sinclair is expected to get another run-out when Rovers continue their pre-season programme with a friendly against Bath City at Twerton Park tomorrow.
Clarke is also expected to offer his four first-year professionals some game-time, while he has also hinted that he may cast his eye over some new trialists.
Striker Ryan Brunt is expected to sit the game out, while Michael Smith could also be rested as a precaution after feeling a minor knee problem earlier this week.
A few places still remain for supporters who wish to attend a Q&A session with chairman Nick Higgs at the Memorial Stadium on Monday night (7pm). Those who wish to attend must register their interest by email at: admin@bristolrovers.co.uk. Questions for the chairman must be submitted at the same time.
Read more at www.bristolpost.co.uk/Stuart-Sinclair-backs-Jamie-White-Bristol-Rovers/story-21655009-detail/story.html#ObvtJeE67I5rXBJX.99
